The Best Belfast Foods To Try in 2024
Are you ready to embark on an adventure through the best Belfast foods? From hearty Irish stews to succulent seafood chowders, this city boasts a rich tapestry of culinary delights waiting to be savoured. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the city’s thriving food scene offers something for everyone.
Join us as we explore the Belfast streets, discovering iconic classics and hidden gems tucked away in cosy corners. From traditional pubs to innovative bistros, we’ll uncover the must-try dishes that make Belfast a true food lover’s paradise.
Jump to Section
Get a Taste of Iconic Belfast Foods
Enjoying a food tour in Belfast is the perfect way to begin your exploration of the city’s vibrant food scene. These guided experiences offer a fantastic opportunity for readers to discover the best Belfast food spots and learn to cook local dishes. From exploring traditional markets to sampling iconic dishes, food tours provide an immersive and delicious way to experience Belfast's culinary delights.
11 Best Belfast Foods To Try
1. Bumper Fry at Maggie May’s
Indulge in the iconic Full Fry at Maggie May’s, a beloved Belfast institution. This hearty breakfast features an assortment of fried goodies, including two fried eggs, two rashers bacon, two sausages, potato bread, soda bread, a pancake, hash browns, mushrooms, beans, tomato and chips.
The Vibe
Maggie May’s exudes a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, with vintage décor and friendly staff.
Why It’s Good
Maggie May’s Bumper Fry is a renowned Belfast food for its generous portions and high-quality ingredients, making it the perfect comfort food to start your day.
Maggie May’s | Multiple Locations | £
2. Fresh Oysters and Guinness at Whites and The Oyster Rooms
Savour the perfect pairing of fresh oysters and Guinness at Whites and The Oyster Rooms, located in the heart of Belfast. These succulent oysters are served alongside a pint of Ireland’s famous stout, creating a match made in culinary heaven.
The Vibe
Whites and The Oyster Rooms offers a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience, with elegant décor and attentive service.
Why It’s Good
The combination of briny oysters and creamy Guinness perfectly showcases the rich flavours of Ireland’s land and sea, making it one of the best Belfast foods to try.
Whites and The Oyster Rooms | 2-4 Winecellar Entry, Belfast, BT1 2LA | ££
3. Seafood Chowder at The Lantern
Delight your taste buds with the Irish seafood chowder, a chunky, creamy soup with salmon and smoked haddock, mixed shellfish and potatoes at The Lantern. This creamy and indulgent Belfast cuisine is also packed with a medley of seafood delights, including mussels, prawns and salmon.
The Vibe
The Lantern offers a classic and inviting atmosphere with elegant and sleek décor — a fine ambience for fine Irish dining.
Why It’s Good
The Lantern’s seafood chowder is a renowned Belfast food for its rich flavour and generous portions, making it a must-try for seafood lovers as well as a classic in Belfast cuisine.
The Lantern | 58 Wellington Pl., Belfast, BT1 6PF | ££
4. Irish Stew at The Crown Liquor Saloon
Sample the hearty Irish stew at The Crown Liquor Saloon, a historic pub dating back to 1826. This traditional dish features tender lamb, potatoes, carrots and onions, slow-cooked in a savoury broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices.
The Vibe
The Crown Liquor Saloon boasts ornate Victorian décor, including stained glass windows, mahogany booths and a gleaming bar.
Why It’s Good
The Crown Liquor Saloon Irish stew is a comforting and satisfying Belfast food that pairs perfectly with a pint of Guinness.
The Crown Liquor Saloon | 46 Great Victoria St., Belfast, BT2 7BA | ££
5. Lamb at Darcy’s
Indulge in succulent lamb dishes at Darcy’s, a cosy restaurant known for its modern take on traditional Irish cuisine. From tender lamb shanks to flavorful lamb chops, Darcy’s offers a variety of delicious options for lamb lovers.
The Vibe
Darcy’s features warm and inviting décor, with exposed brick walls and flickering candlelight creating a cosy ambience.
Why It’s Good
Darcy’s uses locally sourced, high-quality lamb to create dishes that are bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection, perfect for those seeking a taste of Belfast food culture.
Darcy’s | 10 Bradbury Pl., Belfast, BT7 1RS | £££
6. Boxty at Holohan’s Pantry
Sink your teeth into traditional Irish boxty at Holohan’s Pantry, a charming eatery known for its authentic Irish fare. Boxty, a type of potato pancake, is served with a variety of fillings, from roast chicken to seafood and ham hock.
The Vibe
Holohan’s Pantry offers a cosy and intimate setting, with rustic wooden tables and friendly service.
Why It’s Good
Holohan’s Pantry’s boxty is an authentic Belfast food made using time-honoured recipes and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a delicious dining experience.
Holohan’s Pantry | 43 University Road, Belfast, BT7 1NA | ££
7. Belfast Bap at Belfast Bap Co.
Treat yourself to a Belfast Bap at Belfast Bap Co., found at one of Belfast’s oldest and most vibrant markets. This hearty sandwich features locally sourced ingredients, including traditional Irish bacon, eggs and soda bread.
The Vibe
Belfast Bap Co. is located at St. George’s Market, a bustling and lively hub of activity, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
Why It’s Good
The Belfast Bap at Belfast Bap Co. is a delicious and convenient option for breakfast or brunch, allowing visitors to sample the best of Belfast food offerings in one place.
Belfast Bap Co. | St. Georges Market, Belfast, BT1 3NQ | £
8. Guinness Pie at Robinsons Bar
Savour the rich and hearty Guinness Pie at Robinsons Bar, a traditional Irish pub located in the heart of Belfast. This comforting dish features tender chunks of beef, mushrooms and onions, slow-cooked in a savoury Guinness-infused gravy and encased in flaky pastry.
The Vibe
The Garrick Bar offers a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, with traditional Irish décor and friendly staff.
Why It’s Good
The Guinness Pie at Robinsons Bar is a favourite Belfast food among locals and visitors alike, offering a delicious taste of traditional Irish cuisine in a relaxed pub setting.
Robinsons Bar | 38-40 Great Victoria St., Belfast, BT2 7BA | ££
9. Soda Bread at Avoca Café
Indulge in Irish-baked soda bread at Avoca Café, a fantastic shopping and dining experience in Belfast. Included in its offering is traditional Irish bread from Irish bakery, Ditty's Home Bakery, made using simple ingredients like flour, baking soda, salt and buttermilk, resulting in a deliciously dense and hearty loaf.
The Vibe
Avoca Café offers a stylish and contemporary setting, with bright and airy décor and a relaxed ambience.
Why It’s Good
Ditty’s Home Bakery’s soda bread is a perfect Belfast food to eat as part of an Ulster fry. It is also divine toasted and served with butter and preserves.
Avoca Café | 41 Arthur St., Belfast, BT1 4GB
10. Triple Club Sandwich at O'Briens Café
Satisfy your cravings with a Triple Club sandwich at O'Briens Café, a beloved snack that holds a special place in the hearts of Belfast locals. This simple yet delicious sandwich combines turkey, Swiss cheese, crispy bacon, avocado spread, honey Dijon and veggies with soft white bread, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavours.
The Vibe
Enjoy your Triple Club sandwich on a leisurely stroll through Belfast’s picturesque streets or as a quick bite in one of the chain's charming cafes.
Why It’s Good
The Triple Club sandwich is a nostalgic favourite that captures the essence of Belfast foods, offering a tasty and satisfying snack for all occasions.
O'Briens Café | Multiple Locations | £
11. Battered Haddock at Margot
Warm up with a plate of battered haddock at Margot, a quintessential treat for seafood lovers visiting the city. Served with mushy peas, tartar sauce and skinny fries, this classic dish offers a perfect blend of crispy textures and comforting flavors.
The Vibe
Margot Belfast provides a cosy and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to enjoy an expertly prepared piece of battered haddock.
Why It’s Good
The Battered Haddock at Margot is made with high-quality ingredients, ensuring a delicious and authentic taste, making it a must-try in the Belfast food scene. The combination of crispy haddock, creamy mushy peas, tangy tartar sauce and perfectly cooked skinny fries creates a harmonious balance that's both satisfying and delightful.
Margot Belfast | 18 Donegall Sq. E., Belfast, BT1 5HE | ££
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Discovering the culinary repertoire of Belfast is an unforgettable experience that will leave you craving more Belfast food adventures. From hearty traditional dishes to mouthwatering snacks and sweet treats, Belfast offers a diverse and delicious gastronomic journey for food lovers of all kinds.
So, what are you waiting for? With a whole host of Irish classics to tuck into, from those using the nation's most famous export, Guinness, to a plethora of other sweet and savoury treats, dive into the vibrant food scene of Belfast and explore the flavours that make this city truly unique.
For even more ways to explore Belfast and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Join the conversation.