The Best Food Guide to Belfast

Belfast is exciting to visit, mainly because of its unbelievable food scene. With new restaurants, award-winning restaurants and chefs, famous markets, cheap eateries, and casual dining, the city has many options for people who want to explore its growing food scene. 

From the best Irish produce to Japanese-inspired food and European cuisine, the city will surely surprise you with its fantastic food options.

Here at ConnollyCove, we have compiled a list of Belfast’s must-visit food and drink places. So keep reading to find out our food guide to Belfast!

A Brief History of Belfast’s Culinary Scene

Belfast’s culinary heritage is deeply rooted in its history and geography. The city’s proximity to farmland and the sea means it has always had access to fresh produce and seafood. Traditional Irish cuisine, emphasising hearty, simple ingredients, has been the backbone of Belfast’s food scene for centuries.

In recent years, however, Belfast has seen a culinary renaissance. The city’s chefs increasingly draw inspiration from international cuisines while honouring local traditions. This fusion has created a diverse and exciting food culture worth exploring.

Traditional Irish Cuisine

Ulster Fry

No visit to Belfast is complete without indulging in an Ulster Fry. This hearty breakfast is a local staple and typically includes bacon, sausages, eggs, black pudding, white pudding, mushrooms, tomatoes, potato bread, and soda bread. Each component is fried to perfection, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.

Where to Try: Maggie Mays Belfast Café is renowned for its authentic Ulster Fry, served all day in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.

Irish Stew

Another must-try dish is Irish Stew, a comforting concoction of lamb or beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and sometimes barley. Slow-cooked to perfection, the stew is rich and flavourful, embodying the essence of traditional Irish comfort food.

Where to Try: The Morning Star, a historic pub in Belfast, serves a classic Irish Stew that has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike.

Top Places to Experience the Best of the Belfast Food Scene

St. Georges Market

Let’s start with the award-winning St. Georges Market, a must-visit for anyone visiting Belfast for the first time. Belfast is proud to use the best of local and Irish produce, so of course, the city is home to a magnificent market where you can get your hands on the freshest fruit, vegetables, fish, and more.

St. George Market has often been considered one of Ireland’s and the UK’s best markets and is one of the oldest attractions in the city. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, take a trip to the remarkable Victorian market and experience all the great food stalls available. You won’t get more local than this, and you’ll definitely not be disappointed by the options and the lovely atmosphere provided at St. Georges Market.

Buba

Next, check out this fantastic Eastern Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, a hidden gem within St. Anne’s Square. Buba offers something completely different in Belfast that will take you by surprise—in a good way—with its delicious Eastern Mediterranean food and cocktails, run by Tony and Andrea O’Neill, husband and wife.

Most of the menu at Buba consists of small dishes, so you can try a variety of things at once. This also makes it easier to share when you’re out with a group of friends. Vegan eaters, you’ll love this place, as half of the menu is dedicated to excellent vegan-friendly food. 

Buba provides a great selection of rich culinary traditions, exotic foods, and spices that the Eastern Mediterranean is famous for. It is definitely a place for those wishing to get outside their food comfort zone and try some of the restaurant’s favourite foods, such as the Halloumi Fries, Spiced Lamb, Harissa Salsa, and so much more.

Coppi

This contemporary Italian-inspired restaurant is also run by Tony and Andrea O’Neill and is a favourite spot among locals and tourists alike in Belfast. You can never go wrong with Italian food; it’s filling and hearty, and you will leave this place in a happy food coma bubble.

It is the first Cichetti Bacari (Italian tapas) restaurant in Belfast that draws influence from the style of food in Venice. Since Coppi opened its doors in 2012, the popularity of the place has grown hugely with its mouthwatering Italian and Mediterranean dishes available. 

Enjoy Coppi’s famous homemade pasta, pizzas, dough bread, and desserts, as well as a great selection of cocktails to enjoy on a summer evening that will have you coming back for more.

Muddlers Club

Hidden away between Warning Street and Exchanged Street, near Belfast’s famous Cathedral Quarter, is the Muddlers Club. The restaurant, named after a secret Belfast society that used to meet in the area around 200 years ago, has become known for the fine dining experience it provides visitors.

The Belfast restaurant is run by the talented head chef, Gareth McCaughey, who uses the best home-produced produce to ensure that the quality of each dish served is top-notch. Muddlers Club’s open-style kitchen environment allows you, the diner, to see your dish being created right in front of your eyes.

This restaurant is the place to go when you wish to enjoy contemporary Irish dishes with a unique twist that makes them even more special.

Bunsen

A small and cheap burger spot in the heart of Belfast, the perfect place when you want a quick bite to eat, where you’ll not be overwhelmed by food options. Bunsen’s menu may be tiny, but its bite is more significant, having crafted the perfect American-style hamburger for people to enjoy.

You’ll get the best burger in the city right here at Bunsen, where the only option is a regular hamburger or cheeseburger.

Sakura

Located on Botanic Avenue is this Japanese-inspired restaurant, where you’ll find the best sushi in Belfast. Take it to go or sit inside and enjoy the fantastic menu with a selection of sushi and many more Japanese and Chinese dishes to love.

This place isn’t too expensive, with friendly service and a sushi converger belt, where everything is colour-coded, and you can grab what you like. You’ll have a great dining experience here with various options that offer something different in Belfast.

Howard Street

Another unmissable restaurant to check out in Belfast, created by the award-winning chef Marty Murphy in 2013, has certainly gained a positive name for itself. Howard Street has been delivering the best of locally sourced ingredients to create tasty food with plenty of flavours and some southeastern-inspired dishes to savour. 

People continue to return to the popular Belfast spot because its food is exceptional and will not disappoint. It’s also paired with an irresistible cocktail and wine list to enjoy alongside your food in a perfect city centre location.

OX

To round up our food guide to Belfast, we can’t forget to mention the fantastic OX Restaurant. The place was created in 2013 by two lifelong friends who wanted to bring something new to the Belfast food scene.

OX is perfectly located overlooking the River Lagan, and the two Belfast-born owners have brought all their influence and inspiration from working in various restaurants around Europe to Belfast. 

Together, they bring imagination to traditional dishes, making them all that more appealing at this Michelin-starred restaurant. You’ll also find lots of modern European cuisine here in a relaxed and stylish environment, where you’ll feel the lively energy of the open kitchen.

Hidden Gems

The city is home to several hidden gems beloved by locals but often overlooked by visitors. Established in 1895, Sawers Deli is a culinary institution that offers an unrivalled selection of gourmet foods worldwide. Browse the shelves stacked high with artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, chutneys, and exotic ingredients, or stop by the deli counter for a freshly prepared sandwich or salad.

Head to St. George’s Market on a weekend morning for a taste of the city’s burgeoning street food scene. Here, you’ll find a bustling market filled with vendors selling everything from freshly baked pastries to gourmet burgers and artisanal chocolates. Grab a coffee and wander the aisles, sampling delicious treats and soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Fine Dining Experiences

Treat yourself to a fine dining experience at one of Belfast’s top restaurants for a special occasion or a memorable night out. James St. South offers modern Irish cuisine with a contemporary twist, using locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that celebrate the best of Northern Ireland‘s food culture. An extensive wine list and elegant surroundings make it the perfect place for a romantic dinner or celebratory meal.

Another standout option is Ox, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the city’s heart. Here, you can enjoy a seasonal tasting menu featuring inventive dishes crafted with precision and flair. From delicate seafood creations to flavourful meat dishes, every bite at Ox is a culinary revelation that showcases the skill and creativity of the talented kitchen team.

Sweet Treats

No culinary journey would be complete without indulging in some sweet treats, and Belfast has plenty to offer in the way of desserts and pastries. Established in 1887, Mauds Ice Cream is a local institution known for its creamy, indulgent ice creams in a variety of delicious flavours. Whether you prefer classic vanilla or adventurous combinations like honeycomb crunch or raspberry ripple, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Mauds.

French Village Bakery is a must-visit destination for those with a sweet tooth. This family-owned bakery has been delighting customers with its delectable creations for over 30 years, specialising in artisanal breads, pastries, and cakes. Treat yourself to a slice of rich chocolate cake, a flaky croissant, or a delicate macaron – you won’t be disappointed.

Belfast’s Exciting Food Scene

These are just a few of the best places to eat in Belfast, but also worth mentioning are Mourne Seafood Bar, Yardbird, Hadskis, and James St. South. The food scene in Belfast isn’t short of impressive, with options to suit every food mood.

Final Thoughts

Belfast offers a diverse and exciting culinary landscape that reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage and cosmopolitan vibe. Whether you’re craving comfort food classics or eager to explore new flavours from around the world, there’s no shortage of delicious dining options in this vibrant city. So pack your appetite and prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure through the best foodie destinations Belfast offers. Cheers, and bon appétit!

Belfast has so many incredible food stops. Let us know your favourite spot in the comments below.

Our video guide to food and drink in Belfast is also worth your time. Please do check it out!