Our favourite fusion spots in Belfast

A popular brunch spot located on the bustling Lisburn Road, Freight is a must-visit for delicious fusion international flavours. Offering perhaps one of the most creative menus in Belfast, you can expect everything from Asian scrambled eggs served with crispy chilli and black bean, peanut rayu, radish, cucumber, and sesame, all atop a delicious fresh slice of toasted sourdough to Huevos Rotos, which consists of confit chorizo served with triple cooked spuds, spiced tomato, sumac, fried egg, and cress, to Katsu Duck Benedict, confit duck leg with spiced slaw, fried egg, and curry hollandaise, all atop a freshly baked muffin, and much, more more. So, no matter what you’re in the mood for, the promise of a tasty brunch at Freight is a great reason to get out of bed in the morning.

A much-loved Belfast eatery, the Lantern is a popular yet understated bar and restaurant located at the heart of the city just a five-minute walk from City Hall. Making the most of the finest locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, they offer a varied and creative menu in an intimate yet relaxed environment. With a fantastic pre-theatre menu and an excellent a la carte selection, this is the perfect spot for all occasions. And when it comes to the food, you’re sure to be blown away.

Whether you fancy a classic Irish seafood chowder served with warm wheaten bread, some Asian-inspired salt and chilli prawns with lime and chilli aioli, or an Italian plate of sundried tomato, chilli, and spinach farfalle pasta with parmesan and cream sauce, your taste buds are sure to enjoy a true culinary adventure here.

An Asian idea with a ‘Belfast bushido attitude’, Yugo is the ultimate definition of fusion dining. A warm, contemporary eatery serving Asian fusion small plates with everything from seafood to meat and vegan options alongside an array of creative and classic cocktails, this is the perfect spot to treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience. Bringing together a selection of modern creative and traditional Asian cooking styles, the flavours here are truly unrivalled.

Open for lunch and dinner, you can expect everything from snack plates like their ‘Son in Law Egg’ or their Potato Chips with Pseudo Bacon to sushi, grilled meats, dumplings, fish, baos, and much more. Want something bigger? No problem. You can opt for their sharing plates, such as their succulent Beef Massaman Curry, which comes with cucumber salad and steamed rice, or their indulgent Côte de Boeuf with miso gravy and your choice of two sides.

A fully licensed restaurant located on Stranmillis Road, Hendrix is a relatively recent addition to Belfast’s thriving dining scene that you just can’t miss. Offering great food with everything from Italian pasta to smash burgers, tacos, and beef brisket crostini, you will be greeted by a true fusion of flavours here. Start with one of their delicious small plates, from which you’ll have a choice of halloumi fries, salt and chilli chicken, mac and cheese, and spiced corn ribs.

For mains, you’ll have a choice of various chicken dishes such as breaded mushroom chicken, a succulent chicken sandwich, or classic chicken parm. They also offer a great range of beef burgers, fully loaded tacos with everything from chicken to beef to fish and veg, and various tasty pasta dishes such as chicken tagliatelle, goats cheese penne, and braised beef rigatoni. Hendrix is also known for its fabulous cocktails, relaxed atmosphere, and attentive service. So, if you haven’t planned a visit to this epic eatery yet, then make sure to add it to your Belfast bucket list.

A modern Spanish tapas restaurant in the heart of the city, EDO’s menu features a wide variety of small plates that celebrate local ingredients and bring together an array of global influences. Offering a contemporary European dining experience, the atmosphere here is truly magical and diners can expect nothing short of excellent hospitality. Alongside their classic tapas-style plates, EDO also serves various charcoal oven steaks and plenty of vegan-friendly options.

So, no matter your tastes or dietary requirements, you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy here. Recognised in 2023 as a Michelin Bib Gourmand dining experience, you can expect Michelin-quality dining for an extremely reasonable price without sacrificing quality, giving you even more reason to check out this fantastic spot. Whether its potato gnocchi with wild mushrooms and truffle walnuts, confit butternut squash with vegan cheese and almonds, or Strangford mussels with garlic, sauvignon blanc, and sourdough, you’re sure to find something that appeals to your senses here.