Here’s our guide to the top five best restaurants in south Belfast that you need to try.
There are many reasons to visit South Belfast; one of the most popular is to check out Queen’s University and the surrounding Botanic Gardens. Queen’s is one of the leading universities in Ireland and one of the most beautiful buildings in the entire city, having been around since 1849, it never ceases to draw in tourists.
But South Belfast has another reason why we believe people should visit it. It’s home to some of the finest restaurants in all of the city. Check out our list of the top five best restaurants in south Belfast, and our recommendations from each place, below!
5. Deanes at Queens – a beloved restaurant from a renowned local chef
Created by the incredibly talented Chef Michael Deane, one of the city’s most renowned restauranteurs, Deanes at Queens is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion.
With a creative local menu and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, this is a great place to head for a birthday meal or celebrate a graduation.
With large windows allowing the light to flood in and a menu showcasing the very best local produce, there’s no denying this is among the best restaurants in South Belfast.
Address:Â 1 College Gardens, Belfast BT9 6BQ, United Kingdom
4. Holohan’s Pantry – for an authentic Irish meal
This straightforward, family-owned Irish restaurant offers a lovely warm glow and great food. It’s everything you’d want a traditional Irish restaurant to be, and it’s one of the best restaurants in south Belfast.
Holohan’s Pantry also offers guests patio seating, though we don’t recommend eating your fish and chips outside in this winter weather. But in the warm summer months, it’s a fantastic place to sit while having your meal and sipping a few beers.
The staff are knowledgeable about the food, and their Guinness is delicious. What more could you want? Our recommendation here is to try the chargrilled 10oz sirloin with hand-cut chips. You won’t regret it.
Address: 43 University Rd, Belfast BT7 1ND
3. Shu Restaurant – for a menu with a French twist
Shu Restaurant is somewhere we’ve only been to once, but are itching to get back to as soon as we can.
It’s a modern French restaurant with a dark wood and leather designed cocktail bar. Their menu is to die for and they have a fantastic wine list. We suggest reserving a table here if you plan on going, it’s a popular place!
It’s a little pricier than the other best restaurants in south Belfast we’ve mentioned, but we believe it’s honestly worth the money. Our top pick for your order is the corn-fed chicken, due to how succulent it is. Our mouth is watering just thinking about it.
While you’re here, you need to try their cocktails; they’re some of the nicest we’ve ever had.
Address: 253 Lisburn Rd, Belfast BT9 7EN
2. Bo Tree Kitchen – for fresh and fragrant Thai flavours
Located in the heart of the Holylands, Bo Tree Kitchen might fly under the radar of tourists visiting the city. However, the fresh and fragrant flavours from their authentic Thai menu and the friendly hospitality make this a spot you don’t want to miss.
Stand out menu items include their delicious Massaman Curry and their fragrant Papaya Salad. Delicious and authentic, dining here will transport you to a blissful Thai island.
What’s more, this place operates a BYO policy, meaning you can save some money on booze and splash it on their delicious food!
Address:Â 65-67 University Ave, Belfast BT7 1GX, United Kingdom
1. Villa Italia – the perfect Italian dining experience
Our number one choice of the best restaurants in south Belfast goes to Villa Italia. This place is magnificent; we’ve lost count of how many times we’ve been here, that’s how much we love it.
This Italian restaurant has a cosy, casual atmosphere to it, making it a perfect place to take the whole family for a meal. Their pizza, as you would probably expect, is top-notch. Villa Italia doesn’t skimp on portions either, meaning you get what you pay for.
If you go here — and we urge you to do so — we recommend trying Villa Italia’s classic spaghetti bolognese dish. We’re going to go out on a limb here and say it’s not only the best bolognese in south Belfast but in the entirety of the city.
Address: 43 University Rd, Belfast BT7 1ND
Which of these restaurants have you been to? Do you feel we’ve left any out? Let us know!
