Are you looking for the best restaurants in Belfast?
Previously considered a boring and uninviting city for foodies, Belfast is now one of the most exciting places to visit whether you’re on a food-focused vacation or simply want to sample local cuisine
The innovative approach to food in Belfast is built on a foundation of local, sustainable ingredients and a reverence for the city’s rich culinary history. Today, there are many restaurants and eateries in Belfast that are well-known both within and outside the island of Ireland.
There is so much to eat in Belfast for the foodie. You can find everything from low-cost starters to world-class fish and chips on our list of the best Belfast restaurants.
Read also: Best Brunch Restaurants In Belfast.
Things you'll find in this article
9 Best Restaurants In Belfast, Ireland
Budget Restaurants in Belfast
1. Established Coffee
Address: 54 Hill St. Belfast BT1 2LB
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With its simple and authentic menu, Established Coffee is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. Minimalism is pushed to its limits at this Limerick cafe, which is a testament to its success. Do not be put off by the fact that it looks too simple; the coffee served here is some of the best in Belfast.
A menu that boasts of healthy and affordable dishes, traybakes, and lunches for people on a tight budget makes Established Coffee loved by its patrons. If you’ve been strolling around Belfast Cathedral Quarter and looking for a perfect place to enjoy a meal, Established Coffee is sure to satisfy you. Try their selection of coffee and tea as well as a variety of toasts and sandwiches.
2. Coppi
Address : Unit 2 Saint Anne’s Square Belfast, Antrim BT1 2LR
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Diners can enjoy an array of Italian and Mediterranean dishes in a cool, casual setting at the Coppi restaurant, which is conveniently located near Saint Anne’s Square. Cichetti (small plates in the Italian tapas-style), main courses, pizzette, and pasta are all prepared daily in the restaurant.
There is counter seating in the bar area, which is ideal for a light lunch or a casual dinner. Meanwhile, the large dining area can accommodate groups of any size. For those warm days, diners can also enjoy the restaurant’s outdoor seating area. A night out at Coppi is guaranteed to be a night to remember thanks to its extensive wine list and authentic Italian cuisine.
Some must-try offerings are the Chichetti, Goats Cheese Bruschetta, slow-braised beef shin lasagne, and panna cotta.
3. Hadskis
Address : 33 Donegall Street Belfast, Antrim BT1 2NB
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Hadskis, a European-inspired restaurant in one of Belfast’s most famous alleyways, serves hearty fare. It’s a friendly and casual atmosphere, with daily lunch specials and an extensive a la carte menu featuring some of Northern Ireland’s best-known produce. Seafood, steak, and desserts abound on the menu, as do a wide variety of freshly caught fish and shellfish.
For those who prefer wine by the glass, there is a wide selection of local beers and cocktails to choose from at Hadskis as well. They can accommodate a wide range of food allergies.
Midrange Restaurants in Belfast
4. OX
Address : 1 Oxford Street – Belfast BT1 3LA
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One of only two restaurants in Northern Ireland to be awarded a Michelin star, OX is conveniently located near the Lagan River and the market. For as long as OX has been in business, it has been known for its laid-back atmosphere and dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients that are meticulously prepared.
Inspired by his work in Michelin-starred kitchens in Paris, Chef Stephen brings fresh ingredients to life on the plate by combining his imagination and creativity with the ingredients. OX guarantees menus that include high-quality meat and fish, as well as seasonal vegetables and fruit. Every dish at OX is prepared with meticulous attention to the freshness of the produce on the premises.
When you visit, try their tasting menu where each set offers a feast of flavors from a variety of cheeses, seafood, vegetables, and meat.
5. Fish City
Address : 33 Ann Street Belfast, BT1 4EB
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Located in the heart of Belfast’s city center, Fish City is a popular fish and chip restaurant and takeaway establishment. This fish and chip shop, run by a local family, was named the UK’s healthiest and greenest fish and chip joint.
If you’re a fan of authentic fish and chips, this is the place for you. All of the fish served at Fish City is locally sourced, in season, and battered and fried to perfection in the most traditional manner possible. Each fish and chips plate comes with its signature tartar sauce. After tasting Fish City’s tartar sauce, you’ll find it difficult to appreciate other tartar sauces.
6. The Morning Star
Address : 17-19 Pottingers Entry, Belfast BT1 4DT
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Founded in 1810, The Morning Star is one of the most historic and beautiful pubs in Belfast. The McAlister family has owned and operated it since 1989, and it was recently named RAI Best Gastro Pub 2019 for its food and service.
The pub is housed in an opulent Victorian Grade II listed building. To find it, just look for an iron bracket with an exuberant Victorian sign hanging from it and a gold-winged Lion of St Mark sitting proudly on the corner.
In addition to serving food until 10:00 p.m. every day, The Morning Star has one of the most unique pub menus in the area. It’s not every day that you’ll see pan-fried versions of kangaroo, crocodile, and emu on the menu.
If you prefer something a little less exotic, you needn’t worry. This restaurant’s ethos is “farm to fork,” which means that they only use locally sourced beef and lamb.
Your steak is guaranteed to be the best on the street thanks to their in-house master butcher, who also makes burgers and sausages by hand every day. The fish and steaks are only cut to order, and both are prepared fresh daily.
Fine Dining Restaurants in Belfast
7. The Muddlers Club
Address : 1 Warehouse Lane, Belfast BT1 2DX
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Between Waring Street and Exchange Place in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, you’ll find this Michelin-starred eatery. The Muddlers’ Club gets its name from a secret society that used to meet in the building more than two centuries ago. They serve contemporary cuisine in a casual setting and use only the freshest, locally sourced produce.
Gareth McCaughey, the restaurant’s head chef and owner, personally selects the freshest, locally grown ingredients every day to guarantee the quality of each dish served. The Muddlers Club features an open kitchen, so diners can watch as the chefs transform raw ingredients into elegantly simple dishes right in front of them.
8. Eipic
Address : 28-40 Howard St, Belfast BT1 6PF
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One of Belfast’s Michelin-starred restaurants is Eipic, which is the Gaelic word for epic. Only eighteen months after it opened, Eipic received a Michelin star. The food here is meticulously prepared, while still keeping the rich, rustic flavors.
There are three different menus to choose from, all of which emphasize locally sourced and seasonally appropriate ingredients. The vegetarian options on the menu are impressive, with creative and flavorful dishes. In light of seasonality and product availability, the menu is subject to change without notice.
At Eipic, you’ll find dishes like lamb breast with garlic, soy, and honey and langoustine with asparagus, endive, and lardo which are also among the wonders on the menu.
9. The Great Room Restaurant at The Merchant Hotel
Address : 16 Skipper St, Belfast BT1 2DZ
The Merchant Hotel’s Great Room Restaurant offers the best in fine dining. The restaurant is housed in a stunning Victorian-style dining room with its original glass cupola and beautiful chandelier. Two AA Rosettes have been awarded to the restaurant because of its use of only the freshest seasonal ingredients in its dishes.
As far as awards for culinary excellence go, the Rosettes is one of the most prestigious in the United Kingdom. Eipic’s 200+ bottle wine list and top-notch service complement the restaurant’s exceptional cuisine.
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner are served at the Great Room. Reservations should be made well in advance to ensure availability and avoid disappointments. Try the Afternoon Tea, where snacks and desserts are served with tea, coffee, or champagne. Even in one of Belfast’s most opulent hotels, the atmosphere is always calming, making this an experience you won’t soon forget.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 60 countries for the past 12 years. I also lived in 4 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia, Africa and now in Europe. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.