Foodie Guide To Belfast

Setting the bar for city dining are our numerous award-winning restaurants. Enjoy an exquisite fine dining experience at Michael Deane’s Michelin Star restaurant EIPIC or soak up the welcoming atmosphere of Home Restaurant, which received the coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand, awarded to restaurants for exceptional food at moderate prices.

Fine dining aficionados can indulge in the exceptional five course seasonal tasting menu – with an optional vegetable tasting menu – at OX (another Michelin Star winner) as well as the nine course tasting menu at the grand Great Room Restaurant at The Merchant Hotel.

If you prefer something a little more low-key, enjoy a tasty range of cichetti (Italian style tapas) at the hugely popular Coppi in St Anne’s Square. And tucked out of the way in Belfast’s second smallest street, you’ll find The Ginger Bistro, winner of the Best Casual Dining in Ulster award at the Irish Restaurant Awards.

Feeding the family? Belfast has plenty of options for you to ensure that a family meal is a treat rather than a chore! A firm Italian favourite for families is Fratelli on Great Victoria Street, where children can design and build their very own pizza at your table. Other family-friendly restaurants include Ryan’s Bar & Restaurant, Little Wing Pizzeria (which serves the largest pizzas in Ireland!) and Villa Italia.

There’s no better place to indulge in the aromatic tastes and scents of Belfast’s food culture than in one of the city’s thriving food markets. St George’s Market is not only one of Belfast’s oldest attractions, but also an iconic location when it comes to first-class local fare, with customers travelling near and far to sample the delights of its Friday, Saturday and Sunday Markets. Alternatively, Inns Cross Market, which takes place on the 1st Saturday of every month, serves up the best of local produce, hot food and homemade delights.

Whether you’re searching for the perfect destination for a coffee and a chat, or a pit-stop to soothe those aching feet after a busy day in the city, Belfast’s coffee shops are second to none. Cafes are tucked into every street corner, including local gem Clements which serves up enormous traybakes to satisfy that sweet tooth. Enjoy the atmospheric The Dock Café, an honesty-box café with a focus on the community and all things local. Visit Belfast City Hall and enjoy a large cup of coffee and home baked treats at The Bobbin Café.

Belfast is a city that takes pride in its array of local food producers, from local meats to artisan chocolates, not to mention a thriving craft beer and gin scene. Your first stop for all things local has to be Sawers, a family business with a well-known history of supplying meat, seafood, cheese and an array of local fare for over a century. However, when it comes to chocolates, chocolate boutique Co Couture is in a league of its own, with each chocolate crafted using specially created blends of the finest French and Italian couverture. Finally, if you’re in the mood for a tipple, then Belfast’s craft beer and gin scene is certain to have something to fit the bill, with Hilden craft beers and Jawbox Gin among our favourites.

With such a rich array of tasty treats on offer, its sometimes difficult to know where to start. If you’re in the mood for sampling the best of Northern Ireland, a food tour is the way to go. McComb’s offers foodie tours, allowing you to taste food and drink from all over Northern Ireland and meet the local producers we have to thank for it. Simply bring your appetite and they will take care of the rest! Or enjoy a four hour fun and food filled guided walk to some of the top food and drink spots in Belfast with Taste and Tour.

Enjoy a great range of Irish beers in Belfast, thanks to Diageo’s Pub Trail Map. Sample a pint of Guinness, Harp, Hop House 13 or Smithwick’s at some of the city’s top pubs and bars.