
06 Dec 2024
Half term is a welcome occasion for everyone, whether a teacher excited for a night out with friends or parents in need of some family time. Everyone knows this period in October can quickly become hectic and easily pass by without anything being organised. This is why we have rounded up our top venues in Belfast to check out this half term holiday, with something to meet everyone’s needs and ensure no matter what you’re looking for, you can enjoy a well needed break.
If you’re searching for a half term evening out that won’t break the bank, Ryan’s on the Lisburn Road is sure not to disappoint. Described as a warm and welcoming spot with a relaxed atmosphere, Ryan’s has been a go-to for locals searching for great food and even better craic. With two courses for only £13, guests can enjoy a wide selection of European favourites including fish, tacos, burgers, steak and even traditional boxty. A visit to Ryan’s couldn’t be missed, however, without sampling its famous hot and spicy chicken wings, which are favourites of local foodie influencers across Belfast. If you want to round off your meal with something sweet, Ryan’s also offers a delightful dessert menu composed of comforting classics. A restaurant for everyone, Ryan’s also offers a lengthy vegan menu that offers the same variety and selection as its main menu. Many will be searching this half term for a place to treat the kids too, which is one of the reasons this South Belfast bar has made it onto our list. Arguably one of the best kids menus in the city, for only £6 children can enjoy two courses with a selection of sides. The menu is sure to keep the little ones happy with classic favourites like sausages, burgers and pizza. Even better, if you’re visiting on a Saturday or Sunday, children actually eat for free, making it the perfect affordable half term treat.
A stand out spot in the city centre, 2Taps is an exciting venue to celebrate the half term break and get back those summer holiday vibes. Bringing classic Spanish al fresco dining to the heart of Belfast, 2Taps is a family-owned venue that has been a staple of local hospitality for years. Open six days a week, 2Taps offers a number of exciting small plate menus with options for vegetarians, vegans, pescatarians and meat eaters alike. Even better, almost every night of the week this Spanish themed venue has specials on offer. Although by October summer is well and gone, 2Taps keeps the holiday feeling going year round making it the perfect spot for half term, with live music, sangria jugs and sharing portions of paella to beat away the winter blues.
Half term has always proved to be the perfect time to squeeze in some seasonal shopping. However, after a day around the shops, what is needed more than anything is a handy spot to grab a filling bite to eat and somewhere to rest your feet. City Picnic, perfectly positioned in the heart of the city centre, amongst some of the biggest stores, more than fits the bill with delicious street food, filling salads and even more tempting cocktails. Although this central spot has a varied menu with something for everyone between its pizzas, wings and flatbreads, it’s the City Picnic burgers that prove to be the stand out on local Instagram pages. If you’re visiting this half term, the City Picnic McSpicy Bird Burger is a must try. Made with delicious buttermilk chicken, cheese and chorizo, it’s hard to pass up, especially when accompanied by the in-house frozen cocktails.
A neighbourhood brasserie in the heart of East Belfast, Cyprus Avenue has been a staple since 2016 – opening seven days a week for brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks. A go-to restaurant for all occasions, this Ballyhackamore resident offers a stunning location and expansive heated terrace, whether you’re in the mood for a filling three course meal, boozy brunch or morning coffee with friends. Visitors are literally spoiled for choice at Cyprus Avenue with specific menus catering to all dietary types, ages and tastes. And, although offering variety, this classic spot doesn’t sacrifice quality, with each menu dictated by the flavours and best produce of the season. Particularly when searching for a half term treat, whether with friends, the family or even a romantic date night, you can’t pass up this family-run Belfast classic, which guarantees good food, great atmosphere and at an even better price.
A new addition to Belfast’s growing hospitality scene, The Teal Monkey has already proven popular with local foodies. Located on the lively Dublin Road, The Teal Monkey is open both for lunch and dinner, with a number of menus that incorporate a wide array of flavours from around the world. On the main menu visitors can enjoy European classics like Pan Seared Salmon or Salt Aged Sirloin, as well as Eastern favourites such as Salt and Chilli Chicken and Tempura Cauliflower. Even better, The Teal Monkey offers a number of enticing vegan dishes, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. With a unique cocktail menu for teachers on their week off and a pleasing kids menu for family days out, The Teal Monkey is perfect for every group this October half term.