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: 153

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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!

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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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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
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

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Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
The John Hewitt Bar & Restaurant

Belfast

Address

51 Donegall Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2FH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 3768

info@thejohnhewitt.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Located in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, The John Hewitt first opened its doors in December 1999. The bar is unique in its ownership as it is owned by The Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1153 reviews
The Porthole Bar & Restaurant

Portballintrae

Address

2 Bayhead Road, Portballintrae, County Antrim, BT57 8RZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2073 4100

info@bayviewhotelni.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

If you are looking for a place to enjoy a delicious meal with a stunning sea view, look no further than Porthole Restaurant. We offer a variety of dishes, from fresh seafood to succulent steaks, all prepared with high-quality ingredients and cooked…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 12:00 - 14:45

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Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
22 reviews
Winnies 1975

Broughshane

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2586 2226

info@winnies1975.co.uk

Type

Type:

Tea Room/Coffee Shop

Winnies 1975 is a quaint café and gift shop set in the heart of Broughshane, which was crowned UK Village of the Year 2018.

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Bureau By The Lough

Whiteabbey

Address

637 Shore Road, Whiteabbey, County Antrim, BT37 0ST

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9086 6111

dana@bureaubythelough.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Award-winning Bureau by the Lough sits on the Causeway Coastal Route beside Belfast Lough. Bureau Bar is open daily for drinks and fresh seafood & grill dishes while Lanyon’s Restaurant provides intimate weekend dining with stunning Lough views.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
182 reviews
Castle Kitchen and Bar at Galgorm

Ballymena

Address

Castle Kitchen + Bar, 200 Galgorm Road, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT42 1HL

Telephone
+44 (0)28 2588 1001

dining@galgorm.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The distinct warmth, and ambience of Castle Kitchen + Bar make it a space for all occasions and tastes. Serving up menus that fuse an eclectic mix with modern dining twists, daily chef specials and house-made desserts, Castle Kitchen + Bar offers a…
Special Offers
- December Lunches at Castle Kitchen & Bar
  From £28.95
  Experience the perfect festive lunch at Castle Kitchen + Bar, where inviting flavours and a warm, welcoming atmosphere set the scene for seasonal dining. Gather with friends and loved ones throughout December and enjoy the relaxed, festive setting that makes every meal feel special.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Christmas & New Year
- Santa Sunday's at Castle Kitchen & Bar
  From £47.00 per Adult & £29.95 per Child
  Celebrate the magic of the season with Santa Sundays at Castle Kitchen + Bar. Enjoy a four-course festive lunch filled with seasonal flavours before meeting Santa himself, who'll be ready to receive Christmas wish lists and surprise little ones with a special gift. With hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies adding a sweet touch, it's the perfect way to make cherished memories with family and friends in a warm, festive setting.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Christmas & New Year
- Christmas Day at Castle Kitchen & Bar
  From £180 per Adult & £70 per child
  Celebrate Christmas Day in the relaxed surroundings of Castle Kitchen + Bar. Enjoy a five-course traditional festive lunch accompanied by live music, cosy interiors, and plenty of seasonal cheer. Little ones will receive a special gift from Santa, making it a truly magical day for all. Booking required.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Christmas & New Year
- Boxing Day at Castle Kitchen & Bar
  From £62 Adult I Child £30
  Continue the festive celebrations at Castle Kitchen + Bar with a four-course Boxing Day lunch served from 12–4pm. Enjoy a special visit from Santa and a gift for the little ones. Prefer to dine later? The À La Carte menu will be available from 5pm for those who prefer an alternative to the festive menu.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Christmas & New Year
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
212 reviews
Dining at The Harbourview Hotel

Carnlough

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2888 5255

reception@theharbourviewhotel.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Harbourview Hotel invites you to experience an area of outstanding natural beauty, nestled by the sea in a village called Carnlough. Immerse yourself in the luxurious surroundings, spectacular beach walks, dolphin spotting on the Sea of Moyle…

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Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Off site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
818 reviews
PaPa Browns Grill

Carrickfergus

Address

Marine Highway, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7FG

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9336 8889

info@papabrownsgrill.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Relaxed colonial-style diner and bar serving an all-day menu, within easy walking distance of Carrickfergus Castle and located on the main Causeway Coastal Route.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
97 reviews
Follow Coffee Co

Ballymena

Address

21-23 Greenvale Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 6AN

Telephone
07745017007

followcoffeeco@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Café

Freshly roasted locally produced speciality coffee and food in comfortable surroundings within the heart of Ballymena.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Off site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
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.

More Info