7 Hidden Gems in Belfast City Centre

This intimate restaurant is ideal for a leisurely lunch or dinner with friends. Their ‘Saint vs Sinner’ menu features healthy options and indulgent dishes, as well as a wide range of vegan options. Sample a rhubarb mojito or Beetarita from their ‘sinfully good’ cocktail list.

Mourne Seafood Bar on Bank Square serves fresh local seafood at affordable prices. From mussels, oysters and langoustines to classic beer battered fish and chips, food is prepared in a traditional way with a few continental twists. Perfect something filling for lunch, or for a romantic evening meal for two.

Havana Bank Sq is located behind the beautifully redeveloped Bank Square. At the entrance to the Gaeltacht Quarter, it’s the perfect stopping point on your way to discovering this vibrant part of the city. Menus include locally sourced food prepared and a fresh mix of cocktails.

Find The Jailhouse down Joy’s Entry, just off the main shopping precinct on Ann Street. Both The Jailhouse and its adjoining sister bar Henrys have a rich history and are rumoured to be the site where Henry Joy McCracken was held before being hung in Cornmarket in 1798. Expect fantastic live music, great food and drinks and a lively atmosphere.

This hidden gem is a must-visit if you’ve got a sweet tooth! Old Time Favourites on Winetavern Street is a traditional sweet shop serving the people of Belfast for over 100 years. Not only is there over 300 jars of sweets to choose from (including all the classics), but also a selection of local handmade products including macaroons bars, fudge, honeycomb and chocolate.

Find the slick and stylish Oh! Donuts shop on Upper Arthur Street. Serving hand-crafted, gourmet donuts in every flavour you can imagine, they offer tasty rings or soft-centred treats with vegan options available too. The donuts are rivalled only by the quality coffee served alongside them, which you can enjoy sitting in the minimalist bar while watching the world go by.

Book into the Belfast Gin School for a lesson like no other! Join the head distillers behind Belfast 1912 gin to learn how to blend flavours and make a bottle of gin to take home with you. Classes are hosted in House on Botanic; a speakeasy style hideaway serving delicious drinks made locally sourced ingredients and a sustainable approach. Enjoy prohibition style cocktails and gin flavoured treats while you learn.