Our Guide to the 7 Best Restaurants in Belfast

With direct access to some of the freshest seafood in Europe, as well as incredible produce from Northern Ireland’s inescapably beautiful countryside, it comes as no surprise to see Belfast’s restaurant industry flourishing.

From popular eateries in the Cathedral Quarter to chic dining out venues in the heart of the city centre, those searching for the best restaurants in Belfast don’t need to look far to find some absolute gems.

What’s more, when compared to other large cities in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, dining out at some of the best places to eat in Belfast is a treat for both your taste buds and your wallet.

With this in mind, it’s time to cue the drumroll, as we unveil what we believe to be the seven wonders of Belfast’s culinary scene.

Best Restaurants in Belfast

The Muddlers Club

A consistent high performer within Belfast’s booming restaurant industry, The Muddlers Club is a dining out venue that leads the way for first-class gastronomy in Northern Ireland’s capital city. In fact, in many people’s opinion, this Warehouse Lane establishment doesn’t just use locally-sourced produce – it treasures it.

Diners are regularly treated to show-stopping plates of food at The Muddlers Club. The restaurant’s modern yet casual dining area serves as the perfect setting for a business lunch or an evening meal with friends.

Billed as one of Belfast’s hidden gems, The Muddlers Club can arguably stake a claim to be the jewel in the crown of the city’s restaurant scene.

Address: 1 Warehouse Lane, Belfast BT1 2DX

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: lunch from 12:00pm to 2:30pm, dinner from 5:30pm to 10:00pm; Sunday and Monday: closed

Havana Bank Sq

Located in the very heart of Belfast, Havana Bank Sq is a casual eatery that specialises in serving contemporary Irish and European cuisine, as well as a handpicked selection of refreshing cocktails. With guests made to feel welcome from the moment they take their seats, this Berry Street restaurant has built quite the loyal following.

Whether you choose to order a dish from the pre-theatre menu, or opt instead for some Mourne lamb or Irish scallops from the à la carte menu, you’re sure to be blown away by the fabulous gourmet food on offer. With plenty of vegetarian and vegan options also available, Havana Bank Sq is the perfect place to share a memorable meal with a large party.

Address: 56-58 Berry Street, Belfast BT1 1FJ

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 12:00pm to 9:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm to 6:00pm

Hadskis

An award-winning restaurant located in Belfast’s famous Cathedral Quarter, Hadskis is home to some classical European cooking and an international wine list that rivals any in the city. Passionate about using high-quality Northern Irish produce, the team of chefs at Hadskis are meticulous in their work.

From a sumptuous brunch offering to a selection of divine desserts, the food at Hadskis is eclectic and exciting. Situated on one of Belfast’s most photographed alleys, Hadskis itself is surely in the frame for bigger and better things in the coming months.

Address: 33 Donegall Street, Commercial Court, Belfast BT1 2NB

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00pm to late

Dining out elsewhere in the UK? We’ve got you covered!

• Check out the best places to eat in Liverpool

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OX

A list of best restaurants in Belfast wouldn’t be complete without mentioning OX, one of the city’s Michelin-starred eateries. Not shy in embracing the unique flavours of Northern Ireland’s seasonal produce, the team at OX work in close partnership with local meat, fish, fruit and vegetable suppliers to ensure diners are treated to a feast of culinary goodness.

OX’s wine pairings are legendary in Belfast and further add to the already impressive fine dining experience. With a winning combination of innovative tasting menus, affordable prices and stylish dining areas, it’s easy to understand why a table reservation at OX is often the hottest ticket in town.

Address: 1 Oxford Street, Belfast BT1 3LA

Opening Hours: Tuesday: 6:00pm to 9:30pm; Wednesday – Friday: lunch from 12:15pm to 2:30pm, dinner from 6:00pm to 9:30pm; Saturday: lunch from 1:00pm to 2:30pm, dinner from 6:00pm to 9:30pm; Sunday and Monday: closed

La Taqueria

Offering up a different culinary adventure to those experienced in the Belfast restaurants already mentioned, La Taqueria on Castle Street is the go-to place for those looking for authentic Mexican food. The restaurant’s key players have all spent a considerable amount of time in Mexico. They are therefore well acquainted with traditional Mexican dining experiences and the type of flavoursome food that’ll knock your socks and shoes off.

Tacos are a kitchen specialty at La Taqueria, and better yet, there are also enough margaritas and tequilas behind the bar to keep everyone’s spirits up. Authentic in its appearance, La Taqueria is hands down one of the best eateries in Belfast.

Address: 53 Castle Street, Belfast BT1 1GH

Opening Hours: Monday: 5:00pm to 9:30pm; Tuesday: 5:00pm to 9:30pm (tacos only); Wednesday: closed; Thursday: 5:00pm to 9:30pm; Friday – Saturday: lunch from 12:00pm to 3:30pm, dinner from 5:00pm to 10:00pm; Sunday: 3:00pm to 9:00pm

Coppi

Another shining light in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, Coppi is a stylish restaurant that continues to set the bar for contemporary Italian cuisine in the city. Named after a famous Italian cyclist who bore the nickname ‘Champion of Champions’, Coppi has itself proven to be a frontrunner on Belfast’s fine dining scene.

Serving up cicchetti – Italian-style tapas most commonly found in traditional eateries in Venice – as well as a host of other homemade Italian delicacies, Coppi has built up quite the reputation and is showing no signs of slowing down. A spacious dining out venue situated on a square buzzing with activity, tables at Coppi are often at a premium – a great sign for any restaurant chasing success.

Address: Saint Anne’s Square, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast BT1 2LR

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: lunch from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, dinner from 5:00pm to 10:00pm; Friday – Saturday: 12:00pm to 10:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm to 9:00pm

Mourne Seafood Bar

One of Belfast’s unique selling points is its proximity to the sea. For the city’s culinary industry, that factor means access to some high-quality ingredients. One restaurant making the most of Belfast’s advantageous location is Mourne Seafood Bar on Bank Street, a chic eatery that knows how to put on a show.

From locally-sourced mussels and oysters to an array of freshly caught fish, diners at Mourne Seafood Bar are treated to a gastronomic feast time and time again. With a friendly atmosphere and first-class hospitality only adding to Mourne Seafood Bar’s appeal, few can argue its status as one of the best restaurants in Belfast.

Address: 34-36 Bank Street, Belfast BT1 1HL

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: lunch from 12:00pm to 4:00pm, dinner from 5:00pm to 9:30pm; Friday – Saturday: lunch from 12:00pm to 3:30pm, dinner from 5:00pm to 10:00pm; Sunday: lunch from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, dinner from 5:00pm to 9:00pm