Warm, hearty and filling, there is
nothing better than sitting down to a traditional Irish meal after
a day spent exploring the city. From Irish stew and boxty – a
traditional Ulster Fry (most commonly served at breakfast but
acceptable any time of the day) – to seafood in varying forms,
you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to Irish food. Often
served in a cosy Irish pub in front of a roaring fire and
accompanied by a creamy pint of Guinness, this is the ultimate
comfort meal and a dining experience you will never forget.
Thankfully, Belfast is home to an array of establishments serving a
slap-up Irish meal, so here are the best places for Irish
food in Belfast.
Belfast's best Irish restaurants
Ben Madigan’s Bar and Kitchen
- Bistro, Bar
- 169-175 Cavehill Road, Belfast, Co Antrim, United Kingdom, BT15
5BP
Established in 2019, Ben Madigan’s Bar and Kitchen can be
found at the foot of one of Belfast’s most iconic landmarks:
Cavehill. We don’t know about you, but we can think of nothing
better after a hike to one of the most impressive viewpoints in the
city than refuelling with a hearty Irish meal and a creamy pint of
Guinness.
With a friendly atmosphere and award-winning local food and
drink, Ben Madigan’s has proved a hit with locals in its two years
of operation. Despite being one of the more recent additions to
Belfast’s dining scene, this restaurant has a traditional feel and
outstanding service that makes it feel like it has existed for
decades. From the menu, you can enjoy Ben’s ‘Famous’ Seafood
Chowder, Steamed Dundrum Mussels, a juicy Buttermilk Chicken
Burger, and much more.
Holohan’s Pantry
- Irish
- 43 University Road, Belfast, United Kingdom, BT7 1ND
One of the premier names in Belfast’s restaurant scene,
Holohan’s Pantry proves popular for a reason. And that reason is
outstanding food and drinks, accompanied by attentive service. This
laid-back, family-owned spot offers a variety of traditional and
local Irish fare, which has gained it the reputation as Belfast’s
only five-star-rated restaurant on TripAdvisor.
Using fresh, local ingredients and traditional Irish recipes,
Holohan’s Pantry is a sure bet for great Irish food. Guests can
enjoy the famous Holohan’s Pan Boxty, which is served with seasonal
vegetables and your choice of flavour. Alternatively, you can
choose from breaded cod with roast fennel, bacon chops, handmade
pie of the day, and a vegan mushroom and truffle pie.
Hoose
- Irish, Vegan / Vegetarian Friendly
- 52 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United
Kingdom, BT4 3EL
Set on the Upper Newtownards Road in the east of the city is
the classy and chic Hoose Bistro. Procuring fresh, local
ingredients to offer a quality dining experience to customers, this
spot is famed across the city for its wholesome food and equally
wholesome atmosphere. Diners can choose from a range of steaks,
seafood, pork and chicken dishes, as well as a range of vegan and
vegetarian options, cooked to perfection, with thoughtfully
flavoured sides. The Sunday carvery menu here is truly delicious
and reasonably priced too, meaning diners return time and time
again.
McHughs Bar and Restaurant
- Pub, Irish
- 29-31 Queen's Square, Belfast BT1 3FG, UK
Not only is McHughs Bar and Restaurant one of the oldest bars
in the city, dating back to 1711, it’s also one of the best places
to go for delicious, traditional Irish food and drinks, live music,
and a friendly atmosphere. Spread over three floors, there is
something for everyone at this brilliant Irish bar and restaurant.
The menu at McHughs features a vast array of local favourites,
including the famous Boxty, which is accompanied by an impressive
choice of toppings. If you fancy something different, there are
also classic Irish pub favourites, such as the Famous Hot Rock
Steaks, Creamy Seafood Chowder, and plenty more. For the full Irish
pub experience, we recommend visiting at the weekend, during one of
the live trad music sessions!
Fibber Magee
- Irish, Pub
- 38-42 Great Victoria St, Belfast BT2 7BA, UK
Located at the heart of the city in Robinson’s Bar on Great
Victoria Street is Fibber Magee. Steeped in Irish tradition, you
will be hard pushed to find a more authentic traditional Irish pub
experience in the whole of Belfast. With a roaring fire and live
Irish folk music, this is the perfect place to escape the blustery
Belfast weather. Cosy up with your choice of stout, listen to the
fiddles, bodhráns and pipes, and enjoy a hearty plate of Irish
food. Dishes on offer include a traditional Steak and Guinness Pie
served with chunky chips, Battered Cod with chunky chips and mushy
peas, the Chef’s Soup of the Day, and much more. You’re sure to be
spoilt for choice if you opt for a meal at this traditional Irish
restaurant.
Darcy's
- Irish
- 10 Bradbury Place, Belfast BT7 1RS
Nestled in the heart of Belfast, Darcy’s is a lively pub
offering a cosy yet vibrant atmosphere perfect for everything from
a casual pint to a full-on celebration. With a menu brimming with
hearty pub classics and delicious Irish fare, it’s the ideal spot
to soak up the local culture. The welcoming staff, extensive drinks
selection, and regular live music ensure that Darcy’s is a
must-visit for anyone seeking great food, drinks, and an authentic
Belfast experience.
