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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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,…

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
53 reviews
The Crosskeys Inn

Toome

Address

40 Grange Road, Ardnaglass, Toome, County Antrim, BT41 3QB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7965 0694

info@crosskeys-inn.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The Crosskeys Inn c.1654 is the oldest thatched pub in Ireland and one of Ireland's most famous traditional Irish music pubs. You can hear traditional music most Saturday nights and impromptu sessions on some Friday and Sundays.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
The Nook At The Giant's Causeway

Bushmills

Address

48 Causeway Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8SU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2073 2993

ross@portnaboe.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

In an historic listed building, dating from 1850's, built as the original school house; this sympathetically restored and renovated edifice encapsulates all the original Victorian features. Found right at the entrance to the Giant's Causeway.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
516 reviews
Ben Madigan's Bar & Kitchen

Belfast

Address

169 - 175 Cavehill Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 5BP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9692 2009

info@benmadigansbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Join us in Ben Madigans at the foot of Cavehill, belfast home of friendly atmosphere and award winning local food and drink, sure to make you want to stay a while at your new local.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
706 reviews
The Grouse Restaurant & Bar

Ballymena

Address

74-76 Ballymoney Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 6AN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2564 5234

info@grouseballymena.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Grouse Restaurant & Bar has long been a favourite for food, drinks and live entertainment in the heart of Ballymena’s bustling town centre. It is renowned for its great location, luxurious traditional décor, roaring fires and relaxing atmosphere.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
145 reviews
Little Wing Pizzeria, Lisburn Road

Belfast

Address

322 Lisburn Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 6GH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9066 6000

info@littlewingpizzeria.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

At Little Wing we tirelessly search for the finest fresh ingredients which we cook using time honoured methods in our traditional Wood Stone oven, all served in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
340 reviews
The Thatch Inn Bar & Restaurant

Broughshane

Address

57 Main Street, Broughshane, County Antrim, BT42 4JP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2586 1366

thatchinnfo@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Bar

18th century thatched, family friendly bar and restaurant set in the award winning village of Broughshane with a great choice of menu and unique historic features.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
19 reviews
The Front Page Bar

Ballymena

Address

9 Ballymoney Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 6AL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2564 1953

info@thefrontpagebar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

A “traditional-meets-modern” award winning and innovative pub in the centre of Ballymena, which offers a friendly welcome and has established itself as a popular drinks and entertainment venue with celebrities, locals and visitors of all ages.

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The Pantry & The Galley Café at Titanic Belfast

Belfast

Address

Titanic Belfast, Olympic Way, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9EP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9076 6386

welcome@titanicbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Café

Choose from a wide range of hearty menu options in The Pantry featuring the very best of local Northern Irish produce. For a lighter bite, stop by The Galley Express Food Bar for a range of speciality teas, luxury coffees and local delicacies!

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (charge)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
3278 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 Dock Cafe

Belfast

Address

ARC Retail, 2b Queens Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9FD

Joachim@the-dock.org

Type

Type:

Delis, Food Markets and Farm Shops

The Dock Cafe opened its doors in March 2012 and has gone from strength to strength with a honest box policy, it offers a place to relax at a very low cost for everyone.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside