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The Bushmills Inn
County Antrim

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Food & Drink in Antrim

Visitors to Antrim are spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink. While Belfast is a lively city, it’s also surrounded by small market towns and villages that are awash with artisan food makers and top-class restaurants that pride themselves on using fresh local produce.

New food discoveries in Newtownabbey

A mere fifteen minutes north of Belfast you’ll come across Sleepy Hollow in Newtownabbey. This old inn serves fresh Irish food with a modern twist and has garnered high praise as one of the best restaurants in Antrim among those in the know back in the big smoke.

Much of the food served at Sleepy Hollow comes from a farm just twenty minutes up the road in the picturesque village of Gleno. The farm in question sits beside a favourite local watering hole called Billy Andy’s, and yes you’ve guessed it, they are owned by the same people. With its peat fires, low ceilings, fine selection of beers and whiskies, Billy Andy’s is the perfect spot to sit back, relax and enjoy the Saturday Irish Music Session. Of course, if you’re sticking around the menu has quite a bit to offer too.

Gleno is also home to The Dairy, a farm shop and café famous for its delicious pancakes, Belfast Baps and luscious milkshakes filled with ice cream from the multi award-winning Maud’s in Carrickfergus.

Ice-cream and more in Carrickfergus

John Wilson opened his first ice cream shop in 1982, Maud's, naming it after his mother as a Mother’s Day gift. The shop remains as popular as ever. Those wishing to sample more gelato can do so at the nearby Castello Italia. This spot is beautifully laid out, very comfortable and overlooks the shores of Belfast Lough. It offers up classic Italian primi like risotto and pasta and offers great mains like rabbit and pan-fried seabass.

Enlightened food in Whitehead

The Lighthouse Bistro in nearby Whitehead is one of those unassuming spots that you really only want to tell your closest friends about. We consider you friends. Sitting just off the village's scenic promenade this small, cosy, award-winning family run restaurant makes everything from scratch. That includes the handmade pasta, the homemade bread, and the health range of pickled produce. Smoked pork belly and lamb shank are regular features on the menu, but it all depends on what’s in season.

The bar to be in in Ballygally

Don’t be fooled by the simple interior of Mattie’s Meeting House. This Ballygally bar is a favourite with the locals and has been in the hospitality game since the early 1800’s. They still know what they are at and they like to keep it simple. Whether you’re just stopping in for a pint or Boxer Jim’s Guinness Pie, you’ll get a warm welcome, a bit of craic and some great intimate live music.

Cosy in Cushendun

If you’re on the lookout for somewhere even more intimate, then Mary McBride’s in the scenic village of Cushendun might be the place for you. This is the perfect spot to wind down after a day trekking the Antrim coast and the location is beautiful. The pub itself is tiny but big on atmosphere. It is also host to a rather recent curio. In 2016 the famous tree-lined avenue known as the Dark Hedges were badly damaged by a storm. Many of the trees were destroyed but instead of being disposed of, the wood was used to create ten Game of Thrones® doors which are now housed inside pubs and restaurants dotted around Northern Ireland. The door in this spot tells the story of season six.

Delicious bellyfulls in Bushmills

On the town’s Main Street you’ll find the beautiful Tartine restaurant with its 3 beautifully appointed, interconnecting areas each hosting a contemporary selection of local artists original paintings and prints. The lighting is low, the atmosphere romantic and the service attentive and friendly. Best of all Tartine are committed to selecting ingredients that are both local and seasonal for the creation of dishes that are refined, yet simple and full of flavour.

Clocking in at Ballymena

A little further west in Ballymena you’ll find The Clockhouse in the stately Leghinmohr House. Chef William Mills keeps it seasonal and again only uses local produce. Expect to see the likes of oxtail terrine and venison on the menu. And you can get it all for next to nothing if you go for their aptly named Beat the Clock offering - their version of the early bird.

A tavern for all in Toome

About fifteen minutes south of Ballymena is the wonderful Crosskeys Inn in Toome. This tiny thatched tavern dates back to 1654 making it the oldest pub of its kind on the island of Ireland. This place oozes old world charm. Its small rooms are heated by peat fires and its worn-down floors have witnessed many late night stomps to Irish music. There are regular sessions to this day and we’d recommend you try to catch one if you can.

With so much food to savour and so much drink to swill you’ll need another holiday just to work it all off. Don’t worry, we have that covered too.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure information is correct, we strongly advise checking in advance before you travel to your intended destination to ensure its open and book tickets if applicable.

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Number of results: 152

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Slemish Market Supper Club

Ballymena

Address

Various Locations, Ballymena, County Antrim

Telephone
+44 (0 7547 804 975

slemishmarketsupperclub@gmail.com

Price
Price £70.00 Fixed price menu

Type

Type:

Food Experiences

Join award-winning chef Rob Curley for a once-per-month fine-dining extravaganza as he guides you through a meal made with only the best ingredients, all sourced from the Slemish Market Garden and surrounding areas. This is a pop-up culinary…

Price
Price £70.00 Fixed price menu

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
548 reviews
Dining at Rosspark Hotel

Kells

Address

20 Doagh Road, Kells, County Antrim, BT42 3LZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2589 1663

info@rosspark.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Situated in 10 acres of grounds in the beautiful County Antrim countryside within easy reach of the airport and harbour, formal and informal dining is excellently catered for at the Rosspark Hotel, where a world of wonderful cuisine is waiting for…

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1728 reviews
Bushmills Inn Restaurant

Bushmills

Address

9 Dunluce Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8QG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2073 3000

info@bushmillsinn.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Bushmills Inn Restaurant is situated in an enviable location a stone’s throw from Royal Portrush Golf Club, The Giant’s Causeway, Old Bushmills Distillery and Dunluce Castle, it is one of the most idyllic places to eat in Bushmills.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
599 reviews
Fratelli at Galgorm

Ballymena

Address

Galgorm Resort, 136 Fenaghy Road, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT42 1EA

Telephone
+44 (0)28 2588 2590

dining@galgorm.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Fratelli Ristorante, Pizzeria & Bar oozes rustic Italian charm with a contemporary edge, welcoming guests into a family-friendly, informal environment where the focus is on simple yet quality cookery and a warm welcome.
Special Offers
- Christmas Day at Fratelli
  From £180 per Adult I Child £70.00
  Celebrate Christmas the Italian way at our family-friendly ristorante, Fratelli. Enjoy a five-course traditional Christmas lunch filled with live music, rustic charm, and festive spirit.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Christmas & New Year
- Boxing Day at Fratelli
  From £62.95 I Child £30
  Relax the day after Christmas with a four-course festive lunch at Fratelli. Enjoy seasonal favourites served from 12 noon, while little ones delight in a visit from Santa and receive a special gift. From 5pm, our À La Carte menu offers the perfect option for evening dining.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Christmas & New Year
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
177 reviews
Carriages Bistro

Larne

Address

105 Main Street, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1HJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2827 5132

carriagesbistro@btconnect.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Carriages in Larne is a family run, fully-licensed restaurant offering traditional Irish and Italian cuisine with steak, pizza and seafood specialities. As for the name, you'll see original train seats, windows and carriage booths!

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
111 reviews
The Olderfleet Bar & Garden Venue

Larne

Address

42 Fleet Street, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1BA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2827 2007

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Olderfleet in Larne blends historic charm with modern flair, offering award-winning dining, live entertainment, a dog-friendly garden, and stylish event spaces - perfect for locals, visitors, and special celebrations alike.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Bureau By The Lough

Whiteabbey

Address

637 Shore Road, Whiteabbey, County Antrim, BT37 0ST

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9086 6111

dana@bureaubythelough.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Award-winning Bureau by the Lough sits on the Causeway Coastal Route beside Belfast Lough. Bureau Bar is open daily for drinks and fresh seafood & grill dishes while Lanyon’s Restaurant provides intimate weekend dining with stunning Lough views.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
33 reviews
Dobbins Inn Bar & Restaurant

Carrickfergus

Address

6/8 High Street, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7AF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 1905

enquiries@dobbinsinn.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Dobbins Inn in the heart of Carrickfergus offers warm hospitality, traditional Irish and modern European dishes, a cosy bar lounge, dog-friendly beer garden, and popular breakfasts in its central High Street location.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
488 reviews
Bert's Jazz Bar

Belfast

Address

The Merchant Hotel, 16 Skipper Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2ZY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9026 2713

berts@themerchanthotel.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Belfast’s and Northern Ireland's first authentic Jazz Bar offering Live Jazz seven nights a week - located within the elegant Merchant Hotel, Berts offers great live entertainment and mouth watering food.

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The Muddlers Club

Belfast

Address

Unit 1, Warehouse Lane, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2DX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 3199

info@themuddlersclubbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Tucked away between Waring Street & Exchange Place in the historic back streets of Cathedral Quarter, The Muddlers Club has been named after the secret society that met there over 200 years ago. With carefully considered menus, wine list and an…

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Babushka Kitchen Cafe

Portrush

Address

South Pier, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8FN

Telephone
+447787502012

babushkafoods@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Café

Babushka is a Speciality Coffee shop and Brunch Restaurant by day and Thursday - Saturday a Natural Wine Bar. In this small, quirky venue; homemade is key and allows for unique experiences, day and night

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1033 reviews
Benedicts Restaurant

Belfast

Address

7-21 Bradbury Place, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1RQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9059 1999

info@benedictshotel.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The restaurant serves a wide variety of traditional and modern dishes offering the best local produce in an exquisite setting at an affordable price.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 08:00 - 10:30

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1563 reviews
Revolución De Cuba

Belfast

Address

25 - 39 Arthur Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4GQ

Telephone
02895909249

bookings-belfast@revoluciondecuba.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Belfast’s authentic Cuban bar and restaurant within a breathtaking Art Nouveau building in the heart of the city. Freshly prepared Latin menus, inspired and innovative cocktails and – yep, you guessed it – plenty of rum.

Dates

From:

1 Dec 2024to23 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

24 Dec 2024to26 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

27 Dec 2025to1 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
The Great Room Restaurant at The Merchant Hotel

Belfast

Address

The Merchant Hotel, 16 Skipper Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2DZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 4888

thegreatroom@themerchanthotel.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Great Room Restaurant offers a sumptuous space evoking timeless grandeur. A fitting setting for gastronomic delights inspired by the classics. One can taste the subtle flavours of each component, each element complementing one another perfectly.

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The Pocket

Belfast

Address

68 Upper Church Lane, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4QL

hello@thepocket.coffee

Type

Type:

Café

A firm favourite with locals, The Pocket serves high quality fresh food and great coffee in a chilled atmosphere. They have a no booking policy, so prepare to queue (although it moves quite quickly).

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
109 reviews
Paper Cup

Belfast

Address

13 Block, 11 ARC Queens Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast, Antrim, BT3 9DH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 90 766 400

Paper.cup@aol.co.uk

Type

Type:

Café

Paper Cup is located overlooking Nomadic & Titanic Belfast. Open from 8am – 6pm we serve Breakfasts, lunches, homemade soups, stew, paninis, ice-creams & homemade treats. Sit in or takeaway.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
191 reviews
Duke of York

Belfast

Address

7-11 Commercial Court, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2NB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 1062

info@dukeofyorkbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Nestled along a narrow-cobbled alleyway in the historic Half Bap area, the Duke of York offers a traditional Belfast welcome of craic, music and humour.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
329 reviews
Fountain Lane

Belfast

Address

16-20 Fountain Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 4769

hello@fountainlanebelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

With a wealth of history as a tavern for the city, call in for good food, great drinks, local music, live sport

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
188 reviews
The Bank House Whitehead

Whitehead

Address

12 Edward Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9QB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 3021

thebankhouse12@yahoo.com

Type

Type:

Café

The Bank House café and gift shop is a lively, warm, inviting destination, specialising in good, quality, local food, crafts, art, live music and craic. Find this hidden gem in the centre of Whitehead, on the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
224 reviews
Dunsilly Bar & Grill

Antrim

Address

20 Dunsillly Road, Antrim, County Antrim, BT41 2JH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9446 2929

info@dunsillyhotel.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Dunsilly Hotel serves food all day everyday, from the coffee bar with pastries and light snacks to an extensive grill menu served in the grill. Using the best local produce and trained in allergy awareness there is something for everyone.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises