Top 15 Restaurants in Belfast to Try Right Now
Big Food in Belfast
You don’t go home hungry from restaurants in Belfast, ever. They love generous portions of comforting food. It might not be weighed down by Michelin stars like some cities but if you want great tasting food, with excellent local produce – minus the pomp, then you’re in the best place.
Belfast has the feeling of a food city in its infancy, still discovering who it is it wants to be. But great restaurants here are taking it forward in leaps and bounds. Gone are the days when there was a somewhat obvious lack of cultural influence in the cuisine. Now there are tremendous options for the people of Belfast, and the lucky tourists who visit, to devour.
The Veggie Struggle
Being a vegetarian in these parts wasn’t always easy. It was very often the case that the one vegetarian option (veganism was but a shimmer on the horizon) was an afterthought to an already curated menu of abundant meat.
The usual sad offerings of goat’s cheese and mushrooms, or frozen bean burgers hastily heated when unexpectedly requested, were the norm. No judgement, of course, it all comes down to supply and demand and we imagine that vegetarians and vegans weren’t quite as omnipresent here as they are now.
But if you’re a travelling vegetarian or vegan, or even if you’re a carnivore with one in the travelling party you’d like to keep happy, then you’ll be delighted to know that quality vegetarian and vegan options here have skyrocketed.
However, this doesn’t apply to every restaurant. In cities, say like London, you can expect a decent vegetarian option at most restaurants – even the famous steakhouse Hawksmoor has a veggie option. But in Belfast tradition prevails in most parts which is why our carefully curated list is not to be missed for the vegetarians of this world (and their vegan and carnivore friends).
Whether you’re on a budget or hungry for some fine dining. Maybe you’re desperate to try some new and exotic flavours or the cosy comfort of northern Irish specialties – this list will have a restaurant to suit.
REMEMBER:
Vegan options
Your carnivorous friends will also find options here
Orto 🌱 🍗
For some of the best pizza in Belfast, try Orto. They currently have two locations, but you can reserve at their Cathedral Quarter location (always a winner in our book). Their pizzas are cheesy with excellent dough, but their starters are equally moreish. The roasted stuffed jalapeno is a high end take on the beloved jalapeno popper. Plus, what’s more Belfast than an outlandish nine dip selection. We love it here.
Darcy's 🌱 🍗
If you’re on vacation and want to discover traditional Irish fare, then add Darcy’s as an essential stop on your itinerary. Authentic dishes served in big, hefty portions of heart-warming comfort food. Their pies are renowned, and they have a whole menu dedicated to veggies (rare for this type of restaurant). Belfast on a plate.
Zen 🍗
Chinese food is extremely popular in the north of Ireland – specifically the much-westernised version of the original cuisine (think sweet and sour chicken balls and honey chilli shredded beef). Zen doesn’t return to tradition but instead has created a fusion menu blending various Asian dishes. The food is tasty regardless, especially the sizzling aubergine which according to fellow diners was better than some of the meat dishes.
Il Pirata 🌱 🍗
Those serious about their Italian eats should try Il Pirata. It has a solid menu that will keep you interested and curious long after you’ve finished eating. Vegetarian options generously speckle the main menu, and they even have an entirely separate vegan menu to cover each course. The celeriac agnolotti with brown butter is savoury and rich. The goats cheese polenta balls with candied fennel are unexpected golden nuggets of sweet and salty heaven. One for the foodies.
Home 🌱 🍗
Another Belfast restaurant thoughtfully catering to the vegetarians and vegans of the city. You’ll be stuck for choice here but their whipped goat’s cheese with candied walnuts and beets is a goat’s cheese recipe we can get on board with. Too many great options to mention them all but you will leave happy.
La Taqueria 🌱 🍗
It’s not easy to find good Mexican food in these parts but La Taqueria is knocking flavours out the park with their zingy dishes. Currently there are two options for vegetarians and vegans on the taco list. However, we think that is all you need because you can’t miss out on their sides and starters – many of which moonlight as vegan if requested.
Maggie Mays 🌱 🍗
Maggie Mays is for those on a budget but also alarmingly hungry. It’s popular with students and locals who like a good meal without breaking the bank for a dinner out. With loaded plates you’ll struggle to finish their menu is unique in that it separates out the veggie from the vegan rather than clumping us altogether. You’ll find no pretentious refinement in amongst the veggie taco chips or the vegan cowboy supper (a Norn Iron traditional dish). You might, however, find something better. Big portions and banging food.
The Muddlers Club 🍗
The Muddlers Club is for those who think a cowboy supper is something better left in the Wild Wild West. Fine European dining at its, well, finest. For a pretty penny they offer a tasting menu (slightly cheaper for veggies) which is otherworldly. Care and precision are thoughtfully given to each dish and, although pricey, it is worth every pretty penny.
Villa Italia 🍗
A stone-cold classic on the Belfast food scene. Brought to the people of Northern Ireland in 1988 it has been a local favourite since then. They offer Italian dishes you’d expect from a UK based Italian restaurant: pizza, pasta, unbelievable desserts. The pasta is mostly meaty, but they are happy to make any version sans meat. It’s a real warm and cosy welcoming and you’re always well looked after by the staff. A proper restaurant.
Ginger Bistro 🍗
A restaurant that has been around for as long as Ginger Bistro must be doing something right. Their balanced mix of local produce and delicious ingredients served at reasonable prices is a brilliant dinner choice. It’s not crawling with vegetarian options but there will be a dish for you (cheddar cheese ball with pineapple puree anyone?). The menu changes often but is permanently delicious, so the people just keep coming back.
Jumon 🌱
If you are tired scanning menus for veggie options, then all vegetarian Jumon could be the place for you. It’s flavourtime here all day every day, with some dishes spicey enough to put hairs on your chest. Each dish is detailed and well thought out to create an intricate and interesting food experience. Jumon is a vegetarian dream.
Trade Market 🌱 🍗
If you can’t decide where to go or find yourself with a group of particularly picky eaters – Trade Market Belfast might be the solution to all of your problems. A food court with enough options to ensure everybody goes home full and satisfied. We recommend the Impossible Patty from Baps followed by a sweet pie courtesy of the Pie Queen herself.
Edo 🌱 🍗
Edo is the type of restaurant we love to see in Belfast. This stylish and metropolitan type eatery is a sure sign of a prospering city. It brings modern Spanish tapas to the people of Belfast. Like most tapas restaurants the menu weighs heavy with meat and fish, but Edo have an admirable amount of veggie options on offer too.
Molly's Yard 🌱 🍗
Molly’s Yard is a much-loved spot in the bustling Botanic area of the city. It’s a beautiful and cosy space with a traditional character. Although the menu often sticks to the Irish classics there are dishes that blend ingredients and ideas from further afield but still feel distinctively Belfast. Vegetarians and vegans are well catered to with their own menu.
John Longs Fish and Chips 🌱 🍗
A Belfast Icon. If you want something cheap and cheerful that you can sit-in to eat, then John Longs (Johnny Longs to the locals) will be your new favourite place. Good all fashioned fish and chips – no frills needed (or tolerated) here. If you’re searching for a bunch of veggie versions of the real deal, you won’t find them here. But if you’re happy for perfect chips, beautifully crisp onion rings, baked beans, and maybe a halloumi bun, then don’t miss out.
