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: 154

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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
254 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.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1725 reviews
Darcy’s Belfast

Belfast

Address

10 Bradbury Place, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1RS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 4040

info@darcysbelfast.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Darcy’s of Belfast is a family-run restaurant offering quality traditional food made with the most local of ingredients.

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
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.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2697 reviews
Ginger Bistro

Belfast

Address

68-72 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT12 5EE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 4421

info@gingerbistro.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Ginger Bistro retains an informal yet slick atmosphere.
Now tucked away on Hope Street off Belfast’s bustling Great Victoria Street, Ginger specializes in fish dishes.

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Nemesis Asian Fusion

Portrush

Address

39, 41 Main Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8BL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7053 1233

nemesis@marcusportrush.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

A bold new dining experience in Portrush.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 17:00 - 21:30

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1034 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 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 08:00 - 10:30

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
998 reviews
McHugh’s Bar & Restaurant

Belfast

Address

29-31 Queen’s Square, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3FG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9050 9999

info@mchughsbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

McHughs is within a grade A listed building, built between 1710 and 1720, making it officially the oldest building in the city of Belfast, enjoying a long history and a sometimes colourful reputation.

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Red Sail Room

Portrush

Address

67-71 Main Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8BN

Telephone
02870825544

reservations@portrushadelphi.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Discover Red Sail Room, a coastal gem in the heart of Portrush, where locally-sourced Irish ingredients meet the rich traditions of Italian cuisine. Our carefully curated menu blends regional Italian favourites with Mediterranean-inspired…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
28 reviews
Mary And Martha’s Vintage Tea Room

Ahoghill

Address

4 Main Street, Ahoghill, County Antrim, BT42 1JY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2587 1932

mashcroft@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Tea Room/Coffee Shop

Mary and Martha’s Vintage Tea Room in Ahoghill have a choice of great quality food, whether that’s breakfast, lunch or just a snack. All cakes, tray bakes, sausage rolls and savoury treats are home baked and their afternoon tea is very special!

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.

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Haymarket Belfast

Belfast

Address

84 Royal Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1DJ

Telephone
028 96 923 061

info@haymarketbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Home to...The Armoury, The Courtyard, The Stock Exchange

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