City Picnic is a casual dining restaurant situated in the heart of Belfast, offering a variety of dishes including gourmet beef burgers, crispy chicken burgers, pizzas, and salads. They also serve milkshakes, cocktails, and a selection of beers and wines. The restaurant is known for using locally sourced ingredients to create flavorful meals. It is located beside Primark, just off Royal Avenue, making it a convenient spot for both locals and visitors.
What each source says
- Google 4.1 1,427
- Tripadvisor 4.0 659
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Delicious and Diverse Food The restaurant offers a diverse menu with many tasty options. Several reviewers specifically enjoyed the burgers, pizza, fries, and cocktails, and said that the food was well-priced for the quality and portion size.
- Excellent Cocktail Deals Many reviewers raved about the cocktails, particularly the frozen cocktails, and mentioned the great value offered through deals and promotions.
- Friendly and Attentive Staff Many reviewers praised the staff for being welcoming, friendly, and providing excellent service. Several staff members were mentioned by name for their exceptional service and attentiveness.
- Great Gluten-Free Options City Picnic is highly recommended for those with gluten intolerance, offering a wide variety of gluten-free choices including burgers on gluten-free buns and other menu items prepared safely.
- Vibrant Atmosphere The restaurant has a cool and upbeat atmosphere, making it a great spot for various occasions. Some reviewers also noted the outdoor seating area is a pleasant and enjoyable dining space.
Criticised
- Burger Quality Can Vary While many enjoyed the burgers, a few reviewers found the burgers to be dry or bland. Some felt the chicken burgers lacked sauce, and others found the meat quality to be lacking.
- Inconsistent Portion Sizes Some reviewers have noted that certain dishes, like the burgers and nachos, come with small portion sizes, especially considering the price. This can be disappointing when other menu items have generous portions.
- Menu Inconsistencies Some reviewers mentioned discrepancies between the menu displayed outside and the actual menu available when seated. This included unavailable items and limited options compared to expectations.
- Potential for Cramped Seating A few reviewers mentioned that the seating arrangement could be a bit cramped, particularly when the restaurant is busy. This may affect the overall dining experience and comfort.
- Slow Service at Times While many praised the service, some reviewers experienced slow service, particularly when the restaurant was busy. This included waiting a long time for drinks and food, even when the restaurant wasn't at full capacity.
The longer read
City Picnic receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, particularly for its friendly staff, diverse menu with gluten-free options, tasty food, and appealing cocktails. Many reviewers specifically mention the excellent service provided by staff members like Carter, Ciara, Ryan, Caitie, CJ, Charlize, Stacey, Naoimh, Justine, and Eloise, highlighting their friendliness, attentiveness, and helpfulness in making the dining experience special. The atmosphere is frequently described as upbeat, casual, and welcoming, with a cool urban feel and a pretty courtyard area for outdoor seating. The restaurant is noted for being suitable for various occasions, including birthday celebrations, girls' nights out, family visits, and casual lunches. The location is convenient, close to pubs and in the city center. Food quality is a recurring theme, with many praising the burgers, rice bowls, garlic fries, and pizza pocket dough balls. The chipotle and pulled pork rice bowls, brisket fries, and sticky pig pizza are repeatedly recommended. While some find the chicken burgers slightly dry or the portion sizes of chips and nachos small, the overall consensus is that the food is delicious and well-priced. Cocktails, especially the frozen Pornstar Martinis, margaritas, and daiquiris, are consistently highlighted as gorgeous and amazing. Gluten-free options are plentiful and well-received. The restaurant is generally busy, especially on Friday nights, but the service remains quick and efficient. The two-course meal deals and cocktail prices are considered great value. While a few reviewers mention slow service at times and occasional inconsistencies in food quality or cocktail preparation compared to previous visits, these issues appear to be isolated incidents. Many reviewers express their intention to return, citing the great atmosphere, tasty food, friendly staff, and overall positive experience.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 28 9031 4499
- Website
- citypicnic.co.uk
| Mon | 11:30 - 21:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:30 - 21:00 |
| Wed | 11:30 - 21:00 |
| Thu | 11:30 - 21:30 |
| Fri | 11:30 - 21:30 |
| Sat | 11:00 - 21:30 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 19:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.1 against a median of 4.9 across the 1 places to eat we hold for City Centre, where the most-reviewed is Chopstix - Cardiff.
Still deciding?
- What are the most popular or unique dishes to try at City Picnic in Belfast?
- Does City Picnic offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options for diners?
- Is City Picnic suitable for families with children and do they provide a kids' menu?
- What is the typical price range for a meal at City Picnic in Belfast?
- What is the overall atmosphere like at City Picnic—casual, lively, or quiet?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.