24 Hours in Belfast - Your Complete Food Itinerary
Food in Belfast is hearty and robust. And an excellent way to explore the culture of this unique city.
Small But Mighty
Belfast is a small city, which makes it a great place to explore. You can walk the breadth of its centre; go on a black taxi tour with a local; and learn much about the city’s long history in a short time. You could even take a drive out to the coast and be back in time for lunch.
The allure of Belfast to some travellers will always be its compact size – which makes it a perfect destination for a city break.
Of course, the longer you stay the more you’ll discover and understand what makes Belfast the fascinating city that it is. How the cogs in the wheel turn to keep this city thriving after all these years.
24 Hours with MARVED
In Belfast you’ll find overflowing pubs and streets filled with merry patrons, forward-thinking chefs driving the local food scene to greater heights, and the very recent history spattered on the city’s own walls.
A city where you might realise a place can be as fun as it is thought provoking.
It may not have the restaurant scene of London or the pristine weather of Barcelona, but Belfast should be on your list to visit. With so much to discover (and eat) you certainly won’t end your day here hungry for more.
If you’re only in this boisterous town for a short time, you’ll want to ensure you squeeze in only the good stuff. It doesn’t matter if you’re hell-bent on solely eating traditional dishes or keen to try the best of Belfast’s modern food scene. Spend your precious Twenty-Four Hours with MARVED to make sure you eat only the very best food in a day.
If you plan on staying a little longer – check out all our guides to this delicious city.
REMEMBER:
Vegan options
Your carnivorous friends will also find options here
BELFAST BREAKFAST
Opening at the startling time of 7:30am on weekdays, Neighbourhood Café is perfect for the early riser who has excellent taste and high standards. The food here is a knockout and if you arrive first thing you might even beat the queue. Lots of veggie options to choose from. We highly recommend the French toast and Turkish eggs. The absolute best way to start your day in Belfast.
If you’re intent on keeping it traditional and desperate to start your day with more local fare, we suggest Maggie Mays for one of the best vegetarian Ulster fry’s you’ll get in the city
COFFEE BREAK
An important pit stop on any day of exploring – the mid-morning coffee break. Established coffee is one of the best cups of Joe in the city. One which is sure to shoot you with enough caffeine to get you pumping for the touristing ahead. They also supply some of the best pies and cakes in the city and we wouldn’t judge you for grabbing a quick slice even after that hefty breakfast. Food is sustenance after all.
LUNCH TIME
A Belfast institution to locals and one of her best kept secrets. John Longs is a no-frills British chippy that’s been around for decades. As it’s an old-school fish and chipper you may find the vegetarian options wanting but for a true taste of Belfast you can’t miss John Longs. Don’t expect white table clothes and polished cutlery. Instead you’ll get some of the best fried potatoes of your life and a seat to use while you enjoy them.
Fancy something with a greater veggie friendly selection? Umi Falafel is a 100% vegetarian restaurant in the bustling Botanic area of the city dishing out the best falafel in town. Their menu is robust with flavourful, vegetable dishes that are as delicious as they are nutritious.
ICE-CREAM COOL-DOWN
Northern Irelands favourite ice-cream. Mauds has been supplying locals with their famous Poor Bear (previously Pooh Bear) ice-cream since the 80’s. The honeycomb ice-cream concoction is one of the best we’ve ever had. Since then, the flavour options have expanded (along with their many cafes) but the perfectly sweet and creamy Poor Bear will always remain a favourite. They even have a vegan version.
QUICK PINT
No list on any tour of Belfast is complete without a pint of the black stuff. You’ll find the best pulled pint of Guinness at the Duke of York. Turn into what initially appears to be a non-descript alleyway and you’ll discover a colourful display of hanging lit-up umbrellas, criss-cross bistro string lights, and neon signs to let you know you’ve arrived at the popular Duke of York pub. It’s always busy and you’ll see a crowd of cheery revellers outside the tiny pub clutching their pints from summer to the depths of winter. A Belfast must visit.
DINNÉAR
When in Ireland you’ll want to eat some traditional Irish fare and there is no better restaurant in the city for such time-honoured food than Darcy’s. Chunky Irish soda bread smothered in local Irish cheese; vegetarian pies with buttery garlic potatoes; and veggie sausages drenched in onion gravy soaked up by cloudlike champ. Home-cooked style Irish food doesn’t get better than this. Finish with a classic Irish coffee and you’ll have won Belfast food bingo.
NIGHTCAP
Topping off a long day of sightseeing, museum visiting, and (endless) eating, with a nightcap is essential – or at least worthwhile. The absolute best spot in the city for a classy cocktail is Berts Jazz Bar. What could possibly be better than listening to a live Jazz band while you toast your day? Their cocktail menu is deep and rich with classics and contemporary spins on favourites. They do a sublime dirty martini if you want something with a strong hit and the Bee’s Knees is a superb choice for something sweet but balanced.
