Places to go for Galentine’s and Palentine’s Day in Belfast

Why not use this Palentine’s Day to try something a little different and check out Belfast’s number one authentic Mexican restaurant? When it comes to Mexican street food, La Taqueria “doesn’t mess around” with ingredients shipped directly from Mexico, from the chillies and spices to the traditional tequila used in the famous margaritas. More than just soulless burritos loaded with cheese, La Taqueria will provide you and your friends a truly authentic experience with a mouthwatering selection of tacos, quesadillas and smalls as well as cocktails and a lively atmosphere. If this isn’t enough to tempt you, La Taqueria has been awarded Best Restaurant in Ireland by the prestigious McKenna’s Restaurant Guide reassuring even the pickiest friend in your group. With two locations you’re spoilt for choice in opting to stay on the more casual Ormeau Road or choosing the bright and bustling city centre location.

For groups hoping to party away 14th February in a sensational and dramatic location, look no further than Angel & Two Bibles. Belfast’s only speakeasy, this rooftop bar wouldn’t be out of place in a film with a humble exterior but over the top maximalist interior, instantly transporting guests to another world. Once buzzed in and having reached the top floor you and your pals will find the main bar adorned with flowers, plush furniture and endless Insta-worthy backdrops. All about style and substance, Angel & Two Bibles also offers up some of the best cocktails in the city with masterful mixologists on hand to craft you your perfect drink. Offering up two cocktail menus, whimsically named The Old and New Testament, you and your friends are sure to find a tipple that tempts you – whether you love all things sweet and bright or you prefer a smokey classic pour. Unlike anything else in the city, this extraordinary bar is the perfect hideaway for you and your friends this Palentine’s / Galentine’s Day.

Who says just because you’re out with your pals that you all can’t treat yourselves to a pristine dining experience in Northern Ireland’s best restaurant. OX, idyllically positioned overlooking the Lagan, is one of the most renowned eateries in the country, serving up tasting menus, small plates and a wide array of wine. The main event at OX is the tasting menu, which is hyper focused on seasonality and ensuring the best local flavours are represented in each dish. If a formal tasting menu is too much for your group of pals, you can still experience the glamour of OX from its “Cave” next door. In the OX Cave you can enjoy a wide selection of seasonal small plates and drinks, but without sacrificing any quality, in a more relaxed setting. A truly exquisite experience, this Palentine’s / Galentine’s Day is the perfect excuse for you and your friends to go all out, celebrate your independence and treat yourself to some of the best dishes the city has to offer.

If you’re searching for a lively and vibrant Palentine’s / Galentine’s Day with a group of your best friends, 2Taps is the ultimate city centre venue. 2Taps has remained a firm favourite with locals since first opening in 2005 with an extensive menu of Spanish and European inspired tapas, as well as drinks and desserts. More than just the classic patatas bravas or jamon, 2Taps goes the step further to offer a range of wider European small plates with menus to suit everyone including vegetarians and vegans alike. Where 2Taps stands out for bigger groups is the sharing portions of paella and sangria jugs, which are sure to kick off celebrations with a bang. Perfectly positioned in the heart of the city’s Cathedral Quarter, 2Taps is ideal for great food and drinks before heading out for a night bar hopping in one of the country’s most iconic areas.

Although Palentine’s Day is often associated with classic dinner and drinks, this year why not kick off the festivities early with boozy brunch at Cyprus Avenue. A Michelin star restaurant, located on the youthful Newtownards Road, the breakfast offering at Cyprus Avenue is perfect for you and your pals with classic delights such as croissants or French toast as well as the more unusual Savoury Liége Waffles and Salt Aged Steak with hash browns. True with all its menus, Cyprus Avenue offers dishes to suit everyone’s tastes and dietary requirements. What is brunch without the booze, and from the atmospheric heated terrace you can celebrate your Palentine’s brunch whilst sipping a classic Mimosa, Bloody Mary or something else from the restaurant’s vast drinks menu.

Located at the top of the Lisburn Road just outside of the city centre, Nico’s Pizzeria is a relaxed Italian eatery that is perfect for enjoying a delicious bite to eat and some tasty drinks with friends. With a varied menu to suit all tastes and dietary requirements, you can expect a vast array of delicious Italian delicacies from pastas to pizzas and everything in between.

Their covered outdoor terrace offers the perfect ambience for catching up with friends, allowing you the chance to soak up the atmosphere of the city while staying warm and cosy under the shelter of the restaurant’s heated terrace area. Loved by locals and visitors alike, Nico’s serves a varied menu that is suited to meat-eaters, vegetarians, vegans, and those following a gluten-free lifestyle meaning dining with a group where each member has specific requests shouldn’t prove difficult!

Born from an Asian idea and fused with Belfast attitude, Yugo is a truly unique eatery at the heart of the city and the perfect place to celebrate Galentine’s or Palentine’s with the gang this February. Offering a delightful menu of Asian-inspired small plates, we recommend ordering a selection for the table to be shared so everyone can get a taste of the delicious dishes on offer here. You can expect everything from bao to spiced Asian meats and seafood, delicious vegetarian options to dumplings, sushi, and more. They’re also renowned for having some of the most delicious cocktails in the city. So, if you and the gang enjoy a good tipple, this is the place to go.

A contemporary tapas restaurant located on Upper Queen Street in the city centre, EDO is the perfect place to celebrate your friendships this February. Sharing is caring, and with plenty of tasty sharing plates to suit all tastes, you can show your friends just how much you care by dining with them here.

Having been named among TripAdvisor’s 2023 Traveller’s Choice destinations as well as being awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand Recognition in 2023, there’s no better time to visit this quirky tapas restaurant. Making the most of market-fresh local produce and cooking with modern European influences, the menu at EDO features plenty of delicious dishes that are full of flavour and curated with love. With a casual and relaxed atmosphere, a sharing-themed menu, and an extensive wine and cocktail list, you and your friends are sure to enjoy a memorable evening here.

A traditional Bangladeshi restaurant located in the city’s bustling Cathedral Quarter, 7 Spice is the perfect place for those who enjoy creamy curries and plenty of spice. You and your friends can choose to dine indoors in their relaxed yet elegant dining room or, if you want a unique and intimate dining experience, you and the crew can sit in one of their VIP outdoor dining pods that seat up to seven people. Fusing flavours and cooking techniques from Bangladesh, India, and all over the world, the menu here is truly unique to the city, bringing a new concept of Asian dining to Belfast.

They also have plenty of flavourful vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, so you can rest-assured there will be something delicious for everyone to enjoy here. You can choose from a varied selection of chicken, vegetable, and paneer curries, as well as a wide array of tandoori, fish dishes, and classic Bangladeshi starters. When it comes to flavour, you certainly won’t be left feeling unsatisfied here as each and every dish is fragrant, full of spice, and bursting with classic Indian flavour.

Closing out our list of epic spots to dine with your pals this Galentine’s or Palentine’s Day is Dumpling Library, also located at the heart of Belfast’s bustling Cathedral Quarter. A unique dining experience that takes you on a culinary journey around Asia, you and the gang can order a selection of small plates to share so you can experience an array of different dishes, flavours, textures, and tastes.

As the name suggests, they offer a huge menu of classic Asian dumplings that can either be served steamed or fried. When it comes to fillings, you can expect everything from Asian greens to king prawn and celery, pork and long bean to fillet steak, black, pepper, and onion. And that’s just a small selection of the delicious dumplings you can try here. As well as dumplings, they also offer a varied selection of Asian-inspired dishes, including bao buns, spring rolls, crispy chicken, and deep fried tofu, alongside a delicious selection of rice and noodle dishes that take inspiration from all across Asia.