Planning a weekend away or a day trip to Belfast? Northern Ireland’s capital has a lot to offer anyone on a short getaway or a longer trip through Ireland. History buffs can take a tour of the city and learn about the Titanic’s departure from Belfast in 1912 as well as the events which followed the division of Ireland. Culture vultures can visit a range of museums or visit one of the many festivals that take place across the year. As for night owls, Belfast is a city full of craic! There are also some real treats for foodies too.
When it comes to traditional food, there are so many great places to eat in Belfast. Traditional Irish dishes such as beef stew and steak and Guinness pie are a must. Given its convenient seaside location, visitors to the city also have the option to munch on a wide range of fresh and scrumptious seafood dishes.
Here’s our pick of the best places to eat in Belfast. You can thank us when you’re recovering from your food coma!
10.The Morning Star
Located in the heart of the city centre, the Morning Star claims to be a ‘proper pub’ with ‘proper grub’. That’s one hell of a rhyming claim, but guess what – it’s true! All of their ingredients are freshly sourced and grown locally and the chef clearly knows how to make the best of this local produce. A wide range of award winning steaks are on offer or you could try one of their gourmet burgers. Seafood and mouth-watering dishes such as slow roasted pork belly and traditional Irish stew are also part of the menu. Room for dessert? There’s a local cheese board on offer, a homemade banoffee pie and an Armagh apple crumble. Feeling spoilt for choice? That’s a good thing!
9.Crown Liquor Saloon
Located in Victoria Street, the interior of the Crown Liquor Saloon is absolutely stunning. Its Victorian architecture, stained glass windows, marvellous tiles and interesting wooden carvings make it worth a visit whether you are hungry or not. It’s a popular pub for tourists and locals alike, but its decor isn’t its only appeal. In addition to its character and warm atmosphere, it is one of the best places to eat in Belfast, which includes seafood dishes such as grilled sea bass, line-caught cod fillet and wholetail scampi. Our own recommendation is the scrumptious steak and Guinness pie. You won’t be disappointed.
8.Café Fish
Although a tad more expensive than other similar restaurants in the area, it’s worth paying an extra few pound as this family run business definitely offers one of the best places to eat fish and chips in Belfast. If you’re dying of hunger, then the portion sizes definitely won’t let you down either. The chips are large, chunky and basically just as you imagine real chips should be. Café Fish is always very busy at peak times but if that’s the case when you go, then trust us, waiting in the queue is well worth it.
7.Brights Restaurant
Brights offer more than just Irish food including Tex-Mex on their menu, Brights Restaurant is a great place to get Ireland’s morning signature dish, a fry up. The service is second to none and they also do an excellent fish and chips.
6. Kelly’s Cellars
Kelly’s Cellars is the oldest licensed pub in Belfast and is a winner for history buffs. The pub served as a meeting point for the United Irishmen when they were plotting the uprising at the end of the 18th century. Given its location, it’s a bit of a hidden gem but well worth a search on Google Maps if you want to experience a pub with a real traditional feel. The open fire makes it a great place to feel snug in winter (or cold days during the Irish ‘summer’). And what about the food? Well, we chose Kelly’s Cellars as one of our top restaurants because if you want to try a real traditional Irish beef stew then this really is the number one option in town.
5. Molly’s Yard
Molly’s Yard is located in the heart of Queen’s University Quarter. The restaurant serves relaxed modern cuisine and is found in converted Victorian stables. The a la carte menu is super filling (and super delish) but try to leave some room for dessert because they are to die for(chocolate lovers will appreciate the warm Belgian chocolate brownie with Tickety Moo wild berry ice cream & blackberry coulis). A visit to Molly’s Yard is stress-free for vegetarians as there is a separate menu available. The staff are really friendly and very knowledgeable when it comes to recommending what to eat.
4. Rhubarb
Located in the city centre at 2 Little Victoria Street, Rhubarb is another great place to eat in Belfast restaurant that is committed to using local produce and does so all the while ensuring that each dish on the menu satisfies the taste buds. It offers a wide selection of dishes meaning there is something for everyone. Slow-cooked beef brisket, seafood risotto, confit pork belly…we could go on, but it would be easier to just read the menu when you get there!
3. The Porterhouse
The stakes are high if you go to Belfast and you miss out on a meal at the Porterhouse – if you’re a steak lover that is. Possibly the best place to eat steak in Belfast, the chefs at the Porterhouse know how to cook them to absolute perfection. A top tip is to wear loose-fitting trousers before you sit down to eat though because the portions are HUGE. The homemade bread is also delicious. The staff and service are wonderful.
2. Darcy’s Belfast
Claiming on their website to be as Belfast as it gets, Darcy’s is a family-run restaurant which also offers customers traditional food made from local ingredients. Darcy’s cater to vegans and vegetarians too, offering a separate menu. Portion sizes are decent and prices are reasonable. There are a number of delicious dishes to choose from and the staff always succeed in making customers feel more than welcome. Dessert lovers absolutely have to try the raspberry ruffle cheesecake. The lemon meringue pie is also a delight.
1. Mourne Seafood Bar
A 30-minute drive from Belfast city centre, Mourne Seafood Bar offers customers fresh local seafood at an affordable price. If you’re a fan of seafood it’s basically THE best place to eat in Belfast. The seafood chowder is to die for. The mussels come in as a close second on our list of recommendations. But then we have the impression that everything on the menu is top of the range. They also have a large selection of beers and wines. Seafood fans what are you waiting for?
If you just can’t wait to try some of these places to eat in Belfast why don’t you join us on a day tour from Dublin as part of your trip?