21 Best Belfast Restaurants in 2024
Belfast restaurants are unique, exciting and varied, offering a diverse range of experiences and excellent customer service. Among the city’s top eateries, you can find everything, from restaurants serving classic Irish dishes to those with cuisine from various corners of the world.
With so many high-quality choices, it can be a difficult task to discover the finest places to eat in Belfast. To help you out, we have curated a list of the city’s can’t-miss dining spots, allowing you to easily select somewhere to dine that suits your needs and the occasion. From bistros to fine dining restaurants, this guide to Belfast restaurants has something for everyone.
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Find the Best Belfast Restaurants
If you are visiting the city or are a local who wants to unearth some culinary hidden gems, taking a food tour in Belfast is an excellent way to find the best places on the dining scene. Led by knowledgeable and experienced local guides, you will get the chance to explore the city, stopping at famous and locally-loved eateries. This activity offers a great way to get to know the history behind the city along with discovering which Belfast restaurants you have to eat at.
21 Must-Try Restaurants in Belfast
1. Howard Street
Since 2013, Howard Street has produced dishes that contain fresh and locally sourced ingredients. This Belfast restaurant’s food is guided by award-winning Chef Marty Murphy, who aims to keep improving the taste and sustainability of the food.
The Vibe
With an industrial-like setting, such as exposed brick surrounding spacious tables, this Belfast restaurant offers an escape from the bustle of the city’s streets.
What to Order
Any of the Hereford prime steaks, the scallop dish or an elevated version of fish and chips with tartare sauce and mushy peas are sure-to-please menu options. End your meal with a decadent dessert like classic sticky toffee pudding.
Howard Street | 56 Howard St., Belfast BT1 6PG | ££
2. Zen
One of the best Belfast restaurants that specialises in Asian cuisine, Zen offers the finest sushi, teppanyaki and sashimi in the city. If you want a unique and memorable dining experience, this is the restaurant in Belfast to visit!
The Vibe
An exciting dining spot with exposed brick, Asian-inspired décor accents and neon lighting in the evening. There’s even club-style music some nights of the week, adding to the fun yet very laid-back atmosphere.
What to Order
The sizzling tofu with chile teriyaki sauce and the signature deep-fried monkfish with grapefruit tangyang sauce are customer favourites. To add some variety, pick a few items from the extensive sushi, teppanyaki and sashimi menus — there’s truly something for all tastes.
Zen | Enterprise House, Adelaide St., Belfast BT2 8FE | ££
3. The Muddlers Club
Situated in the famous Cathedral Quarter, The Muddlers Club is a modern restaurant that specialises in dishes with home-grown produce. Chef Gareth McCaughey’s food has caught the attention of the Michelin Guide, earning a coveted star. This Belfast restaurant has also been in the spotlight for other renowned awards, becoming a gem of the city’s culinary scene.
The Vibe
Post-industrial and minimalistic décor provides a unique environment for this fine dining experience.
What to Order
Two incredible tasting menus are on offer, one of which is completely vegetarian. All dishes use local produce and include things like Punk Rock Venison and gnocchi with capers, broccoli polenta and chestnuts.
The Muddlers Club | 1 Warehouse Lane, Belfast BT1 2DX | £££
4. Shu Restaurant
Serving seasonal modern takes on classic dishes, SHU provides the finest food in Belfast accompanied by calm and informative customer service. This Belfast restaurant also has a connected cocktail bar called Jul’s, a great place to relax with friends while having a delicious drink or two.
The Vibe
Offering a laid-back fine dining experience, SHU features warm wood and emerald green décor, plus gold accents that combine to create a contemporary and elegant dining space.
What to Order
The tuna tartare and the caramelised onion tart with truffle honey are favourites. Finish with the fancy lemon meringue tartlet.
Shu Restaurant | 253 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7EN | ££
5. James St. & Co.
James St. & Co. focuses on serving fresh, seasonal and local produce that is both sustainable and mouth-watering. Head Chef Ryan Stringer’s efforts in curating a refined and unique menu have helped this restaurant gain many plaudits across the country. In terms of Belfast restaurants, it is a leader in seasonal dishes.
The Vibe
A modern, vibrant and open-planned restaurant that is perfect for special occasions.
What to Order
The steaks are great, but there are also plenty of other options for those who don't eat meat, including fresh fish dishes and many vegetarian choices like cauliflower with butter bean purée and chimichurri.
James St. & Co. | 19 James St. S., Belfast BT2 7GA | ££
6. Home Restaurant
Commencing as a simple pop-up restaurant in 2011, Home has grown to become a pillar of culinary excellence in Wellington Palace. This Belfast restaurant serves warming and healthy food with many vegan and vegetarian options available. Serving innovative dishes with local produce has earned Home a Michelin Bib Gourmand — a prize for excellent food at an affordable price.
The Vibe
A warm and bright restaurant with modern exposed-brick décor. It’s just as perfect for a casual lunch as it is for a special occasion dinner.
What to Order
The seasonal risotto and the celeriac with chickpea and spinach korma are loved dishes that will appeal to plant-forward and meat eaters alike.
Home Restaurant | 22 Wellington Pl., Belfast BT1 6GE | ££
7. A Peculiar Tea
Created by superstar Chef Gemma Austin, A Peculiar Tea offers an escape from reality through creative and homely food. This is a Belfast restaurant that carries a huge passion for creating the finest local and sustainable food with a highly playful twist.
The Vibe
An innovative and creative fairytale-style restaurant that only aims to serve people happiness.
What to Order
The tasting menu is a creative delight and unique among Belfast restaurants, offering a variety of dishes with interesting ingredients. You can also enjoy a magical afternoon tea between noon and around 2.45 p.m.
A Peculiar Tea | 44 University Road, Belfast BT7 1NJ | ££
8. Coppi
Coppi brings contemporary Italian food to the heart of Belfast. Chefs Tony and Andrea O’Neil run this restaurant in Belfast that serves fresh pasta, small Venetian plates called cicchetti and many more great Italian dishes.
The Vibe
A modern space that combines an industrial feel with fine dining, making this a memorable and high-end Italian restaurant.
What to Order
Italian pasta nachos and feta fritters with truffle honey from the cicchetti section are must-tries at this Belfast restaurant. If you want more than small plates, opt for any of the fresh pasta dishes or a topping-filled pizzetta. There is also a vegan menu, including small plates and mains.
Coppi | St. Anne's Sq., 11 Edward St., Belfast BT1 2LR | ££
9. Mourne Seafood Bar
Mourne Seafood Bar specialises in carefully hand-picked and locally sourced shellfish. The shellfish is picked from their own independently-run shellfish beds, meaning it is always fresh. This Belfast restaurant is definitely a paradise for seafood enthusiasts.
The Vibe
Housed in a charming old building, the eatery features a more modern interior that’s bright yet cosy.
What to Order
You can’t miss out on trying the shellfish, which includes langoustine, mussels and various types of oysters. The seafood casserole and battered cod and chips are also highly recommended.
Mourne Seafood Bar | 34-36 Bank St., Belfast BT1 1HL | ££
10. The Ginger Bistro
The Ginger Bistro has offered visitors a warm welcome and high-quality, local food in a relaxed environment since 2000. This multi-award-winning Belfast restaurant provides laid-back fine dining and is perfect for almost any occasion.
The Vibe
This intimate dining space has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that’s sustained through comforting and delicious food.
What to Order
The rich mushroom puff pastry pie with garlic cream, parsnip chips and lentils is a surprising hidden gem. The spiced roast cauliflower with hummus, pomegranate, roasted tomatoes and crispy chickpeas is additionally the dish to order for plant-based and vegetarian diners.
The Ginger Bistro | 68-72 Great Victoria St., Belfast BT2 7AF | ££
11. Ox
Ox is a Michelin-starred Belfast restaurant that is the place to be if you are planning a special dinner and want to splurge a little. Chef and owner Stephen Toman makes sure that the balance of each dish is just right and that there is an excellent wine pairing for every plate.
The Vibe
Bright and sophisticated with lots of natural light and pops of colour.
What to Order
The menu is seasonal and changes quite frequently, but expect elevated sweet and savoury dishes, such as côte de boeuf with white asparagus and Jersey Royals and caramelised honey cake with bee pollen ice cream and brandy.
Ox | 1 Oxford St., Belfast BT1 3LA | £££
12. Darcy’s Belfast
A Traveller’s Choice award winner in 2023, family-run Darcy’s Belfast is in the conversation for the best restaurant in Belfast. Known for welcoming customers for over 20 years, there is no better place to try traditional Belfast dishes.
The Vibe
The eatery’s family focus and traditional sensibilities bring warmth and a welcoming nature to the space and its food.
What to Order
Darcy’s Irish Chicken, featuring chicken marinated in mustard and honey, is a gorgeous traditional dish that will not disappoint. The seafood chowder is another restaurant specialty that you must try.
Darcy’s Belfast | 10 Bradbury Pl., Belfast BT7 1RS | ££
13. Fish City
Conveniently located near the waterfront, Fish City is the symbol of the high-quality seafood in Belfast. Fish City serves fresh, local and sustainably sourced food and has become a multi-award-winning fish and chip restaurant that’s well-known by visitors and locals alike.
The Vibe
A friendly and cozy restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating that serves only the finest seafood.
What to Order
The Carlingford oysters and Strangford Lough mussels are must-tries alongside the classic fish and chips.
Fish City | 33 Ann St., Belfast BT1 4EB | ££
14. Holohan’s Pantry
Holohan’s Pantry is located very close to Queens University and spotlights the best of local produce and Irish cuisine. Emir and Jane Holohan and Derek Fearon have created and sustained a wonderful Belfast restaurant that has become the go-to place for an exquisite dining experience.
The Vibe
Situated in a historic building, Holohan’s Pantry has an incredible charm and décor that’s part country house and part bistro.
What to Order
The Holohan’s Catch of the Day is always a pleasant surprise. No matter what main dish you go for, don’t leave without trying a dessert, with options like chocolate and Guinness mousse topped with Bailey’s cream and apple and blackberry crumble on the menu.
Holohan’s Pantry | 43 University Road, Belfast BT7 1ND| ££
15. Yügo
Yügo is an Asian fusion restaurant that combines modern aesthetics and culinary techniques with traditional Asian dishes to create fantastic small plates. This Belfast restaurant is also recommended by the Michelin Guide.
The Vibe
Oozing character, with its friendly staff and unique style that includes greenery, Asian-inspired accents and lots of light, you will have an excellent all-around experience when dining here.
What to Order
Customers hail the tempura broccoli and pork dumplings. As most dishes are small plates, get a selection and share among the table to see what this Belfast restaurant is all about.
Yügo | 3 Wellington St., Belfast BT1 6HT | ££
16. Molly’s Yard
Located in the Queen’s Quarter near Queens University, Molly’s Yard is a laid-back eatery that focuses on serving delicious Irish, British and other European food. This cosy Belfast restaurant is highly innovative in its focus on serving heart-warming food with a modern twist.
The Vibe
A rustic dining space within converted Victorian stables, complete with exposed ceiling beams and calming blue and green accents. There’s also an adorable courtyard to dine in, adding to the restaurant’s charm.
What to Order
The chargrilled Fermanagh ribeye steak served with vegetables, hand-cut chips and red wine jus is a decadent must-have dish. The chickpea and peanut quinoa salad from the extensive vegan and vegetarian menu is an excellent choice for a lighter meal.
Molly’s Yard | 1 College Green Mews, Botanic Ave., Belfast BT7 1LW | ££
17. EDO
A Spanish tapas bar in the heart of Belfast, EDO earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its affordable food that does not compromise taste. Head Chef Jonny Elliott utilises his vast experience gained by cooking across the globe to form an incredible small-plate menu. If you are looking for a Belfast restaurant that produces wonderful tapas, EDO has to be on your must-visit list.
The Vibe
A relaxed and industrial space, with exposed brick and an open-view kitchen. To get up close to the action, dine at the counter right next to the open kitchen.
What to Order
Being a small plate eatery, you can try a vast array of dishes during your visit. Popular options at this Belfast restaurant include the langoustine, mussel and monkfish paella and the potato and truffle croquettes. EDO also features excellent vegan and drink menus.
EDO | 3 Capital House, Unit 2, Upper Queen St., Belfast BT1 6FB | ££
18. The Lantern
The Lantern is a Belfast restaurant right in the middle of the city. It serves amazing locally sourced food, including vegetarian and vegan options. If you are searching for delectable, healthy food, then The Lantern is the Belfast restaurant for you.
The Vibe
Intimate, warm and cozy, this Belfast restaurant is the ideal spot for a date night or catch-up with friends.
What to Order
The roast Irish chicken supreme and the mushroom and vegetable risotto with Parmesan and truffle are heavenly dishes. If dining here before a show at the nearby Grand Opera House, there is a delightful pre-theatre dinner menu to choose from, including options like farfalle with sundried tomato and a moreish Irish beef burger.
The Lantern | 58 Wellington Pl., Belfast BT1 6GF | ££
19. Waterman Restaurant
This Belfast restaurant is a must-visit for those embarking on the ultimate culinary journey in the city. Modern and sustainable with simple yet delicious food, Waterman Restaurant is a local specialty that recently received a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
The Vibe
A contemporary and bustling bistro with modern art accents and industrial finishes.
What to Order
The cod with white beans, Portavogie shellfish sauce and tarragon is just delightful. For dessert, the rhubarb crumble baked Alaska is a unique blend of two popular dishes that you have to try.
Waterman Restaurant | 5-23 Hill St., Belfast BT1 2LA | ££
20. The Hoose Bistro
One of the most adored Belfast restaurants, The Hoose Bistro is a spot that simply focuses on delivering excellent customer service and affordable, local food.
The Vibe
A relaxed and down-to-earth bistro that puts the customer first.
What to Order
The oven-baked seabass with crushed new potatoes, samphire and a mussel and white wine velouté is a delicious choice at this Belfast restaurant. Plant-forward eaters can enjoy options like crispy tempura sweet potato with truffle aioli and grilled cauliflower with chimichurri, French fried onion, tomato salad, hand-cut chips and pepper sauce.
The Hoose Bistro | 56 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3EL | ££
21. Roam
Roam serves seasonal dishes that showcase amazing local produce. This Belfast restaurant was once a pop-up eatery but is now a key and permanent part of the city’s dining scene.
The Vibe
A laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere with simple but stunning food.
What to Order
The fish dishes here are sensational. A few great options include the cod with cauliflower, curry and sea purslane and the pollock and mussels with smoked butter sauce and potatoes.
Roam | 6a Callender St., Belfast BT1 5BN | ££
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Restaurants in Belfast are unique and highly focused on sustainability and locally sourced food. Best of all, the eateries here are growing in quality and diversity as shown by the amount of Michelin recognition the city’s restaurants are receiving.
Due to this expansive selection of eating establishments, choosing which Belfast restaurant to head to can be challenging. Hopefully, this list has given you an idea of which spots you have to try when dining out in Northern Ireland’s capital city.
For even more ways to explore Belfast and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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