Northern Ireland is proud of its food and drink heritage because there’s so much that’s good here. The incredible local produce, the skill of its rising food stars and a commitment to holding on to the best of its traditional cuisine. In fact, all the ingredients for one of the most exciting food scenes around.
Little wonder then that Northern Ireland was named the world's Best Food Destination at the prestigious International Travel and Tourism Awards in 2018.
Belfast’s foodie hotspots
One of visiting, and local, foodies’ favourites is the excellent OX restaurant. The brainchild of two long-standing friends, it overlooks the River Lagan and is known for its unique creative take on seasonal foods.
If you like some comfort with your chic, Café Parisien combines the best of both worlds. French-inspired brasserie classics come with a modern twist here. There’s industrial chic at Coppi who bring contemporary Italian and Venetian-inspired cicchetti to the city’s Cathedral Quarter. Or if you fancy some ‘home’ cooking, try Home. Holder of a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2014, It’s reasonably-priced and seasonal feel-good food with service that’s second to none.
You can go bistro with a New York vibe at James St. Or go truly local at the Mourne Seafood Bar - a great city centre spot for freshly-caught affordable seafood. Then, for the glamour of a bygone era, enjoy afternoon tea at Titanic Belfast, with a photo op at a replica of the ship’s iconic staircase to commemorate your trip.
Tasty places in County Antrim
Just outside Belfast, Sleepy Hollow loves artisan, sourcing venison and lamb from their neighbour’s farm. The Rare Breed Pork and game come from their own gamekeeper. The result is intriguing modern Irish food that’s fresh, seasonal and great value. You’ll find contemporary fine food - with a traditional Irish Pub experience - at Billy Andy’s in Gleno. Or try The Dairy for cosy breakfasts and lunch.
The Lighthouse Bistro off Whitehead’s colourful promenade is a small, award-winning family-run restaurant that makes everything from scratch – and from local produce. Castello Italia brings a passion for innovative Italian cooking to Carrickfergus. And for authentic BBQ smokehouse flavours, try The Castle Kitchen & Bar at Galgorm Castle Golf Club.
Or, if you’re in Ballymena, the Clockhouse Restaurant, at the Leighmohr House Hotel, serves up skilfully-prepared dishes using fresh local produce. It’s also a favourite for afternoon teas on Fridays and Saturdays.
County Armagh on a plate
Mulberry Bistro sits opposite Armagh city’s Roman Catholic St. Patrick’s Cathedral – a spectacular backdrop for any meal. Here, locally sourced produce finds its way to the menu every day. Uluru Bar & Grill, inspired by bustling Melbourne pop up restaurants, brings an Australian flavour to the city centre. And Embers is as well-known for its friendly staff as it is for its tasty family-friendly food.
At The Scullery restaurant and bistro, traditional homemade food is the star attraction. Though the warm and welcoming atmosphere comes a close second. Stinton’s at the Bridge gives you tradition with a modern edge. Digby’s Bar and Restaurant is an award-winning gastro pub on the tree-lined main street of Killylea or try Camlough’s Yellow Heifer. A hit with meat eaters, it does imaginative vegetarian too.
Working up an appetite on the Causeway Coastal Route
It’s upstairs and downstairs at two local and reasonably-priced Ballycastle favourites. Anzac restaurant, above the pub of the same name, offers an interesting menu of responsibly sourced seasonal fare. The subterranean Cellar, with its church pew seating and stone-washed walls, also serves up the best from local fishermen and food producers.
In Portrush, Ocho Tapas is the place to go for delicious and authentic tapas. (They’ll even show you how it’s done, if you’re staying round long enough for a cookery class). Or have some fun in the unique mix of restaurants, bistros and bars in the Ramore Complex.
Portstewart Golf Club is home to the sensational restaurant, Eighteen Ninety-Four. Or if you’re down by the water’s edge, pop into Harry’s Shack. It’s got fantastic seafood. And a fantastic reputation. The Point Bar and Restaurant is all about location too - right on the shore at Magilligan Point. And at family-owned Harry's in Cushendall, there’s always wholesome goodness and a friendly welcome.
At The French Rooms in Bushmills, you’ll find French-inspired, elegant dishes. Plus cosy hideaway snugs, perfect for afternoon teas. Modern brasserie food with a nod to Irish classics is yours to enjoy at the wonderful Tartine at The Distillers Arms - perhaps after a tour of the legendary distillery or before a trip to the Giant’s Causeway, just three kilometres away.
Dining out in Derry-Londonderry
The elegant Bishop’s Gate Hotel within the city walls is a stylish setting for a special dinner, with both the Gown Restaurant and the Wig Champagne Bar - which also hosts local music performers in its Gigs at the Wig.
Award-winning Browns in Town is loved by local and visiting foodies alike - and known for its excellent food, trendy venue and warm hospitality. It’s also a top spot for speciality cocktails.
The buzzy Sooty Olive, in the Waterside area, is another favourite – and an award-winner in its first year of opening. At Caterina’s at the Da Vinci Hotel you get a modern-day bistro with a good-time feel.
And for true Derry-Londonderry flavour, the multi-award winning Walled City Brewery is a must for flavoursome food and local craft beer.
Up, down and across County Down
For farm fresh flavour, try Ashvale Farm Shop and Tearooms, just 10 minutes from Belfast. Passionate about the remarkable local food and drink produced on their doorstep, the Herron family can’t wait to share it with you. Or check out Mill Farm and Deli where sustainability also comes first.
Teas, coffees and light lunches taste even better against the backdrop of Hillsborough Castle, where you’ll find the Yellow Door. Also in Hillsborough, Hara (from the Old English word for hare) serves up fresh and seasonal delights in their stylish neighbourhood restaurant. And, in Bangor, The Coq & Bull offers good honest soulful food - with no tricks, just treats.
In Newcastle, Villa Vinci looks to its Mediterranean origins to bring you delicious, locally sourced dishes, just minutes from the beach. Great Jones Craft and Kitchen do casual dining with a twist – and an amazing selection of craft beers from around Ireland, Britain and across the Atlantic.
Amazing things happen at Noble in Holywood too, a highly-regarded and exciting restaurant with a menu that changes with the seasons. Brunel’s has dishes to inspire, so get ready for bold and creative gourmet here. Or if the taste of the sea is what you fancy, make tracks for Mourne Seafood in Dundrum.
At Clenaghans Restaurant, in a near 300 year old stone building, roaring fires and incredible food make it a place you’ll want to come back to again and again. There’s plenty of atmosphere too, at No. 14 at The Georgian House in Comber, with centuries of history and a modern take on Irish cuisine. While, at the Tap Room at Hilden Brewery, you’ll find magic brewing and award-winning cuisine.
Three-time Great British Menu contender, chef Chris McGowan, is the force behind Wine & Brine in Moira. Show-casing the best of local produce served in a contemporary way, it gives full rein to Chris’s natural culinary flair and features some signature pickling, brining and fermenting.
County Fermanagh for food lovers
Vaulted ceilings and ornate stonework provide all the atmosphere you need to enjoy exceptionally fine dining at 28 at The Hollow. Rated one of the world’s top restaurants, it gives classics a global twist in its modern cuisine. This is a culinary adventure where textures and flavours bring out the best in already stunning local ingredients.
Catalina restaurant, at the Lough Erne Resort (5*) transforms seasonal produce into show-stopping classic and contemporary dishes. And the award-winning and picturesque Watermill Lodge serves up Irish cuisine with a French twist – alongside mature water gardens where you can sit with an after-dinner Digestif.
Franco's Restaurant in Enniskillen is a vibrant, buzzing place, with a reputation for excellent mussels, crab and seafood. Make a breakfast date at The Jolly Sandwich Bar or pop in for a quick and tasty lunch.
Mealtime magic in County Tyrone
Oysters Restaurant, in Strabane town centre, is fine dining at its, well, finest. Multi-award winning, it delights every time with the best in 100% locally sourced produce, re-imagined in new ways. Chapter V in Dungannon does a delicate balancing act. Creating its signature meticulously-constructed dishes in a chilled and relaxed dining environment. So that you feel right at home. If home had an exceptionally inventive chef in the kitchen.
For gastropub goodness, look no further than the Brewer’s House. Or try Viscounts in Dungannon. It’s one of the area’s best-loved restaurants – due to the fresh, seasonal food. And the Cathedral-style, gothic stained glass that gives it an intriguingly medieval feel. Firm favourite Salleys Restaurant is all about the detail and keeping up with changing food trends, so that everyone will find something to enjoy here.
With some of the best restaurants around, and everything from treat-yourself afternoon teas to cutting-edge culinary experiences, Northern Ireland has it all. Perhaps that’s why visitors find there’s as much adventure in the food as there is in the place itself.
