Our top picks for German food and drinks in Belfast

Do you want to try German cuisine but enjoy familiar classics at the same time? At Bowery, there’s no pressure at all, which makes it a great place to start if you want to try something new. The restaurant offers a variety of popular dishes such as BBQ pork ribs and jersey potatoes that you can order with one of Germany’s tastiest foods, a pork schnitzel with beer mustard, courgette, kohlrabi and remoulade. Don’t be fooled by the stylish interior – the venue is relaxed and you can always pop in for just a drink or join one of the quiz events.

Lavery’s is more than just a pub. It’s a social hub where you can become a part of a community and socialise with like-minded people by joining regular events hosted at the venue (think a comedy club and live music). And as we all know, entertainment is best enjoyed with a bit of alcohol. To start your evening you can try Erdinger wheat beer, a blend of spicy malt aroma with bitter hops.

Fancy something stronger? For an even more Bavarian experience, have a shot of the legendary German drink Jagermeister, which is a perfect way to warm yourself up on a cold evening. You might be already familiar with Jagerbombs but the spirit by itself is a lot classier and allows you to taste its complex and herbal flavour.

Sweet Afton might not immediately come to your mind when you think of venues serving German alcohol – it has no stereotypical Oktoberfest vibe. It does, however, offer Erdinger Weissbier and live sport & music events  so if you’re looking for a cosy but bustling place with German beer, add it to your list. There’s also plenty of comfort food on the menu (such as fish and chips, and onion rings) so you can stop by for dinner and a few drinks with snacks in between.

The Garrick bar has been around since the 19th century and it still holds a special place in people’s hearts. It’s the sort of venue you visit when you want to relax after a day of work or even take yourself on a date and simply enjoy being around other people. The Victorian-style interior translates into a cosy atmosphere that turns vibrant as soon as the live music and the DJ are on. Garrick also has one of the best selections of beers in Belfast; during past Oktoberfest, the venue served a limited edition of Fischer’s Helles and Erdinger, plus over 10 other German beers to choose from. Visit them to celebrate everything great about German beer.

Didn’t make it in time for the Oktoberfest? You don’t have to miss out on trying the best German beer. At Errigle Inn, Erdinger Weissbrau on tap is served all year round and it’s as tasty as people say. There’s also a small selection of Oktoberfest bottles: Spaten, Paulaner and Erdinger Hefe beer.

For wine lovers, we recommend you try Rheinhessen Pinot Noir (red wine) and Rheinhessen Riesling (white) produced in Germany’s largest wine region. Trying to stay away from alcohol? No problem. You can opt for the Erdinger alcohol-free version. Erringle Inn is a welcoming space where you can catch up with your friends – come for a laugh and a taste of Germany.