Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

The Bushmills Inn
County Antrim

You are here: Home > Destinations > County Antrim > Food & Drink in County Antrim

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.

Plan your trip

Stay
What's On
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Things to Do Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

What's On Search

Dates

Start Date:

End Date:

Any date in the future

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Food & Drink Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Shopping Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Number of results: 153

, currently showing 1 to 20.

Sort By A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

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
789 reviews
Deanes at Queens

Belfast

Address

1 College Gardens, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 6BQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9038 2111

deanesatqueens@michaeldeane.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Deanes at Queens on College Gardens can be found in the heart of the University Quarter, overlooking Methodist College and adjacent to Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Museum. Deanes at Queens is a short walk from Queens University Belfast and many…

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1604 reviews
Coppi

Belfast

Address

2 St Anne's Square, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 90 311 959

info@coppi.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Coppi restaurant, located right in the heart of the buzzing Cathedral Quarter, is Belfast’s first cichetti bacari/restaurant inspired by those found in Venice and named after cycling legend Angelo Fausto Coppi.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1165 reviews
Fish City

Belfast

Address

33 Ann Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4EB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 1000

events@fish-city.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

At Belfast's first sustainable seafood restaurant, you will enjoy an extensive menu of some of the finest seafood at Fish City, including fresh, locally sourced Carlingford oysters, Strangford Lough mussels, and the much loved and award-winning…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to28 Feb 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
68 reviews
The Spirit Circle

Belfast

Address

Above The National, 62 High Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2BE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9045 7723

hello@thespiritcircle.co.uk

Type

Type:

Food Experiences

Discover Belfast’s most unique, radical and unexpected drinks experiences, Belfast By The Glass and Sensorium.

More Info
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
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.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1627 reviews
Fratelli Belfast

Belfast

Address

60 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 7BB

Telephone
+44 (0 )28 90 310862

info@fratellibelfast.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Fratelli Ristorante, Pizzeria & Bar oozes rustic Italian charm with a contemporary edge. Fratelli welcome guests into a family friendly, informal environment where the focus is on simple yet quality cookery and a warm welcome

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
5 reviews
Corr's Corner Hotel Lady R Grill Bar

Newtownabbey

Address

315 Ballyclare Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 4TQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9084 9221

info@corrscorner.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

An extensive grill menu has something for everyone, from locally sourced steaks and chicken kebabs to grilled fish. Chef's daily specials provide something different.

More Info
Safehouse Café Bar Portrush

Portrush

Address

60 Main Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8AN

Telephone
028 7053 1476

natasha.kirke@bankapartments.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

The Safehouse Café Bar Portrush a restaurant which provides hearty food including stone-baked pizzas, drinks including handcrafted cocktail and rich barista coffee, a pet-friendly environment and live music every weekend.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
The Spaniard

Belfast

Address

The Spaniard Bar, 3 Skipper Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2DZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 2448

spaniardbelfast@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Hidden within the Cathedral Quarter is this little gem of a bar. We pride ourselves in offering the most intimate atmosphere along with an outstanding selection of Rum. Join us and sip on our famous Dark n Stormy or Extraordinary! Not to be missed!

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
212 reviews
Dining at The Harbourview Hotel

Carnlough

Address

20 Harbour Road, The Harbourview Hotel, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2888 5255

reception@theharbourviewhotel.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Harbourview Hotel invites you to experience an area of outstanding natural beauty, nestled by the sea in a village called Carnlough. Immerse yourself in the luxurious surroundings, spectacular beach walks, dolphin spotting on the Sea of Moyle…

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Off site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
477 reviews
Beechlawn House Hotel & Restaurant

Belfast

Address

4 Dunmurry Lane, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 9RR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9060 2010

info@beechlawnhotel.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Beechlawn House Hotel is ideally situated in the suburb of Dunmurry, less than a ten minute drive from Belfast and Lisburn city centres. A busy eatery with a great reputation for freshly prepared traditional and modern cuisine. 5* FSA Rating.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
23 reviews
Millar's Bar Ballycarry

Ballycarry

Address

46 Main Street, Ballycarry, County Antrim, BT38 9HH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 2042

info@millarsbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Established in 1754, Millar's Bar in Ballycarry offers traditional fare and refreshing drinks in an historic setting. Patrons can also enjoy live sports and entertainment in this cosy establishment with a rich history. Dog and family friendly.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside - In certain areas only
Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Ursa Minor Bakehouse

Ballycastle

Address

45 Ann Street, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6AA

ursaminorbakehouse@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Café

Ursa Minor aims to stand amongst the best bakers on the island. Using high quality ingredients, sourced locally and only when in season, to create unique bakes that stand out in flavour and appearance.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
55 reviews
Common Market

Belfast

Address

16-20 Dunbar Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LH

Type

Type:

Street Food

Common Market is a street food market and bar in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, which combines a buzzing atmosphere, a great place to eat, drink and socialise, all in the heart of the city.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
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
10 reviews
The Fiddler's Rest Bar & Restaurant

Portglenone

Address

71 Main Street, Portglenone, County Antrim, BT44 8HR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2548 3780

info@fiddlersrestbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The Fiddler's Rest in Portglenone offers authentic Irish hospitality with tasty meals, local brews, cosy fireplaces, lively beer gardens, and live music—creating a welcoming, unforgettable pub experience.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
159 reviews
Middletown Coffee Co.

Ballymena

Address

60-64 Lower Mill Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2564 8718

info@middletowncoffee.co

Type

Type:

Tea Room/Coffee Shop

'A must visit location when on a Northern Ireland Coffee Tour’ - Middletown is more than quality food and service – it's a place for people to meet up, relax and be at home.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Off site parking