Where to Eat in Belfast

Photo Elaine Hill Photography

Run by Belfast-born Stephen Toman and Brittany native Alain Kerloc'h (the two met in Paris working at influential fine-dining restaurants such as 3-star Taillevent) this Belfast flagship fine-dining restaurant now has its own Michelin star. The highly-accomplished cuisine is based on the best in local produce, and every plate is imbued with knowledge, executed with skill and presented with passion. With a relaxed atmosphere in cool Nordic-inspired surroundings, this restaurant symbolises Belfast’s new cool – confident and interesting. The addition of a wine bar, Cave, provides a more casual option.

Courtesy of Home Restaurant

Starting life as a pop-up in the city centre, the restaurant was so popular that it soon gained a loyal customer base as well as a permanent home near the iconic City Hall. On the menu from classic home-cooked favourites to dishes that change with the seasons.

Courtesy of Muddlers Club

A Michelin-starred gem tucked away in the city’s historic Cathedral Quarter, where chef-owner Gareth McCaughey creates high-quality dishes from the finest, hand-picked local produce. The open kitchen provides a connection between front and back of house and a lively atmosphere. A small, unpretentious space, The Muddlers Club is named after a secret society who used to meet there over 200 years ago. It might still be home to Belfast’s best-kept secret.

Fresh and funky modern food with an Asian flavour based on Irish ingredients, Yugo is a restaurant that is many things. Fast-casual fine dining full of big flavours and creativity, it’s a relaxed restaurant with high standards and perfect for any occasion.

Recognised with a Michelin star for the fourth year in a row, Deanes EIPIC is a standout performer of Belfast’s restaurant scene. Helmed by Northern Irish chef Alex Greene, returning from experience at various leading restaurants, the food is accomplished with subtle flavours using local, seasonal produce. A cool, elegant establishment that holds itself to highest standards everything about EIPIC exudes excellence.

Photo: Nicole Grace Kelly

A casual restaurant with consistently excellent food, James St. specialises in chargrilled meats and aged steaks. Relax in cool surrounds in the brick-walled dining room in the bistro-style. Eat well, enjoy.

An easy-going bistro with a light and airy vibe, Ginger is very easy to enjoy with its European-influenced cuisine based on hearty local produce. With very good food and not a hint of pretension, Ginger offers great value for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Try the cocktails to really get into the spirit.

Photo: Ellie McDowell

This modern Spanish tapas place has a wide range of small plates, tapas-style bigger plates, chargrilled steaks, wines and cocktails. The modern styling makes for a contemporary vibe, and you won’t be disappointed by the food concept, which is built around European-style sharing plates. Sit by the kitchen and get served by the chefs or kick back in the dining room and soak up the atmosphere.

Discover excellent Italian cuisine in this characterful restaurant. Making up the menu is modern, contemporary Italian food, from the classics to new imaginings catering to every taste, making it a great place for a family evening out. Don’t let the relaxed atmosphere fool you, the food is lovingly created and there is a real passion evident in every detail. Recommended.

Another leading light of the city’s upmarket dining scene, the food at Deanes at Queens is proudly British (with a focus on meats and steaks) and shows attention to detail across the board. Quality and consistency are the name of the game in a restaurant that feels very much a part of Belfast’s cityscape. Head for the terrace to make the most of a sunny evening, and you’ll feel the very best of a city on the rise.