Where to enjoy the best dates in Belfast

Flame Restaurant could help turn up the heat on your first date if you’re really into them! This place stands out as an exceptional establishment, blending a captivating theatrical element, and it proudly holds its place as one of Belfast’s premier dining experiences. Nestled in the heart of the city centre, precisely accessible from Franklin Street, Flame Restaurant finds its location between the Grand Central Hotel and The Maldron Hotel. You can discover this culinary gem on the Ground Floor of The Ewart Building. First impressions count for everything and Flame Restaurant is sure to blow your date’s socks off!

To keep things simple and casual for your first date, you can’t go wrong with MAC Cafe Bar. Book a table for lunch, brunch, coffee or treats, and sit back and relax as you and your date get to know one another. Also available are vegetarian dishes, sandwiches, traybakes, sausage rolls, French toast and more – so whatever you’re both into, you’re sure to find it here!

When you’re not gazing into the eyes of your beloved, you can enjoy the stunning views from the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel. It’s plush and polished, and well worth booking for an anniversary. What to order? This is definitely a place to enjoy a few drinks (as well as the view), but you should definitely order from a choice of sharing plates. Go for the charcuterie board with toasted sourdough and the large cheese trolley, perfect with your favourite company and a good glass of red.

Why surprise your significant other with a trip to the most romantic city in the world when you could take them for a crepe in the stylish Cafe Parisien? With the stunning Belfast City Hall as a backdrop, this is a magical place to book for a special anniversary. Upstairs in the cafe, the dining room is simply stunning and the menu is packed with beautiful French inspired flavours. Try the goat’s cheese and pistachio bonbons with beetroot salad and candied walnuts. The roast rack of lamb with crushed potatoes, broad beans and wild mushroom sauce is another standout dish. And for dessert, the orange creme brûlée with poached rhubarb and Viennese biscuit is a triumph. 

Balloo House’s official location is ‘out in the sticks’ in the pocket sized village of Killinchy, Co. Down. You’ll need a designated driver (unless you happened to live in Killinchy that is), but it’ll be well worth forgoing a tipple when you step into the cosy ‘pub life’ glow and taste the food that has earned Balloo House a steady stream of awards since the mid 2000s. Order the Young Buck blue cheese and red onion tart, with purple sprouting broccoli and brown butter breadcrumb to start, and then the beef shin and Farmageddon (local beer just five minutes up the road) ale pie, with roast squash, creamy mash and bone marrow crumb. 

‘The Whig’, as it’s affectionately known, is one of Belfast’s best known bars. It’s perched on the edge of the famous Cathedral Quarter and has one of the best vibes in town. The cocktail list is impressive and the gastropub evening menu is incredibly good value. Here, particularly at the weekend, you get to feel the real buxx of Belfast. To go with your cocktails we’d suggest ordering the chorizo breadsticks with garlic butter, roast pepper and tapenade dipping sauces. If you want to make drinks into a meal, then you have to try the baby back rib stack with onion rings, thick fries and cajun corn.

Haymarket is Belfast’s newest bar and street food eatery in the heart of Belfast City Centre. There’s a really good bottomless brunch on, if you’re looking to do something during the day with your date, otherwise the vibe really comes to life in the evenings. As well as some of the best street food around, there’s always something on, from open mic night to live music and quizzes, so if you’re looking for a date place that takes the pressure off keeping the conversation going all the time, Haymarket is the one for you.

Why not travel the world with your date and land in Japan right here in Belfast! Kamakura Sushi & Ramen Restaurant is located at 69 Donegall Pass between Queen University and Belfast city centre. Kamakura is a traditional Japanese restaurant using ingredients prepared in dishes that are fresh and of the highest quality. The sushi is totally outstanding, but it’s the ramen we really enjoy. The food served is exceptional all round, prepared by expert chefs who have been trained in the art of sushi making for 35 years!