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
16 reviews
Cairndhu Golf Club Restaurant

Larne

Address

192 Coast Road, Ballygally, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 2QG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2858 3324

office@cairndhugolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Experience unforgettable dining amidst breathtaking views at Cairndhu Golf Club's restaurant on the Causeway Coastal Route. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner, monthly Steak Night, and elegant surroundings for any occasion. Reserve your table now!

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Daily Gin Tasting Experience

Ballymena

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2588 1001

reservations@galgorm.com

Type

Type:

Food Experiences

An exclusive Gin Tasting Experience at Galgorm Resort, near Ballymena, as they showcase hand-selected gins every Monday to Sunday in the surroundings of The Gin Library, winner of Best Bar in Connacht/Ulster at the Sky Bar of the Year awards.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
mrDeanes

Belfast

Address

28-40 Howard Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 6PF

Telephone
02890 331134

mrdeanes@michaeldeane.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

mrDeanes Bistro Bar Social is a 90-seater restaurant offering a La carte menus featuring many Deanes' classics, reflecting Michael Deane's long running passion for hospitality.

Dates

From:

1 Feb 2025to1 Oct 2026Various Opening Times

From:

1 Feb 2025to1 Oct 2026Various Opening Times

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
996 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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The Errigle Inn

Belfast

Address

Ormeau Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 2GE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9064 1410

info@errigle.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The Errigle Inn, situated on the outskirts of Belfast city centre features five bars, roof gardens, a beer garden and live televised sporting games.
Known for its fabulous food and drink The Errigle Inn, provides a great location for any occasion,…

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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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
3277 reviews
Mourne Seafood Bar

Belfast

Address

34-36 Bank Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1HL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 8544

belfast@mourneseafood.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Beside Kelly’s Cellars the Mourne Seafood Bar serves fresh local seafood at an affordable price. To ensure freshness they purchase direct from the local ports of Annalong and Kilkeel on a daily basis.

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The Cloth Ear

Belfast

Address

16 Skipper Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2DZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 4888

clothear@themerchanthotel.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The Cloth Ear is The Merchant Hotel's comfortable public bar. The warm and welcoming interior provides the ideal environment to relax and enjoy yourself in style. Combining both modern and traditional design features with a healthy dose of eccentric!

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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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
108 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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
203 reviews
Carrick-a-Rede Bar & Restaurant

Ballintoy

Address

21 Main Street, Ballintoy, County Antrim, BT54 6LX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 2241

Type

Type:

Bar

This restaurant in Ballintoy features stunning views of Sheep Island, Rathlin Island and even Scotland!

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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.

More Info