19 Best Restaurants in Belfast (2024 Edition)

This guide to the best restaurants Belfast has to offer only contains places that the Irish Road Trip Team have visited 3+ times and that we have found to be consistently excellent.

It contains everything from dive-diners cooking up exceptional fish and chips to some of the many Michelin star restaurants in Belfast.

So, regardless of whether you’re hankering for some tantalising tapas, an adventurous seafood surprise or Belfast’s best steak, you’ll find something to whet your appetite below. Enjoy!

The best restaurants in Belfast

This guide is packed with a mix of new and old Belfast restaurants that consistently delight diners, and it’s updated frequently. 

Below, you’ll find everywhere from EDO and The Ginger Bistro to some of the most unique places to eat in Belfast City Centre.

1. Darcy’s Belfast

Located on Bradbury Place, Darcy’s is, in our opinion, the best restaurant in Belfast City Centre. This is a family-run spot that crafts delicious, traditional dishes with locally sourced ingredients. 

Delighting locals and tourists alike for 20+ years, Darcy’s boasts top-notch service, a cosy interior and walls dotted with nods to local talent, like George Best.

For starters, you’ve the option of signature mussels (with herb and garlic cream sauce), seafood chowder, chicken wings and veggie spring rolls.

There’s then the main menu, the highlight of which is hard to pick – it’s a toss-up between the honey roast ham (with mash, seasonal veggies and cider parsley sauce) and the whole tail scampi (with chips and tartar sauce).

Why we keep going back: Darcy’s has a homely feel to it. Combine that with great service and beautifully prepared food and you’ve a winning combination

2. The Ginger Bistro

There are few places to eat in Belfast with a reputation as fine as Ginger Bistro on Great Victoria Street (near Belfast Opera House).

Once voted the best restaurant in Northern Ireland, Ginger Bistro has been running since 2000 and it boasts an adventurous menu and impeccable service.

For starters, expect the likes of Gin Cured Salmon with Celeriac Remoulade and Rare Beef Salad. On the mains, there’s Crispy Oriental Duck Leg, Spiced Roast Cauliflower with Hummus and a Slow Cooked Featherblade of Beef.

Throw in excellent service, cosy surroundings and a carefully managed supply chain and you’ll quickly realise why this is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in Belfast.

Solid value-for-money: This is one of several Belfast restaurants where you feel like you’re getting good bang-for-your-buck, with 3 Courses for a reasonable £39.75 (price may change)

3. Holohan’s Pantry

With a beautifully appointed interior and an attention to detail that you’ll notice from the moment you arrive, there’s a lot to like about Holohan’s Pantry on University Road.

This place showcases the very best of Irish cuisine through a finely curated, and very well priced, menu. Personally, I’ve only ever been here for the pre-theatre menu, that comes in, at the time of typing, at a very reasonable £20 for two courses.

On the menu, expect hearty fare, like Holohan’s Fish & Chips (with mushy peas, caper and lemon mayonnaise) and some delicious Fermanagh Boxty Dumplings (with roast pumpkin, beatroot, chesnuts and fried sage).

On Sunday’s (see our guide to Sunday lunch in Belfast), you’ll find roast, pan seared trout, boxty, a trio of pork and plenty more. A peach of a restaurant.

Live trad music: Don’t fancy nipping into one of the pubs in Belfast for live music? You’re in luck. There’s live trad here on Tuesdays and Thursdays!

4. EDO Restaurant

Our next spot, Upper Queen Street’s EDO, is a recent awardee of the Michelin Guide’s “Bib Gourmand”, which recognises places that serve great food at moderate prices.

Edo is a modern Spanish tapas restaurant that treats diners to top-notch service, small, flavour-laden plates and a vibrant setting.

There’s a flexible sharing menu on offer along with a carefully picked wine list (and some lip-smackingly-good cocktails!).

The menu highlights, in my opinion, are the Braised Beef Cheek (with smoked cheese and beef crumb), the Langoustine Croquette and the Strangford Mussels (with garlic, Sauvignon Blanc  and sourdough).

Book ahead: As this is one of the more popular Belfast restaurants, it’s well worth booking Edo in advance

5. Tribal Burger

So, the first 4 places in our guide to the best restaurants in Belfast were all fairly fancy spots. Our next spot, Tribal Burger, is anything but… but by God it’s good!

With two locations (Botanic Avenue and Callendar Street), Tribal Burger is arguably Belfast’s best burger.

Here you’ll find homemade gourmet patties, fresh-cut chips, crispy chicken wings and rich shakes.

If you’re partial to vegan food, there’s a banging black bean and chickpea burger along with a tasty bhaji burger, too!

Don’t miss the ‘bites’: There are pork belly bites (with soy and ginger) halloumi fries and brilliant bhaji bites

6. James St

James St is another spot that’s regularly listed as one of the best restaurants in Belfast, and for good reason – the food here is sensational!

There are several menus here, but I’ve only ever eaten from the à la carte which, while reassuringly small, has plenty of delicious dishes to consider.

For starters, there’s everything from crab and chilli linguini and crispy squid (with black garlic mayo) to house ricotta and more.

On the mains, there’s tomahawk steaks, potato and parm gnocchi, duck and fish options. For dessert, the Sticky Toffee Sundae and the Braeburn Apple Tarte steal the show.

The set menus are good value: There are 2 courses £26.50 and 3 courses £29.50 (prices may change)

7. Zen

You’ll find Zen on Adelaide Street where a dimly lit and glamorous interior collides with a lively buzz to deliver a dining experience that you’re unlikely to forget.

At Zen, you’ll find authentic Asian cuisine, ‘flamboyant entertainment’ and fancy cocktails and traditional Chinese beers.

There’s a huge menu on-the-go – there’s mains (like deep fried monkfish tails or the pan-friend rib eye steak rolls), Teppanyaki and set meals (3 courses for £29.99 p/p).

There’s also endless starters (the sesame prawn toast is top-notch), sashimi (fine slices of raw meat), sushi and soups.

Rotating booths and karaoke: If you’re looking for Belfast restaurants for a great night out, book into the Japanese Tatami room or the private karaoke room

8. Shu Restaurant Belfast

The Main Room at Shu Restaurant on the Lisburn Road is where French, Mediterranean and Oriental influences come together to form a stunning take on European cuisine.

The first thing you’ll notice here is the interior – bottle green suede couches meet whitewashed brick, vibrant mosaic tiles and eclectic wall art.

But on to the menu – the stand-out starter, for me, is the Korean fried chicken, but the yellowtail sashimi and the salt and chill squid are worth considering.

For mains, there’s everything from roast halibut (with shellfish risotto) and veggie curries to aged Hereford sirloin and more.

Visiting at the weekend? Head to Jul’s – it’s a cocktail bar and restaurant in the basement with a more chilled buzz

9. John Long’s

If you’re in search of casual Belfast restaurants that dish up the city’s best fish and chips, mosey on down to John Long’s on Athol Street (near the Grand Opera House).

In 1914 (yes, 1914!), John Long converted a section of his grocery store so that he could sell fish and chips. Fast forward 100 years and 2 owners later and John’s Long’s is still making bellies happy.

You’ll find a no-nonsense menu here, with sausage suppers, steak burgers, chip butties and the pièce de résistance – the fresh battered fish supper.

Like stepping back in time: The interior at Long’s is like a living museum, with formica furniture that dates to the 1970s 

10. Yügo

One of the newest additions to our guide to the best restaurants Belfast has to offer is Wellington Street’s Yügo.

Here, you’ll find traditional Asian cooking mixed with ‘a Belfast Bushido attitude’ and a minimalist interior along with Asian-style cocktails.

If it’s your first visit, try the dumplings (the spicy beef and bone marrow is delicious) or the bao (I’d eat 10 of the panko prawn ones..!).

Crafty cocktails: There’s an extensive cocktail menu at Yügo. If you fancy something different, try the Vietnamese Iced Coffee 

11. OX Belfast

OX is an award-winning restaurant on Oxford Street that’s been on the go since back in 2013, and it’s run by two friends – Stephen and Alan, who racked up experience in Michelin starred kitchens in Paris.

The interior of OX small, bright and airy with minimal clutter and large windows that face out to the River Lagan. The menus here are designed around seasonal, locally sourced produce and, as such, change often.

Previous menus have contained the likes of Skeaghanore duck (with salsify, buckwheat and elderberries) and wild venison tartare (with lovage, black garlic and fermented kohlrabi).

If you’re looking for Belfast restaurants to mark a special occasion, you won’t be disappointed here.

Eat with your eyes: The only thing better than the taste of the food at OX is the presentation. Every inch of the dishes here are meticulously assembled

12. Neill’s Hill Brasserie

Inside Neill’s Hill Brasserie on Upper Newtownards Road you’ll find exec chef  Cath Gradwells cooking up a storm with the very best in traditional Irish foods, from fresh fish to locally sourced cuts of meat.

There are vegan, brunch and lunch menus at Neill’s, but we’ll focus on the evening one, which is laden with tasty bits.

For starters, there’s everything from crab linguine (with tomatoes, parsley and chilli) to sizzling Portavogie prawns, hot wings and courgette frites.

For mains, you’ll have a tough choice deciding between the steak (flat iron, aged sirloin an ribeyes) and the fish (roast seabass (with soked salmon arancini).

On-the-go for 25+ years: There are plenty of places to eat in Belfast, but if you fancy one that’s stood the test of time, give Neill’s a bash (your belly will thank you!)

13. The Muddlers Club

The Muddlers Club is one of a handful of Michelin star restaurants in Belfast City Centre, and you’ll find it tucked away in the colourful streets of the Cathedral Quarter.

Named after a secret society that met there over 200 years ago, this swanky spot offers fine dining in a dark yet warming post-industrial-style room.

Head chef Gareth McCaughey combines the very best of home grown produce and a wealth of skill to create dishes that’ll tantalise your tastebuds.

Try the tasting menu: It changes regularly but recent dishes include beef with mushroom and bone marrow and Wicklow venison with parsnip and chestnut

14. Coco

Tucked away in Belfast’s linen quarter, just behind Belfast City Hall, Coco is one of the more recent additions to this guide to the best restaurants in Belfast.

After admiring the beautiful red brick building, step inside and take in the funky interior with its very quirky artwork.

If you’re going for starters, the salt and chilli squid (with napa slaw, aioli and chill jam) and the roast squash risotto (with pine nuts and crispy sage) are the pick of the bunch.

You’ll have a hard time picking a main, with several scrumptious options on offer, like the basil stuffed chicken breast with potato gnocci and the veal loin with cocotte potatoes.

The pre-theatre menu is great value: Run at select times, you’ll get 2 courses for £23 and 3 for £29.50

15. Bank Square Brasserie

One of my favourite things about Berry Street’s Bank Square Brasserie is its location – it’s surrounded by lovely traditional pubs that are great for a pre-dinner pint, like Madden’s.

The interior of Bank Square is cosy, with brick lined columns and vintage chandeliers that give it an olde worlde feel.

Two of the highlights on the starter menu are the saffron and beef shin arancini (with garlic and lemon aioli) and the zesty Thai crispy beef (with napa slaw).

On to the mains. I’ve been here twice now – on the first visit I had the bone marrow beef burger and I had to be rolled out of the place! On the second, I had the much lighter pan fried salmon with potato gnocci – both were the business!

There’s great value lunch: There’s a £10 lunch menu served from Monday to Friday a mix of fish and meat dishes

16. Molly’s Yard

With sparkling reviews online, Molly’s Yard on College Green near Queen’s University is up there as one of the best places to eat in Belfast.

It’s also one of the most unique. The restaurant is situated inside a restored 19th century stable that was once part of College Green House.

There’s plemnty to like about the à la carte menu here, with simple options, like the soup with crusty bread to start and the more adventurous crispy spiced haloumi.

For mains, there is everything from a chargrilled ribeye (with root veg, red wine jus and hand cut chips) and a tasty butter roasted hake fillet.

Visiting during summer? If the weather is good, try and nab a table in the courtyard outside

17. Deanes Meat Locker

Deanes is a Belfast institution, of sorts, and it’s one of a few places to eat in Belfast that’s as popular with locals as it is with tourists.

There are four venues to choose from (each of which falls under the umbrella of legendary restaurateur Michael Deane).

The Meat Locker is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in Belfast for steak. There’s a choice of cuts and each is served with a rocket and parmesan salad, a choice of sauce and some tasty beef dripping chips.

Well worth reserving a table: Deanes is a popular spot so booking online, which you can do in seconds, is well worth it!

18. Coppi Restaurant

We’re off to Coppi on Saint Anne’s Square, next – one of the best restaurants in Belfast when it comes to Italian food!

Coppi was inspired by the Cicchetti bars in Venice and it’s run by husband and wife team Andrea and Chef Tony O’Neill.

The menu here is laden with contemporary, Italian inspired dishes with starters that include feta fritters (fried feta drizzled with truffle aioli) and duck arancini (crispy duck and rice balls).

For mains, when I was here last, I went for the slow braised beef shin lasagne and it was sensational. I’ve also had the classic duck ragu and it was ridiculously good. There’s also a variety of pizzas.

Have room for dessert? Indulge in the warm chocolate and hazelnut cookie with Nutella ice cream

19. Graze Belfast

The last spot in our guide to the best restaurants Belfast has to offer is the brilliant Graze, on Upper Newtownards Road.

Graze was set-up in 2013 by John Moffatt, who worked in some of the best places to eat in Belfast over the years. This amassed experience is evident from first bite to last.

There are some great starters on the go here, from the Lentil dahl (with crispy vegetables, cucumber and harrisa creme fraiche) and the Salt and chilli Dexter beef (with Asian salad and anticucho mayo).

For mains, there’s plenty of choice, like the seabass fillet, the 8oz Hereford, the green vegetable risotto and the seafood linguine.

Where to eat in Belfast: What have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant restaurants in Belfast City centre and beyond.

If you’ve eaten in any good Belfast restaurants recently that you’d recommend, let me know in the comments below.

Fancy more food guides?

• Afternoon tea in Belfast
• Bottomless brunch in Belfast
• Best cafes in Belfast
• Breakfast in Belfast
• Vegan restaurants in Belfast

FAQs about the best restaurants in Belfast

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from where the get the best food in Belfast if you fancy something cheap and tasty to where to go for fine dining.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.