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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Arcadia Delicatessen

Belfast

Address

378 Lisburn Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 6GL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9038 1779

info@arcadiadeli.co.uk

Type

Type:

Delis, Food Markets and Farm Shops

As the oldest retail business on the Lisburn road, the Arcadia is a local institution having operated from the same unit since 1933. We at Arcadia pride ourselves in stocking local artisan products and the finest food from across the world,…

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Elephant Rock Cocktail Bar

Portrush

Address

17 Lansdowne Crescent, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8AY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7087 8787

info@elephantrockhotel.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

The cocktail bar at Elephant Rock Hotel exudes a chic and sophisticated ambiance, offering panoramic ocean views that perfectly complement its dramatic Art Deco interior. Afternoon Tea is served in the cocktail bar 12:00 -16:00 on Fridays and…

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Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Cabaret Supper Club

Belfast

Address

38-42 Upper Arthur Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4GH

Telephone
02890249009

marketingandpr@cabaretbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Night Life

Step into the lavish embrace of Cabaret Supper Club, where every guest is a star amid the glitz reminiscent of 1920s Hollywood. Immerse yourself in an environment brimming with live melodies, tantalising burlesque, captivating drag performances,…

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
McCuaig's Bar

Rathlin Island

Address

2 Rathlin Island, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, BT54 6RT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 0011

Type

Type:

Bar

After a day of exploring the island or a family trip to the beach, a much-needed drink or snack can be found at McCuaig’s. Name plates from unfortunate ships, that were wrecked around the shores of Rathlin, adorn the walls of the pub. Outside, you…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
327 reviews
Marconi's Bar & Bistro at the Marine Hotel

Ballycastle

Address

1 - 3 North Street, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6BN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 2222

reception@marinehotelballycastle.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Marine Hotel occupies an unrivalled seafront position in the heart of the Causeway Coast & Glens. It offers an ideal place to relax and unwind; enjoying some of the best Irish hospitality the north coast has to offer.

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Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Limelight 1 & Limelight 2

Belfast

Address

17 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 8HD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 7007

info@limelightbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Established as one of the most famous venues for live music in the country, The Limelight Complex has recently enjoyed a multi-million pound refurbishment. The venue, now encompasses The Limelight & Limelight 2 venues, as well as Katy's Bar.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
568 reviews
Kelly's Cellars

Belfast

Address

30-32 Bank Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1HL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 90246058

Type

Type:

Bar

In the heart of Belfast's city centre, this pub has maintained the friendly atmosphere of over 250 years ago. With a long tradition of quality beer and fine food, Kelly's Cellars offers all customers a chance to enjoy the perfect pint of Guinness.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
159 reviews
The Glencloy Inn

Carnlough

Address

1 Bridge Street, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0ET

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2888 5226

theglencloyinn@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Historic family owned, traditional Irish bar and restaurant located in the picturesque village of Carnlough, offering great food, drink and hospitality on the Causeway Coastal Route.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1251 reviews
Granny Annie's Belfast

Belfast

Address

81 Chichester Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4JE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 1331

belfast@grannyannies.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

Oozing rustic charm and ‘Home of Live Music’ – Traditional & Modern. Located 5 minutes walk from Belfast City Hall, Granny Annies is the perfect venue for your Gastro dining experience, our menus include some of Granny’s favourites.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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.

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Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
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
84 reviews
Coastal Coffee

Whitehead

Address

12 Victoria Avenue, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9QF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 2688

whiteheadvideo@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Café

Coastal Coffee is a friendly café based near the railway station in Whitehead and renowned for their range of delicious breakfasts, served all day, speciality teas and coffees, traybakes and a tasty selection of hot and cold dishes.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Off site parking