Your Belfast Restaurant Week Guide!

Belfast is an exciting place to visit! With its unbelievable food scene, new restaurants popping up in the city, award-winning restaurants and chefs, famous markets, cheap eateries, and casual dining, Belfast has many options to offer people who want to explore its growing food scene Restaurant Week (and always)!  

Here at ConnollyCove, we have crafted a Belfast Restaurant Week Guide just for you. Keep reading, then get eating!

Experience the Best of Belfast Restaurant Week

Buba

Next, check out this fantastic Eastern Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, the hidden gem within St. Annes  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 husband and wife Tony and Andrea O’Neill.

Most of the menu at Buba is comprised of small dishes, so you can try various things at once, making it easier to share when you’re out with a group of friends. Vegan eaters out there, 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 for which the Eastern Mediterranean is famous. 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

Tony and Andrea O’Neill also run this contemporary Italian-inspired restaurant, a favourite spot among locals and tourists in Belfast. Italian food is 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 the Italian city of Venice. Since Coppi opened its doors in 2012, the popularity of the place has grown hugely with its mouthwatering Italian and Mediterranian dishes available.

Enjoy Coppi’s famous homemade pasta, pizzas, dough bread, desserts, and a great selection of cocktails. On a summer evening, you will have to come 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 Belfast right here at Bunsen, where the only option is a regular hamburger or cheeseburger.

Sakura

This Japanese-inspired restaurant on Botanic Avenue offers the best sushi in Belfast. Take it to go or sit inside to enjoy the fantastic menu, which includes a selection of sushi and many other Japanese and Chinese dishes.

This place isn’t too expensive, and it has friendly service. It is also 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 Steet

Another unmissable restaurant to check out in Belfast, created by the award-winning chef Marty Murphy in 2013, has undoubtedly gained a positive name. Howard Street has been delivering the best of locally sourced ingredients to make 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, which you can 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.

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, visit the remarkable Victorian market and experience all the excellent food stalls available. You won’t get more local than this, and you’ll not be disappointed by the options and the lovely atmosphere at St. Georges Market.

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 you could want.

Why Belfast Restaurant Week is Unmissable

Belfast Restaurant Week isn’t just about food but community, creativity, and culture. Here’s why it should be on your calendar:

1. Affordable Gourmet Experiences
   Many participating venues offer set menus at reduced prices, enabling diners to experience high-end cuisine at a fraction of the cost.
2. Discover Hidden Gems
   This event is the perfect time to explore lesser-known eateries, uncovering spots you may not have visited otherwise.
3. Support Local Businesses
   Dining out during Belfast Restaurant Week means supporting local chefs, producers, and small businesses that form the backbone of the city’s food culture.
4. Exciting Events
   Beyond dining, there are often cooking demonstrations, mixology classes, and themed nights to enhance your experience.

Beyond Restaurants: Culinary Experiences

Belfast Restaurant Week often extends beyond sit-down meals. Here are some additional activities to enhance your food adventure:

Food Tours

Several companies offer guided tours to the city’s most iconic eateries and hidden gems. These tours often include tastings, storytelling, and insider tips.

Cooking Demonstrations

Some restaurants and local chefs host live demonstrations where you can learn to recreate signature dishes at home.

Pop-Up Events

Look for pop-up dining experiences and food trucks, which add an element of spontaneity to the week.

Drinks Masterclasses

Belfast is known for its craft beer, whiskey, and cocktail scenes. Masterclasses offer a chance to learn from the experts and pair drinks with dishes.

Tips for Making the Most of Belfast Restaurant Week

1. Plan Ahead
   Many venues fill up quickly during Restaurant Week. Book your tables in advance to avoid disappointment.
2. Check Menus Online
   Review the special Restaurant Week menus to identify dishes or venues that appeal to your palate.
3. Share Meals
   If possible, dine with friends or family and order various dishes to sample more of the menu.
4. Go Local
   Prioritise independent eateries over chains to support Belfast’s unique culinary culture.
5. Explore New Neighbourhoods
   Use this week as an opportunity to visit areas of Belfast you don’t frequent. The food is worth the journey!

Supporting Sustainability in Belfast’s Food Scene

One of the highlights of Belfast Restaurant Week is its focus on sustainability. Many participating venues source ingredients locally, reducing their carbon footprint while celebrating Northern Ireland’s rich agricultural heritage.

Be sure to look for eco-friendly practices, such as minimal food waste, compostable packaging, and locally brewed drinks.

The Verdict: A Culinary Celebration

Belfast Restaurant Week is more than just a food festival—it’s a testament to the city’s culinary talent and community spirit. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie, a casual diner, or someone looking to experience the city’s vibrant culture, this week-long event offers something for everyone.

So, grab your fork, book a table, and prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure through the heart of Belfast. Your taste buds will thank you!

Share your experience of Belfast Restaurant Week with us by using the hashtag #AmazingFoodandDrinkBelfast