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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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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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!

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1850 reviews
Home

Belfast

Address

22 Wellington Place, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 6GE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 4946

info@homebelfast.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The food at Home is vibrant and bold yet familiar and comforting making customers happy. Made fresh every day, free from preservatives and colourings, they always try to source their foods locally from Northern Ireland serving feel-good food using…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
517 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
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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
930 reviews
Harry's Restaurant

Cushendall

Address

10-12 Mill Street, Cushendall, County Antrim, BT44 0RR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2177 2022

hello@harryscushendall.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Situated in the heart of the Nine Glens of Antrim serving the finest sustainable local seafood and beef that Northern Ireland has to offer and a range of exceptional wines in a relaxing setting.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
70 reviews
Katy's Bar

Belfast

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 7007

office@limelightbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Katy's Bar is at the hub of Belfast's most exciting music venue. In 2012 along with the whole complex the always welcoming Katy's Bar enjoyed a simple, subtle refurb. This was followed by The Rock Garden, a brand new roof terrace.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
491 reviews
Kiwi's Brew Bar

Portrush

Address

47 Main Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8BL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7082 2402

kris@kiwisbrewbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Something is most definitely brewing in Portrush. Beer is making a quiet and classy comeback.

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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
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
425 reviews
Castello Italia

Carrickfergus

Address

28 Scotch Quarter, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7DP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9332 1377

info@castelloitalia.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Italian restaurant, coffee shop and gelato emporium in Carrickfergus, ideally positioned on the Causeway Coastal route, with stunning views over Belfast Lough and an easy walk to Carrickfergus Castle.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Off site parking
Babushka Kitchen Cafe

Portrush

Address

South Pier, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8FN

Telephone
+447787502012

babushkafoods@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Café

Babushka is a Speciality Coffee shop and Brunch Restaurant by day and Thursday - Saturday a Natural Wine Bar. In this small, quirky venue; homemade is key and allows for unique experiences, day and night

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
74 reviews
Twilight Coffee

Carnlough

Address

54 - 56 Harbour Road, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2888 5510

hello@twilightantrimcoast.com

Type

Type:

Café

Independent coffee shop serving specialty coffee, teas and locally baked treats. Located directly across from the picturesque Carnlough Harbour, offering gorgeous views, comfy seats, and some of the best coffee in the Glens.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside