This place is famous for seafood, but there is more to the best restaurants in Belfast than the catch of the day
It is dinner time in Belfast, but where to eat? Everywhere, pretty much. Not literally everywhere, you only have so much space in your stomach, but the best restaurants in Belfast stretch far and wide across the fascinating place. As one of the most historic ports in this corner of Europe, Belfast’s seafood is as good as it gets, embellished by a hard-working edge to the city that pulls every drop of magic out of every ingredient. If you like fish, you’ll love the capital of Northern Ireland.
It isn’t all about the cod, herring and other sea-dwellers. Belfast is a modern city, and the international renaissance taking place in its kitchens has produced some seriously good spots for dining. So, to posit the question once more; it is dinner time in Belfast, but where to eat? Follow our lead, and you’re in for a treat.
Why go? For special occasions. This simple, elegant restaurant has dedicated graduation and pre-theatre menus.
Not one for vegetarians, this place serves fresh game, mouth-watering steaks and fish, focused on classic cooking in a contemporary dining room. Its range of steaks is the real draw, but save space for one of the dessert cocktails – a lemon meringue martini is sure to go down a treat. Mid-range.
Why go? For impressive food in a secret spot.
Tucked away between Waring Street and Exchange Place in Cathedral Quarter, The Muddlers Club (named after a secret society) is easy to miss, but the hype surrounding it since it opened a few years back has given it a profile. And it lives up to that hype, serving flavoursome lamb and fish of the day as well as a five-course tasting menu with vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Mid-range.
Why go? For cheap, authentic Italian small plates.
Coppi is a Venetian cicchetti and barcari restaurant serving small plates and full meals, including a range of pizzas, pasta and other Italian favourites, with a dedicated vegan menu. To try a little bit of everything, order multiple plates from the cichetti menu. Budget.
Why go? For cheap, delicious fish and chips.
John Long’s has been going strong since 1914 and is still Belfast’s favourite chippie. Whether eating in or taking away, you can enjoy fresh fish, burgers, chicken, and other traditional chip shop delights. Its booths fill up quickly, but they’re great for traditional charm. Budget.
Why go? To experience the sensational seafood.
Since its founding in 2000, the Ginger Pig has been amassing local praise and awards – you can see them all on the wall. It's hardly surprising, given the quality of their haddock, sea bass, mussels, and more, and the dishes contain as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. This is a great spot to go to if you're heading to a performance at the nearby Opera House or want to follow your meal with a nightcap at one of Belfast's oldest pubs, the Crown Bar. Mid-range.
Why go? To experience Michael Deane’s lauded cooking.
Michael Deane is a culinary legend in Belfast, with six restaurants around the city. Deanes at Queens holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand and serves first-class food – try the roast chicken or lamb rump – with a great range of wines, in an airy restaurant or, for warmer evenings, on a terrace with a lit-up tree. Mid-range/high-end.
Why go? For affordable all-day eats in a chic setting.
From the man behind Bar + Grill, chef-patron Niall McKenna, Hadskis sits in the food-centric Cathedral Quarter serving fresh, local meat and fish all day along with Belfast beers and wine by the magnum, followed by desserts like rhubarb and pistachio pavlova. Budget/mid-range.
Why go? Taste your way around East Asia without leaving the Northern Irish capital.
Fancy sushi? You got it! Prefer some sticky sweet and sour chicken? Coming right up! Or perhaps Shanghai stir-fried beef tickles your fancy? Whatever East Asian dish you're after, Zen's got you covered. They have several veggie dishes too, and can easily cater to gluten-free diets if you let them know. Budget.
Why go? For perfect beer pairings with your meal.
Molly’s Yard is housed in a restored Victorian stable and courtyard near the university and is home to a fabulous microbrewery, so you can expect spot-on brews with your food. Its small menu changes regularly and is full of local produce – steak, fish, vegetables – and a dedicated vegetarian menu too. Mid-range.
Why go? For cosy, chilled-out dining in the sun.
The real draw of The Barking Dog is its astroturf terrace, but on cooler days, you can sit cosily inside surrounded by exposed brick walls. Like many Belfast restaurants, it offers meat and vegetables with homely dishes like ham hock terrine and smoked haddock, plus pasta and veggie choices. Mid-range.
Why go? For surprisingly reasonable classy dining on a date night.
In a luxe boutique setting right by City Hall, Coco is particularly popular with office workers. It serves traditional dishes like chicken breasts, seared scallops, tuna, and veggies and, from Monday to Thursday, runs a ‘date night’ offer for couples. There is nothing wrong with a bit of romance, right? Budget/mid-range.
