Fish City is an award-winning seafood and fish & chip restaurant situated in the heart of Belfast. Established in 2013, it has garnered multiple accolades, including the UK's Fish & Chip Restaurant of the Year and Environment & Sustainability Champion at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2023. The restaurant is committed to sustainability, sourcing all cod, haddock, and hake from Marine Stewardship Council-certified fisheries. Its menu features a variety of seafood dishes, such as Carlingford oysters and Strangford Lough mussels, alongside meat and vegetarian options. The interior boasts a nautical theme, complemented by three dining rooms and an outdoor terrace. Fish City also offers educational initiatives, including a free kids club focused on ocean health.
What each source says
- Google 4.2 2,128
- Tripadvisor 4.5 1,041
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
- Convenient Central Belfast Location Located in the heart of Belfast, Fish City is easily accessible and a natural extension of the city's vibrant atmosphere, making it a convenient choice for locals and tourists alike.
- Fresh, High-Quality Seafood The restaurant is known for its incredibly fresh and well-prepared seafood dishes, exceeding typical fish and chips. The quality, flavor, and presentation demonstrate a commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Friendly and Attentive Service Expect outstanding, friendly, and attentive service from the staff, enhancing the overall dining experience. Many reviewers specifically mention staff by name and commend their helpfulness and attentiveness.
- Pleasant Atmosphere Many reviewers enjoy the atmosphere, with some noting a cozy and relaxed vibe, especially on the refurbished top floor. The option for outdoor seating adds to the appeal on pleasant days.
- Unique and Tasty Menu Options The menu offers a diverse selection of seafood dishes, including unique preparations and flavors not commonly found in other Belfast restaurants. There are a variety of options from traditional fish and chips to interesting dishes such as bouillabaisse.
Criticised
- Inconsistent Fish and Chips While many enjoy the fish and chips, some find it underwhelming, especially given the 'award-winning' claim. Some reviewers have described the batter as tasteless or the fish portion as small.
- Potential for Overpriced Dishes Some reviewers felt that specific dishes, like the seafood chowder or sea bass gnocchi, were overpriced for the quality or quantity offered. This can lead to a feeling of not getting good value for money.
- Pricey Menu Several reviewers mention that the restaurant is on the pricier side, especially considering portion sizes. Some feel the cost does not align with the quantity of food received, making it less budget-friendly.
- Slow or Impersonal Service (occasional) While many reviewers praised the service, a few reported slow or impersonal service experiences. This includes delays in receiving drinks or difficulty getting the bill.
- Small Portion Sizes A recurring concern is the small portion sizes, especially for dishes like fish and chips. Some customers have left feeling hungry despite the cost of their meal, which can be a disappointment.
The longer read
Fish City in Belfast city centre receives generally positive reviews, with many customers praising the freshness and quality of the seafood. The restaurant is centrally located and provides a pleasant dining atmosphere, with some reviewers specifically mentioning the refurbished and characterful top floor. Multiple reviewers commend the staff for being friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, with some naming specific staff members who provided exceptional service. The service elevates the experience. Many reviewers enjoyed the seafood dishes, including the oysters, mussels, bouillabaisse, soft shell crab tempura, and fish pie. The fish and chips are also popular, with many reviewers noting the crispy batter and fresh fish. However, some reviewers found the fish and chips to be a letdown, citing small portion sizes. There is consensus that the cod is perfectly cooked. The restaurant offers a diverse menu with interesting and different twists on seafood dishes and generous enough sized portions if having starters. The restaurant also receives positive feedback for its desserts, particularly the peanut butter chocolate cheesecake and sticky toffee pudding. However, some reviewers find the portions to be small for the price, especially for the fish and chips. A few reviewers mention that the restaurant can be pricey, with one reviewer describing it as ridiculously expensive, while others find the prices reasonable for the quality of food and service. A few reviewers also note that some dishes can be inconsistent in quality and taste. There are mixed opinions on the value with some stating that the portions are small for the prices charged. Some reviewers have noted slow or impersonal service. However, many others praised individual staff members by name as being outstanding. Reviewers recommend booking in advance, especially on Friday or Saturday evenings. The restaurant is described as a good choice for a special occasion, with staff going above and beyond to make guests feel welcome. The restaurant's sustainability efforts are also appreciated. The Guinness and sweet cider are praised. Fish City is seen as a must-visit restaurant when in Belfast, praised for it's good quality sea food and cozy, relaxed atmosphere.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 28 9023 1000
- Website
- fish-city.com
| Mon | 12:00 - 21:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 21:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 21:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Sun | 13:00 - 20:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.3 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 recommended dishes at Fish City in Belfast?
- How does Fish City source its seafood and do they focus on sustainability?
- What is the general price range for meals at Fish City in Belfast?
- Does Fish City offer vegetarian or vegan menu options for diners?
- What kind of atmosphere and dining experience can guests expect at Fish City in Belfast?
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.