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: 150

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
156 reviews
The Glencloy Inn

Carnlough

Address

1 Bridge Street, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0ET

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2888 5226

theglencloyinn@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Historic family owned, traditional Irish bar and restaurant located in the picturesque village of Carnlough, offering great food, drink and hospitality on the Causeway Coastal Route.

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Follow Coast

Portrush

Address

31 Main Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8BL

Telephone
07745017007

followcoast@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Café

Follow Coast is a destination coffee shop on Portrush Main Street. They serve fresh food cooked to order, fresh locally roasted barista coffee along with some other speciality drinks and sweet treats.

Dates

From:

30 June 2025to30 Sept 2025Open 09:00 - 17:00

From:

1 Jan 2026to29 June 2026Various Opening Times

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
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!

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
6865 reviews
Crown Liquor Saloon

Belfast

Address

46 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT2 7BA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 3187

info@crownbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

You will find The Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast within a short stroll of Europa Hotel, Grosvenor Road and Glengall Street - however, you won't find another like it.

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Arcadia Delicatessen

Belfast

Address

378 Lisburn Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 6GL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9038 1779

info@arcadiadeli.co.uk

Type

Type:

Delis, Food Markets and Farm Shops

As the oldest retail business on the Lisburn road, the Arcadia is a local institution having operated from the same unit since 1933. We at Arcadia pride ourselves in stocking local artisan products and the finest food from across the world,…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
15 reviews
Secret Garden Cafe

Ballymena

Address

Kernohans Lane, Broughshane Road, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 7QA

Telephone
07974257627

finance@bigoccasionscatering.co.uk

Type

Type:

Café

The Secret Garden Cafe located in the grounds of Ecos Nature Park in Ballymena operates 7 days a week, providing refreshments alongside hot and cold food.

More Info
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
The Salthouse Bar and Restaurant

Ballycastle

Address

39 Dunamallaght Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6PF

Telephone
02820510000

info@thesalthousehotel.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

With stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, The Salthouse Bar and Restaurant offers the perfect setting to eat, drink, and relax. Enjoy everything from morning coffees to classic cocktails and a variety of delicious dishes for lunch and dinner. Their…

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Elephant Rock Cocktail Bar

Portrush

Address

17 Lansdowne Crescent, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8AY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7087 8787

info@elephantrockhotel.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

The cocktail bar at Elephant Rock Hotel exudes a chic and sophisticated ambiance, offering panoramic ocean views that perfectly complement its dramatic Art Deco interior. Afternoon Tea is served in the cocktail bar 12:00 -16:00 on Fridays and…

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Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
53 reviews
Halfway House Country Pub

Broughshane

Address

143 Carnlough Road, Broughshane, County Antrim, BT43 7JW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2568 4225

info@eventbarsolutions.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

Historic country pub and restaurant located halfway between Ballymena and Carnlough at the foot of impressive Slemish Mountain, offering a friendly welcome to the weary traveller and locals alike serving great food and drink!

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1586 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
Special Offers
- Santa Sundays
  From £44 per person
  Join us for a magical afternoon at Fratelli with our Santa Sundays!
  Indulge in a mouthwatering 4-course lunch while the little ones experience the joy of meeting Santa, writing their Christmas wish list, receiving a special gift, and enjoying delightful face painting. Our "build your own pizza" experience is sure to be a hit with kids, they'll have the chance to create their very own pizza right at the table! If they’re in the mood for something different, our Little Boars menu also offers other tasty choices like pasta or turkey, making sure there's something for every child to enjoy. Create cherished family memories with us this December!
  T&C's apply - Available Sunday 7th, 14th & 21st Dec 14:00 -16:30. Adults 4 Course £44.00 | Kids £25.00
  Book Now
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- New Year’s Eve Dining
  From £17.75 per person
  Start your New Year's Eve celebrations Italian style, with an unforgettable dining experience at Fratelli. Enjoy a delicious array of dishes from our A la Carte menu, perfect for a relaxed yet festive evening. Great food and great company, it's the perfect way to kick off the celebrations before heading into town for the countdown to 2026!
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- Festive Group Dining
  From £36.50 per person
  Add an original Italian twist to your Christmas event at Fratelli Belfast. Located in the hustle and bustle of Belfast’s Great Victoria Street, Fratelli Belfast is an oasis of Italian charm in the heart of Belfast. We welcome guests into a friendly, warm and informal environment, perfect for work parties, family groups, or team events to gather over the festive season. Our group dining menu is curated thoughtfully with our larger parties in mind. 2 Course £36.50 | 3 Course £45.50
  T&C's apply - Group menu available for groupd 15+ Pre order required for 30+
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Christmas & New Year
- Festive Dining
  From £17.75 per person
  Christmas dining the Italian way! Celebrate the festivities with family, friends, or work colleagues in the heart of Belfast. The perfect spot to fuel up for the night ahead, providing all the good vibes to set you up for a night of great fun with your favourite people. Enjoy a delicious pasta, pizza, or opt for the traditional turkey, a truly festive feast.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Christmas & New Year
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