At Breaks.com, we love eating. And we love doing it in all shapes and sizes, whether it is a fancy fine-dining restaurant or a chippy – we are true foodies. Are you going on a break to Belfast, or are you a local who is not sure where to take your date? Not to worry, we have created a guide to the best places to eat in the capital of Northern Ireland.
Michael Deane is a name known by all in Northern Ireland. He has held onto his Michelin-star for 13 years, the longest ever in Ireland. With as many as six restaurants in Belfast, a Deane restaurant is not to be missed on your city trip. The restaurants range from high-end to relaxed bistros and offer something for all. New to the Deanes experience? Start at Love Fish with a £6.50 lunch. Or if you are looking to impress your date, visit Michelin-starred Eipic for a brilliant meal paired with the best wines.
[wpsm_button color=”orange” size=”small” link=”https://www.michaeldeane.co.uk/#restaurants” icon=”none” class=””]Book Deanes[/wpsm_button]
If you want to try some different flavours whilst in Belfast, pop into Howard Street for food with south eastern undertones. Their Roast Skeaghanore Duck Breast served with Crispy Steamed Duck Dumpling is a treat and the restaurant is a wonderful mix between fancy and casual dining.
[wpsm_button color=”orange” size=”small” link=”https://www.resdiary.com/restaurant/howardstbelfast” icon=”none” class=””]Book Howard Street[/wpsm_button]
In Belfast for a special occasion? Book OX for a fancy diner experience. We always look out for restaurants that use seasonal products, and this is why we love OX. And with a 2-course lunch menu for only £22, this is a affordable approach to fancy eating. Taster menus available too! As expected, booking is necessary.
[wpsm_button color=”orange” size=”small” link=”http://oxbelfast.com/” icon=”none” class=””]Book OX[/wpsm_button]
SHU, named after the Egyptian god of atmosphere, is a restaurant worthy of its name. First impressions last, and SHU definitely benefits from that. But here is more to it: SHU has been named best restaurant in Northern Ireland in 2012 and 2013 by The National Restaurant Awards. The selection is seafood is impressive and pairing them with tastes like fennel makes for interestingly good dishes.
[wpsm_button color=”orange” size=”small” link=”http://www.shu-restaurant.com/booking.htm” icon=”none” class=””]Book SHU[/wpsm_button]
A true British classic: a fresh seafood bar at great prices. Mourne serves amazingly classic dishes with a twist, like fishcakes with baba ghanoush and pomegranate salsa. Their shellfish is sourced from their own shellfish beds which is unique in Ireland. The only downside we could find is that it is always fully booked! You will be lucky getting a table last minute, but you have better chances if you visit for lunch.
[wpsm_button color=”orange” size=”small” link=”https://www.resdiary.com/restaurant/mourneseafoodbar” icon=”none” class=””]Book Mourne Seafood Bar[/wpsm_button]
A restaurant with bare brick walls, candles melting over empty wine bottles and – live music on Sunday afternoons. As if we need any more words to convince you, the restaurant also serves up some beautiful dishes. A daily changing menu will keep you coming back to The Barking Dog. And if it is not for the food, it will definitely be for the cocktails. A great location for a casual date or catch up with friends or family.
[wpsm_button color=”orange” size=”small” link=”https://www.opentable.co.uk/the-barking-dog?page=1″ icon=”none” class=””]Book The Barking Dog[/wpsm_button]
If you are looking for a casual place to grab a pizza or burger, Morso can’t be missed. Morso is the restaurant that is part of The Doyen, a 15,000-square foot complex that includes a bar, cafe bar and the Italian style restaurant Morso. They proudly source their products from local suppliers and the overall vibe is very relaxed. Explore the bar before or after your pizza where you can take your pick from a large selection of cocktails. The joy about this venue is that there is truly something for all: great food, lots of sports, pub quizzes and enough quiet spaces to escape the hustle and bustle.
[wpsm_button color=”orange” size=”small” link=”https://morsobelfast.com/booking/” icon=”none” class=””]Book Morso[/wpsm_button]
- St George’s Market – on the weekends
Markets are becoming increasingly popular as a way to grab lunch or any type of snack. St George’s market was awarded UK’s Best Large Indoor Market 2014 by the National Association of British Market Authorities, which is solid proof why you can’t miss out on your visit to Belfast. There are numerous stalls with trinkets or art, but also some of the best street foods. From hot dishes like curries and paellas to cold snacks like sweets and chocolate – you will find more food than you could ever eat. And with most dishes ranging from a fiver to £10, this is a great stop to grab a bite on a budget.
