Whether you’re looking for an elegant restaurant perfect for special occasions or a relaxed dining experience with incredible food and drinks, the best restaurants in Northern Ireland are sure to cater.
The dining scene in the north of Ireland has expanded exponentially in recent years, welcoming a range of exciting new restaurants offering both local and international cuisine.
Food lovers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the best restaurants in Northern Ireland. From Fermanagh to Antrim, Derry to Down, and Armagh to Tyrone, Northern Ireland’s dining scene boasts a wide range of great eateries to suit all tastes and budgets.
So, if you’re wondering where to find some excellent food, fabulous cocktails, and top-class service, read on. Here are the 20 best restaurants in Northern Ireland, with a few notable mentions for good measure.
20. Coppi, Co. Antrim – a great spot for Italian food and cocktails in the Cathedral Quarter
For contemporary Italian dishes, excellent wines, and a great vegan menu, we highly recommend checking out Coppi in St Anne’s Square.
With everything from fresh pasta to small plates, pizzetta to Cicchetti, as well as a great range of wines and desserts, Coppi guarantees a great, reasonably priced meal in Belfast City Centre.
Address: Saint Anne’s Square, 11 Edward St, Belfast BT1 2LR
19. White Horse Inn, Co. Down – a modern restaurant with lots of history
Dating back over 200 years, this old coaching inn is one of the most-loved restaurants in the County Down food scene.
Offering a friendly atmosphere, delicious Irish food as well as creative and contemporary dishes, and a fantastic range of cocktails, wines, beers, and spirits, the White Horse Inn is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Northern Ireland.
They even offer a fantastic vegan and vegetarian menu, something that is often hard to come by in more rural areas.
Address: 49-53 Main St, Saintfield, Ballynahinch BT24 7AB
18. Deanes EIPIC, Co. Antrim – one of the best restaurants in Belfast City Centre
One of the most renowned chefs on the Belfast dining scene, Michael Deane owns a number of restaurants around the city, all of which are worth checking out.
However, for the purposes of this list, we choose his Howard Street restaurant as our favourite. Offering a delightful range of European cuisine made from locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, the flavours here are truly immaculate.
Address: 28-40 Howard St, Belfast BT1 6PF
17. Balloo House, Co. Down – an award-winning restaurant
Boasting charm, history, and traditional Irish character, Balloo House is a fantastic Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant offering a delightful modern European menu.
From local seafood and fresh fish to classic dishes and pub grub, this warm and cosy restaurant is perfect for a memorable dining experience.
Address: 1 Comber Rd, Killinchy, Balloo, Newtownards BT23 6PA
16. Wine & Brine, Co. Down – a popular restaurant in a historic village
Located in the historic village of Moira on the border of County Down and County Armagh, Wine and Brine sees food lovers travel from all over Northern Ireland to enjoy the delicious offerings here.
Specialising in modern European cuisine and sourcing ingredients from local artisan food producers, you can rest assured you’re in for a treat at this bright and airy restaurant.
Address: 59 Main St, Moira, Craigavon BT67 0LQ
15. Blank Restaurant, Co. Antrim – a new addition to the local dining scene
Blank Restaurant is a relative newcomer to Northern Ireland’s dining scene. However, this hidden gem has quickly made an impression.
Located close to Queen’s University, diners can expect incredible flavours and top-class service at this upscale restaurant.
Address: 43 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6RX
14. River Room Restaurant at Galgorm Resort, Co. Antrim – for delicious food and beautiful views
The River Room Restaurant at the much-loved Galgorm Resort in County Antrim offers a delightful gourmet dining experience in intimate surroundings.
One of four restaurants at the award-winning resort, the River Room offers a delicious fine-dining menu and beautiful views over the River Maine.
Address: Galgorm, Fenaghy Rd, Ballymena BT42 1EA
13. Harry’s Shack, Co. Derry – for a beachside dining experience
Harry’s Shack is a much-loved seafood and fish restaurant located on the beautiful Portstewart Strand on the north coast of Northern Ireland.
A great spot for special occasions, you can enjoy panoramic views of your stunning surroundings while indulging in some perfectly cooked, locally caught seafood and delicious cocktails.
Address: 116 Strand Rd, Portstewart BT55 7PG
12. Ardtara Country House, Co. Down – steeped in history
A beautiful Victorian country house that operates as both a hotel and restaurant, Ardtara Country House needs to be on your list when it comes to fantastic restaurants in Northern Ireland.
From their fine-dining dinner menu to their delicious afternoon tea and brilliant Sunday roast, there is something for everyone here.
Address: 8 Gorteade Rd, Upperlands, Maghera BT46 5SA
11. Shu Restaurant, Co. Antrim – a popular spot just outside the city
This multi-award-winning restaurant and cocktail bar has to be on your Northern Ireland bucket list.
Made up of three rooms, each offering delicious and unique menus, diners can take their pick of cuisines and dining styles here.
Address: 253 Lisburn Rd, Belfast BT9 7EN
10. Sally McNally’s Country Pub and Kitchen, Co. Armagh – for a great range of traditional cuisine
A quaint pub and restaurant located just outside of Portadown, Sally McNally’s is a great spot for a warm and casual dining experience.
Serving a great range of traditional dishes, with some great options for vegans and vegetarians, this is a must for a relaxed meal out with friends.
Address: 91 Markethill Rd, Portadown, Craigavon BT62 3SH
9. Browns Bonds Hill, Co. Derry – one of the best restaurants in Northern Ireland
Located in Derry City Centre, Browns Bonds Hill is one of the most-loved restaurants in Derry and the northwest.
Offering an unforgettable fine-dining experience, impeccable service, and a great menu of seasonal dishes, you’ll want to keep coming back for more.
Address: 1 Bonds Hill, Derry BT47 6DW
8. Cyprus Avenue, Co. Antrim – a popular East Belfast eatery
Cyprus Avenue, located in East Belfast, is a creative and modern restaurant that caters for all dietary requirements.
Bringing a creative twist to Ireland’s traditional cuisine, alongside some global influences, the menu here is like none other in the city. With indoor dining perfect for colder days and an outdoor patio for when the sun is shining, this is a great spot for all occasions.
Address: 228-230, Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 3ET
7. Tully Mill Restaurant, Co. Fermanagh – for a unique dining experience
An absolute hidden gem in the beautiful Florence Court Estate, just outside of Enniskillen, Tully Mill Restaurant offers a truly unique dining experience.
Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the menu here offers a range of traditional recipes and bistro flavours.
Address: Florencecourt, Enniskillen BT92 1FN
6. The Muddlers Club, Co. Antrim – for a Michelin star meal
So-called after a secret society, The Muddlers Club in Belfast offers a unique and memorable dining experience at the heart of the city.
This Michelin star restaurant is hidden away in the back streets of the Cathedral Quarter. However, it is well worth searching for.
Address: 1 Warehouse Ln, Belfast BT1 2DX
5. The Plough Inn, Co. Down – a much-loved local bar and restaurant
Located in the quaint village of Hillsborough in County Down, The Plough Inn is a family-run local pub and restaurant. It is renowned for its exquisite menu and delicious dishes.
Expect traditional Irish cuisine elevated to the next level, as well as a great range of beers, wines, and spirits and a friendly local feel.
Address: 3 The Square, Hillsborough BT26 6AG
4. Stock Kitchen and Bar, Co. Antrim – a fantastic restaurant in the heart of Belfast
Making use of fresh, local ingredients, Stock Kitchen and Bar is an exciting restaurant located in the historic St George’s Market.
Offering quality dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and takeaway, Chef Danny Millar ensures that all diners leave feeling more than satisfied.
Address: St George’s Market, 1st, Oxford St, Belfast BT1 4FG
Check out: 10 best restaurants in Belfast Cathedral Quarter.
3. Home Restaurant, Co. Antrim – for Michelin-worthy meals at affordable prices
Home Restaurant, located not far from Belfast City Hall, specialises in fresh, local dishes to suit all tastes and dietary requirements.
A Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, Home offers Michelin-worthy meals for affordable prices. Therefore, everyone can enjoy the delicious food on offer here.
Address: 22 Wellington Pl, Belfast BT1 6GE
2. OX Belfast, Co. Antrim – one of the best restaurants in Belfast
The excellent Ox Restaurant, so-called after the street on which it is located, is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Belfast City.
Having won numerous awards, including accolades at the Irish Restaurant Awards, the food and service here are nothing short of exquisite.
Address: 1 Oxford St, Belfast BT1 3LA
1. The Catalina Restaurant at Lough Erne Resort, Co. Fermanagh – for an exquisite dining experience
Topping our list of best restaurants in Northern Ireland is the fantastic Catalina Restaurant at the Lough Erne Resort in County Fermanagh.
A three AA Rosettes Best Restaurant holder, diners can expect top-quality food, impeccable service, and panoramic views of the surrounding resort.
Address: Lough Erne Resort, Belleek Road, Enniskillen BT93 7ED
Notable mentions
The Great Room Restaurant at The Merchant Hotel: The Merchant Hotel is one of the most prestigious hotels in Belfast. Even if you’re not staying overnight, we highly recommend booking a meal in the opulent Great Room Restaurant.
Seahorse Restaurant at the Grand Central Hotel: For delicious food and an intimate atmosphere in Northern Ireland’s tallest hotel, book a table at the fantastic Seahorse Restaurant.
Stove Bistro: Set on the Ormeau Road, Stove Bistro is a modern neighbourhood-style restaurant specialising in innovative and delicious dishes.
A Peculiar Tea: For a truly unique dining experience, we highly recommend checking out the brilliant A Peculiar Tea concept restaurant beside Queen’s University.
FAQs about the best restaurants in Northern Ireland
How many Michelin star restaurants are there in Northern Ireland?
Currently, there are eight Michelin-rated restaurants in Northern Ireland.
What food is famous in Belfast?
Ulster Fry, Irish Stew, Belfast Baps, and Seafood Chowder are some of the foods that are famous in Belfast.
What food is Derry famous for?
Perhaps thanks to Derry Girls, cream horns have become the unofficial food symbol of Derry.
