Food and Drink in Belfast
We want to thank everyone again who are coming from abroad and making the wedding as special as it can be. We hope that you will really enjoy being around Belfast, as it really is a lovely city with lots of great attractions. We have put together a (non-exhaustive) list with help from a number of friends, showing off the best of the bars, restaurants and attractions that are on offer. If there is anything in particular you want to hear more about, or any activities that we have not included, please get in contact.
Restaurants - Dinner
One of the main reasons that Jane and I do so much exercise is that we can eat more. We both love eating, whether it is a roast chicken, a lasagne for six or chocolate in any shape or form. Here are some great eating spots in and around Belfast.
Bunsen
Great easy going burger joint which reportedly does the best burger in Belfast. Situated right in the Cathedral Quarter so it is close to the bars and any other action you might want.
Bunsen Belfast
Orto
Another great restaurant in the Cathedral Quarter, Orto is quickfire Italian restaurant with a wood-fire pizza oven that produces some great flavours at a good price.
Orto Pizza
Mourne Seafood Bar
If you are itching for a independently run restaurant serving fresh and high quality seafood and shellfish then look no further. Belfast has a wide variety of local produce to ensure you will find something you like.
Mourne Seafood Bar
Waterman
A new restaurant that has hit the scene with a bang. Contemporary European food in yep you guessed it, the Cathedral Quarter. Small menu but every times seems to be something you would definitely consider ordering.
Waterman
Yugo
Innovative restaurant serving Asian small plates in a cool evening setting. Good food, enough said.
Yugo
The Muddler's Club
For those looking for a bit more of a haute culinary experience, the Muddler's Club is a fantastic Michelin Star restaurant situated in the heart of Belfast (the Cathedral Quarter of course). Tried and tested twice by the bride herself, the personable atmosphere and fantastic food really makes it a memorable experience.
The Muddler's Club
Mumbai 27
Every time Oli's parents are back in the UK, they immediately are craving a good curry. So if any of you are the same, look no further than Mumbai 27. Great Indian food yet again in the Cathedral Quarter, their homestyle food is paired with classic and well known dishes.
Mumbai 27Restaurants & Cafe's for Coffee & Brunch
For those wanting somewhere to go for bruch or a coffee and cake, here are some great places which offer a more relaxed atmosphere whilst still showing the best traybakes and coffee that Belfast has on offer.
Harlem
A quirky yet sophisticated brunch and coffee spot located in the city centre, head along if you are in the mood for a great ulster fry (for the uninitiated, hash browns and black pudding are replaced with soda and potato bread).
Harlem Facebook Page
Avoca
Avoca is a gorgeous homeware and food retail store located right in the main shopping area of Belfast. They also have a cafe with loads of freshly prepared treats including baked goods and also cooks a mean breakfast and lunch.
Avoca Arthur Street
Established Coffee
If you are a coffee affecionado and only want the best in the business, Established coffee is where you will want to go. Their small cafe in the Cathedral Quarter serves fantastic coffee as well as having a small food many if you want a light bite.
Established Coffee
The National
Bridging the gap between relaxing daytime retreat and evening cocktail bar, THe National has it all. Head down for locally inspired breakfast and lunch, or head down a bit later for some of the great cocktails they have on offer.
The NationalBars and Pubs
The Irish are well renowned for their drinking prowess. Belfast has seen a surge in the number of good places to go for a drink over the last 5-10 years, pairing well with the established and ever-present bars which we all know and love. If you just want to wander in to a place you like the look of, the Cathedral Quarter is where you will want to be. Otherwise, here are a few handpicked spots which may entice you in.
The Duke of York
Nestled well inside the heart of the Belfast nightlife along a narrow cobbled alley, this bar offers a flavour of traditional Belfast hospitality. Often hosting live music and lots of good craic, it is full pretty much every day of the week.
The Duke of York
The Dirty Onion
If the powers that be allow a weekend with good weather, the Dirty Onion has one of the biggest and busiest beer gardens in Belfast. They always have some sort of entertainment going with a good bar list, this is a great spot if you are looking for something outside.
The Dirty Onion
The Cloth Ear @ The Merchant
We have already raved about the Merchant in the Hotels section, now is the chance to talk about their in-house bar. The Cloth Ear has the decor of a fancy Irish pub with the drink menu to rival any ber around. The cocktails here are particularly exquisite.
The Cloth Ear
The Harp Bar
You cannot go to Ireland and not mention the iconic harp, the logo of Guiness and a number of other authentic Irish establishments. The Harp Bar is no different, offering a widly popular place for tourists and locals alike to experience the vivacious culture of Irland. Live music galore, this central bar is sure to ignite the Irish spirit inside every one of you.
The Harp Bar
The Spaniard
A small bar with a dimly-lit intimate twist, this place is known for its Margaritas, which have become a bit of a staple cocktail on many a night out and in. A specialised rum bar, it is a great first stop on a bar crawl across the city. Although you might enter and not want to leave.
The Spaniard Instagram
The Perch
Located on the fifth floor, this rooftop cocktail bar is always fluttering with activity. With lovely decor and brilliant high ceilings, this is a great spot if you want to add a bit of class to your night.
The Perch