Belfast’s top restaurants for autumn

Situated on the always lively Lisburn Road, The Bowery has quickly become one of the must visit restaurants and bars in Belfast. Described as South Belfast’s neighbourhood pub, this venue is a go-to for fantastic food, perfectly poured pints and cocktails, live sport and all round great entertainment. Although popular all year round, this venue fits the classic autumn ideal, offering a classic warming pub feel and a comforting gastropub menu. All year round visitors have the choice between a sit down a la carte menu or more casual bar grub, both regularly changing to reflect the best flavours of the season. Even better, every Wednesday The Bowery hosts ‘Steak Night’ with a 28oz Kobe beef sharing steak accompanied by all the sides and a bottle of wine on offer. What makes The Bowery the perfect autumn visit, however, is its famous Sunday sharing roast, which is completely unique to anything else on offer in Belfast. So whether you’re cosied up with a blanket on the heated terrace or seated in the lively restaurant, you can enjoy a roast sharing board for two. For just £50 per couple, diners have the choice between four traditional roasts, including dry aged sirloin and pork loin alongside an abundance of traditional trimmings. If you’re opting for the Sunday roast board, two starters are also included, creating the ultimate Sunday lunch feast!

One of the most highly recommended restaurants Belfast has to offer, Darcy’s combines traditional Irish comfort eats with a cosy and warm atmosphere. Tucked away alongside the bustling bars of Shaftesbury Square, this family-run restaurant serves up quality traditional cuisine that utilises the most local of ingredients and is sure to delight everyone. The interior of this central restaurant is reminiscent of a characteristic Irish pub with its warm finishings but, what makes this spot unique is its local touches with imagery of classic Belfast personalities adorning its walls. Visitors searching for tasty autumn dishes are guaranteed this at Darcy’s, with classic pies, steaks, fish dishes and more on offer. Even better, the restaurant offers a full vegan and vegetarian menu with much of the same food.

Perfectly perched above Belfast’s St Georges Market, Stock Kitchen and Bar is the ultimate autumn spot. Whether you’re hunting for a warming brunch or an atmospheric dinner, you’ll find it here. Unlike any other restaurant in the city, Stock boasts a completely unique location that gives visitors a true feel of the hustle and bustle of the city, with the market located right below. Although many spots across Belfast focus on seasonal, local produce few come close to this standout spot. Renowned head chef Danny Millar began the restaurant with the mission to create simple yet memorable dishes, using only the finest local Irish ingredients, much of which are actually sourced from the market below. On your next weekend visit, you can’t miss the opportunity to enjoy perfectly prepared autumn dishes surrounded by the lively sounds of the traders below on Stock’s famous terrace. 

Bistro Este is a local neighbourhood, family-run bistro. The team here uses fresh local ingredients, creating homemade dishes in-house daily. Catering for all ages, including children, it’s perfect for a family visit. It’s fully licensed too, offering an extensive local craft beer range as well as an impressive gin selection. Expect delicious cocktails and a reasonably priced wine list.

Located just outside of the city in the quaint coastal village of Holywood, Joxer is the perfect spot for a tasty brunch and great coffee or an unforgettable evening meal, accompanied by some epic cocktails. With elegant interiors, friendly staff and a vibrant and creative menu, this is the perfect place to seek refuge when the weather starts to turn a little colder. Taking inspiration from rustic Mediterranean flavours and showcasing the very best local produce supplied by independent retailers, there is a focus on seasonality here, meaning you can enjoy an epic culinary adventure based on what is currently in season across the Emerald Isle. Everyone is warmly welcomed, including four-legged friends. So, whether you’re spending the day browsing the fantastic Holywood charity shops or taking the dogs out for a walk by the water, Joxer is the perfect place to warm up with some great coffee and delicious food.

Located on the Upper Lisburn Road, Millar’s Restaurant is perhaps among the most underrated restaurants in the city. Offering a casual, fine-dining experience, you will be treated to a warm and cosy atmosphere that is perfect for escaping from the cold autumnal weather. Open Wednesday to Sunday, this spot prides itself on offering high-quality seasonal menus that showcase the very best locally sourced in-season produce. Open for brunch, lunch and evening dining, there are plenty of reasons to stop by at this elegant hidden gem. On Sundays, it offers a fantastic two-course set menu for just £21 and diners can choose from a wide selection of tasty starters, mains and desserts. Sunday roasts change weekly and are based on seasonality and availability of produce, so you can always expect something different every time you visit. Millar’s also offers an extensive vegan and vegetarian menu – arguably one of the best in the city. So, if you have specific dietary requirements, then this is a spot you won’t want to miss.

Located in the quaint leafy East Belfast suburb of Ballyhackamore, Cyprus Avenue is a friendly neighbourhood bistro that is perfect for all occasions. With a large indoor dining area and expansive outdoor terrace, dining here is a fantastic experience, whatever the weather. Serving up a creative menu that takes inspiration from all across Europe, while keeping a focus on local influence and produce, there really is something to suit all tastes here. Open from breakfast to dinner, the menus here are dictated by the seasons and those who work the land, so you can rest-assured you’re enjoying the very best local seasonal produce when dining at Cyprus Avenue. From BBQ braised beef ribs to juicy Tomahawk sharing steaks, indulgent cheeseburgers and an extensive vegan and vegetarian menu, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to epic options available here.

Another Ballyhackamore staple, Neill’s Hill is a friendly cafe and brasserie that has been operating in the village for over two decades, so it must be doing something right. Welcoming both locals and visitors alike, this spot is open for brunch, lunch and evening sittings from Tuesday to Sunday. Cosy and intimate, diners will have the choice of enjoying the popular Tapas Night, which runs every Wednesday, or the classic Neill’s Hill Kitchen Carvery, running every Sunday and featuring an array of roasted meats and vegetarian roasts served with traditional accompaniments and designed to be shared with friends and family. To accompany your food, the extensive bar here offers a wide variety of draught beers, local gins, craft cocktails and artisan wines. So, whatever your tipple of choice, you’re certain to find something that tickles your fancy.

Located in the heart of the city, Home Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy fantastic home cooking without the hassle of having to cook it yourself  – or manage the dreaded task of washing up. Focusing on fresh local ingredients with an eye to seasonality, diners can enjoy high-quality dishes made with love and a creative flair. A Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognised eatery, this spot is popular across the city for its Michelin-quality food served at an accessible price point. With spacious open interiors and friendly Irish hospitality, dining here will warm you from the inside out, making for the perfect place to spend an autumnal afternoon in Belfast. The menus are varied, with options to suit all tastes and dietary requirements, from gluten-free and vegetarian, and even an extensive kids menu to ensure the little ones are catered for.