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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
238 reviews
The Lighthouse Bakes

Whitehead

Address

2 Marine Avenue, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9QN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 2447

bskcateringinfo@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Freshly baked buns, sourdough loaves and cakes are what you'll find at this delicious micro bakery in Whitehead. Why not sign up for one if their supper clubs and experience something delicious!

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- 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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
253 reviews
Jospers Steakhouse - Ten Square Hotel

Belfast

Address

10 Donegall Square South, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5JD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 1001

jospers@tensquare.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Josper's Restaurant at Ten Square; synonymous with straightforward, delicious hearty cuisine; a blend of freshly prepared, seasonal dishes, with Irish classics and mouth-watering, chargrilled steaks. Something for everyone, in the heart of the city.

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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
McCuaig's Bar

Rathlin Island

Address

2 Rathlin Island, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, BT54 6RT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 0011

Type

Type:

Bar

After a day of exploring the island or a family trip to the beach, a much-needed drink or snack can be found at McCuaig’s. Name plates from unfortunate ships, that were wrecked around the shores of Rathlin, adorn the walls of the pub. Outside, you…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
301 reviews
Rococo

Ballymena

Address

56-58 Mill Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 5AE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2565 7910

d.adams9@icloud.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Fantastic family owned restaurant, in the heart of Ballymena town centre, offering a great selection of food, wine, beers and cocktails.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
430 reviews
Bittles Bar

Belfast

Address

70 Upper Church Lane, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4EL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 1088

Johnbittles@googlemail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Bittles Bar is one of Belfast's more curious pubs located close to the bustling Victoria Square. Red-bricked and 'flat-iron' in shape Bittles is a wonderful example of a traditional Victorian Bar. Founded in 1868.

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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
54 reviews
The Dancing Goat Cafe

Carrickfergus

Address

Carrickfergus Urban Farm & Garden Centre, Elizabeth Avenue, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7UY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9332 9492

angela@kilcreggan.org.uk

Type

Type:

Café

Located in the grounds of Carrickfergus Urban Farm, The Dancing Goat Café is a not-for-profit Social Enterprise offering work opportunities to adults with learning disabilities, providing high quality and healthy breakfasts, lunches & sweet treats.

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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
223 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
The Botanic Inn

Belfast

Address

23-27 Malone Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 6RU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9050 9740

info@thebotanicinn.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Trading since 1867 The Botanic Inn, which is more affectionately known as ‘The Bot’, is a Belfast institution. One of the city's top destinations for anyone seeking great food, quality drinks, a lively night out & big screen sports.

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