The best dog-friendly places to eat out in Belfast

Located on the busy and bustling Ormeau Road, not far from the Embankment and Ormeau Park, The Northern Lights is one of the best dog-friendly places to eat out in Belfast. Head for a walk with your pup in tow along one of the most scenic areas of the city and book in for a pint and a bite to eat at this casual pub and restaurant. With water bowls and dog-friendly treats for your four-legged friend to enjoy, both you and your pal will be well catered for here.

Offering several rotating taps of local and international craft beers, alongside a huge range of bottled options, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to drinks. The food is also just as good, with casual dining options to suit all tastes, from a classic Irish seafood chowder to buttermilk fried chicken, cauliflower wings to a creamy, homemade mac and cheese, yellow lentil curry, and much more. This place also boasts a vibrant atmosphere that is made all the better by the friendly Irish hospitality and jovial staff who are always happy to help and have the craic.

Set just outside the city centre, close to the Lagan Towpath and the picturesque Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, Robert Stewart’s is the perfect dog-friendly pub and restaurant to book with your four-legged friend on a sunny day. Great for a pre-adventure breakfast or post-walk pints and nibbles, this friendly local spot is sure to be bustling with visitors when the sun shines.

Historic and traditional, you can dine inside the old-school-style bar, which serves a delicious array of classic pub grub, including seafood chowder, a succulent 8 oz flat iron steak sandwich, and a flavourful vegan burger complete with plant-based patty, vegan cheese, lettuce, tomato and skin on fries. Alternatively, you can soak up the sun in the large outdoor beer garden, which offers a relaxed vibe and welcoming atmosphere. The perfect place to enjoy the long, slow spring and summer days. Dogs are welcome in the beer garden and front bar, so your little pal can join in on all the fun!

The Lady Anne Brasserie can be found in the friendly, local Balmoral Hotel in the south Belfast suburb of Dunmurry. Here, you can enjoy delicious traditional food and drinks, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and top-class Irish hospitality. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the delicious array of breakfast, lunch and dinner options available.

From light bites to mouthwatering mains, there’s something to suit the entire family, including Cajun-style breaded mushrooms, roast turkey and ham with mashed and roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and chef’s gravy, as well as a tasty homemade lasagne with house salad and skinny fries. The team here are big dog-lovers and will always be happy to welcome your four-legged friends with smiles, hugs and a fresh bowl of cold water. Dogs of all sizes are welcome in the casual cafe, so you can relax while keeping a close eye on your pooch as you enjoy a delicious meal here.

With various locations across Northern Ireland, the closest to Belfast City Centre being the Holywood restaurant, Joxer is another one of our favourite places to dine with your dog. Located close to the seafront, you can enjoy a relaxing coastal walk and your pup can even enjoy a splash in the water before heading for a delicious brunch at the curiously unique cafe. Joxer’s menu is fantastically creative, with a delicious array of sweet, savoury, healthy and indulgent offerings to suit all tastes and dietary requirements.

From coconut porridge with torched banana, salted caramel, malt crumb and candied orange to the ‘Veggie Joxer’, which comes with halloumi, smashed avocado, hash brown, folded egg and tomato relish, all combined together in a fluffy potato bun. Other tasty offerings include the indulgent Buttermilk Pancakes, which come with honey and soy glazed bacon, sea salt butter and maple syrup or the sweet and delicious French Toast, which is topped with Nutella, Biscoff, hazelnut praline and chantilly cream. The coffee here is also some of the best you’ll find in the city, making for the perfect accompaniment to your breakfast of choice.

A welcoming bar, located on Cavehill Road, Ben Madigan’s is a popular choice for anyone and everyone, walkers and their furry friends included. This newly renovated space hasn’t lost any of its original charm, dishing up award-winning food, delicious drinks, a lively atmosphere and even better customer service. Not only is this North Belfast kitchen and bar dog-friendly but, owner Kevin Collins has issued a warm welcome to anyone and their four-legged pet, believing it adds character to the already popular outside bar. Situated near the popular hiking spot of Cavehill and Belfast Castle, Ben Madigan’s has become a perfect haven to stop in with pets after an afternoon exploring the unique sites of North Belfast.

Suns out in the city and you’re looking for a great place to enjoy some delicious food and a few pints with your pooch in tow? Look no further than Lavery’s & The Woodworkers in Bradbury Place, Belfast’s oldest family-run bar. This spot offers both indoor dining and various beer gardens so you can choose where to dine depending on the vibe you’re looking for.

With something to suit everyone and all dietary requirements catered for, you can’t go wrong with a delicious meal here. Wondering where your four-legged friend will feel most welcome? Dogs are allowed in the beer gardens as well as the new extension of The Woodworkers, so you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to where to sit. If you’re looking for entertainment, you’ll be spoilt for choice here, too, with sports screenings on TV, regular live music, and a pool room.

If you’re a seafood fan looking for something delicious at the heart of the city, then you need to check out the award-winning Fish City on Ann Street. Dogs are welcome to join hungry owners at any of the outdoor tables on the restaurant’s patio where you can watch the hustle and bustle of shoppers in Belfast City Centre. Four-legged friends will be provided with a refreshing bowl of water and even a complementary sausage to chow down on, with owners’ consent.

On sunny days, diners can even enjoy live music on the terrace. Fish City sponsors residencies for leading local musicians, adding to the fun festival atmosphere of this central city location. When it comes to food, you won’t be disappointed choosing to dine here. Whether you opt for a daytime or evening sitting, there’s something for everyone, from traditional fish and chips to seafood chowder, scampi, seafood pasta, oysters, and much more. Even if you’re not a seafood lover, there’s sure to be something to take your fancy, from beef and chicken burgers to an array of veggie options.

Located on the Lisburn Road, The Bowery is another fantastic spot to dine with your furry friend on a sunny day. Open all day, this South Belfast gem specialises in fantastic food and classic cocktails, accompanied by live sport and entertainment. Hoping to bring your four-legged friend along for the afternoon? No problem. Dogs are welcome to join the table on the fully heated and covered terrace.

When it comes to food, you’ll be offered a fantastic seasonal menu full of locally sourced dishes, with creative offerings such as a braised beef short rib with cauliflower puree, potato rosti, charred cabbage and jus, pasta rosso that features fettuccine semi-dried tomato pesto, Parma ham, and Parmesan dust.

Just east of the city on the outskirts of the vibrant coastal village of Holywood, you’ll find the fantastic Cultra Inn. Here, you and your four-legged friend will be welcomed inside with open arms to enjoy delicious food and drinks, a relaxed atmosphere, and fantastic Irish hospitality. A traditional Irish pub and bistro, you can relax back in the beautifully landscaped surroundings of the Culloden Estate and Spa, taking in the views of Belfast Harbour and the opposite side of the bay.

A traditional Irish bar and bistro open for lunch and dinner, you can indulge in a delicious, well-crafted menu that showcases the very finest local produce available all across the Emerald Isle. It also offers various tasty vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, so those with specific dietary requirements or those following a specific diet need not worry about missing out. Dogs are welcome in the garden and inside the bar, and there are even some tasty dog-friendly treats available to keep your pup happy while you enjoy your food and drinks.