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
487 reviews
Bert's Jazz Bar

Belfast

Address

The Merchant Hotel, 16 Skipper Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2ZY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9026 2713

berts@themerchanthotel.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Belfast’s and Northern Ireland's first authentic Jazz Bar offering Live Jazz seven nights a week - located within the elegant Merchant Hotel, Berts offers great live entertainment and mouth watering food.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
561 reviews
The Adair Bar & Grill

Ballymena

Address

1-7 Ballymoney Road, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 5BS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2565 3674

info@adairarmshotel.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

An extensive menu of fresh locally sourced, quality ingredients served in our spacious, relaxing Grill Bar.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Whiskey Experiences at The Harbourview

Carnlough

Address

The Harbourview Hotel, 20 Harbour Road, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2888 5255

reception@theharbourviewhotel.com

Type

Type:

Bar

At the Harbourview Hotel, step into a world where whiskey culture and Irish hospitality unite. Choose from an array of unique whiskey experiences tailored to your tastes. Join intimate fireside gatherings where you can share stories with master…

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Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1134 reviews
OX

Belfast

Address

1 Oxford Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3LA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 4121

info@oxbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

OX is a Michelin starred restaurant that offers relaxed dining overlooking the River Lagan, with menus designed to showcase excellent meats and sustainably sourced fish whilst equally careful attention is given to seasonal vegetables and fruit.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
535 reviews
Cutters Wharf

Belfast

Address

Lockview Road, Stranmillis, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 5FJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9080 5100

info@cutterswharf.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

A unique location set in Stranmillis, on the bank of the river Lagan; Cutters Wharf is the perfect setting for all occasions.

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The Causerie at The Europa Hotel

Belfast

Address

Europa Hotel Belfast, Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 7AP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9027 1066

causerie@eur.hastinghotels.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

With some of the best views in Belfast, this bustling contemporary bistro has provenance stamped all over its menu. The a la carte menu is available all day. Signature dishes include Glenarm Organic Roast Salmon and Northern Irish Dexter Sirloins.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
6 reviews
Avenue 22 Bar and Restaurant at Clayton Hotel Belfast

Belfast

Address

Clayton Hotel Belfast, 22 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 8HS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 8511

Info.belfast@claytonhotels.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Dine in our Avenue 22 restaurant at Clayton Hotel Belfast which uses the finest locally sourced ingredients. Alternatively, relax and unwind with a bar snack in the lounge.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
390 reviews
The Conservatory at Galgorm

Ballymena

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)28 2588 2590

dining@galgorm.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

A magnificent bespoke glass creation that perfectly frames the stunning setting of the cascading River Maine and lush parkland of the Resort, The Conservatory serves a delicious Lobby Lunch and Afternoon Tea at its finest.
Special Offers
- Festive Aftrenoon Tea
  From £51.95
  Step into the festive season with an indulgent Afternoon Tea served in The Conservatory, overlooking the River Maine. Enjoy a curated selection of traditional favourites and seasonal delights, paired perfectly with tea, Champagne, or gin for a truly memorable experience.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Christmas & New Year
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 12:00 - 17:30
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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
264 reviews
Glenarm Castle Tea Room

Glenarm

Address

Glenarm Estate, 2 Castle Lane, Glenarm, County Antrim, BT44 0BQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2884 1984

Samantha.glenarmtearoom@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Tea Room/Coffee Shop

Step into the heart of Glenarm Castle's estate and discover our cosy Tea Room, nestled in the historic Mushroom House within the enchanting Walled Garden. Open daily, it's a rare gem in Northern Ireland, offering visitors the unique experience of…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Farmshop @ jam at the doorstep

Armoy

Address

77 Ballykenver Road, Armoy, County Antrim, BT53 8RP

Telephone
+44 (0) 7880593492

jamatthedoorstep@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Delis, Food Markets and Farm Shops

I produce my own jams, chutneys, curds, caramel sauce, Christmas puddings & sticky toffee puddings all from my farmhouse kitchen, along with locally made produce. We also have workshops where you can learn how to make lemon curd and jams and more!

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The Greedy Gannet @ The Gobbins Visitor Centre

Islandmagee

Address

c/o The Gobbins Visitor Centre, 68 Middle Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3SL

Telephone
+44 (0) 7759 277750

thegreedygannet1@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Café

Set in the heart of Islandmagee and within the world class Gobbins Visitor Centre, The Greedy Gannet offers hearty breakfasts, tasty lunches, sweet treats, and drinks in a welcoming atmosphere. You'll deserve to treat yourself, if you've just…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
99 reviews
Katy Jane’s Bar & Beer Garden @ Curran Court Hotel

Larne

Address

6 Redlands Road, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1FD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2827 5505

info@currancourthotel.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

Katy Jane’s Bar & Beer Garden at Curran Court Hotel near Larne port and on the Causeway Coastal Route offers a lively, walk-in experience with casual dining, diverse drinks, live music, sports, and an all-season outdoor terrace. Enjoy memorable…

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Facilities

Catering
- Licensed