The Best Restaurants In Belfast

Known for its world-famous port, Belfast serves up seafood that's second to none, thanks to its inventive chefs who make the most of the fresh, local bounty. But it's not just about cod, herring, and other sea treasures here; the city's culinary scene has undergone a renaissance, boasting everything from Michelin-worthy spots to tasty budget bites. To help you find the most delicious, here's a guide to Belfast's best restaurants that'll have you coming back for seconds.

Last edited by Izzah Kazi

Last updated on 30th September 2024




YO! Belfast Victoria Square

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Casual restaurants in Belfast, anyone? Nestled within Victoria Square, YO! is an authentic Japanese eatery featuring an open kitchen, cosy booths, and spacious seating. The iconic conveyor belt steals the show here, offering traditional delights like sashimi, sushi, pumpkin katsu, and more, all freshly made to order by skilled chefs. Plates on the belt are colour-coded, covering essentials like edamame and miso soup alongside an array of creative options such as salmon dragon rolls, vegan-friendly cucumber maki rolls, and prawn gyozas.

Coppi

Coppi is your go-to spot for Venetian cicchetti and barcari vibes, offering everything from small plates to full meals, including a range of pizzas, pastas, and other Italian favourites. Settle into cosy leather seats at rustic wooden tables and watch the chefs in action from the open kitchen. The menu includes mains like roast rump of Irish lamb, Coppi classic duck ragu, and porcini mushroom ravioli with truffle and parmesan. For dessert, the options are just as tempting, featuring goodies like lemon panna cotta served with prosecco jelly and strawberries.

The Muddler's Club

The Muddlers Club, a hyped-up Michelin Star gem on Warehouse Lane, is named after a secret society that gathered over 200 years ago in the back streets of the Cathedral Quarter. Here, Chef Gareth McCaughey's kitchen blends classic foundations with modern flair, with an emphasis on championing local ingredients. Head down to this swish spot decked out in an industrial-style setting and skull-themed décor to revel in delicious dishes like halibut with beurre blanc and turnip, as well as salt-aged beef with wild garlic and asparagus.

Molly's Yard

Molly's Yard, nestled in a beautifully restored Victorian stable near Queen's University Quarter, boasts a fantastic microbrewery offering top-notch brews to accompany their delectable dishes. Their small, regularly changing menu emphasizes local produce, featuring options like steak, fish, and hearty vegetarian selections. Indulge in seafood chowder with Hilden Irish stout wheaten bread, trout with pesto mash, confit duck leg, and more. For a perfect pairing, unwind in their cosy courtyard with a bottle of Belfast Blonde, Molly's Chocolate Stout, or Headless brew.

OX

OX, a Michelin-starred marvel since 2016, is the brainchild of chef Stephen Toman. Located just a stone's throw from the River Lagan, this understated restaurant offers an energetic dining experience and meticulously crafted tasting menus. Stephen's cooking is a masterclass in balance, with flavours and textures more complex than they first appear, using seasonal ingredients such as fresh vegetables, fish, and premium cuts of venison and beef. The menu features dishes like scallops with bisque, turnip, and oyster leaf, Mourne lamb and girolles, as well as apricot soup with sheep's yoghurt sorbet.

Six by Nico Belfast

If you're searching for the best restaurants in Belfast, Ireland, then Six by Nico on Waring Street is a whirlwind of culinary innovation beckoning your name. Featuring a stylish design and a rotating six-course tasting menu that completely transforms every six weeks, from Leith's docklands to the whimsy of the funfair, each theme is a delightful surprise. Dive into dishes like stuffed abobrinha flower with basil emulsion, mushroom velouté served in 'spinning teacups', and spaghetti nero with scamorza foam at this Cathedral Quarter haunt.

EDO

Looking for the best restaurants in Belfast? EDO is a chic, modern brasserie known for its excellent value and vibrant atmosphere, decked out in a cool blend of rustic and industrial interiors. This Bib Gourmand eatery's menu offers a global twist on sharing plates, highlighting Spanish tapas like pan con tomate and pil pil prawns. On the drinks side, this Upper Queen Street location serves up delicious cocktails such as coladas, Palomas, and apricot mai tais, along with a range of beers and spirits. Grab a seat at the long kitchen counter for a front-row view of the culinary action while you nibble on epic desserts like rhubarb crumble served with an anglaise sphere.

Yügo City

Yügo City is a hip pan Asian canteen-style spot serving a fusion of taste and style. With its brick walls, high ceilings, bamboo lamps, and bench seating, the atmosphere is buzzing yet relaxed, complemented by hanging lanterns and lush plants for added chic. Their menu, spanning snacks, 'smalls', 'bigs', baos, sides, and desserts, caters to seafood, meat, and veggie enthusiasts alike. Highlights include scallop gunkan, Szechuan lamb shoulder, roasted halibut with celeriac and mussels, and beef short rib massaman with peanut chilli and steamed rice.