Quirky venues in Belfast

A city centre cafe bursting with character, Harlem is open seven days a week for everything, from breakfast and brunch to drinks and a bistro-style evening menu. Described as a funky art-filled space that serves up an eclectic bistro menu, Harlem has been a mainstay on the local hospitality scene for years, and a go-to when looking for something a bit different. Immediately upon entering you are met with Harlem’s completely unique interior and design, with ceramic busts, quirky art and trinkets as well as major floral displays adorned throughout. If you’re visiting for a bite to eat, you can expect a delightful and comforting menu filled with British and Irish classics that are sure to delight. Some visitor favourites include the stacked burgers, tasty pancakes or the wide selection of sweet treats. What’s most popular, however, is the signature Harlem Fry, filled with all the classic accompaniments; it also comes in a vegan and veggie version meaning no one has to miss out.

As the name suggests, this South Belfast fine dining experience (and brainchild of Gemma Austin of Great British Menu), is anything but boring or predictable. A Peculiar Tea is designed to be an escape from reality and the stresses of everyday life, between its exciting tasting menu and ever changing decor to fit the theme. Head Chef Gemma Austin’s mission is to bring all the fun and playfulness of childhood to life, creating a one of a kind and nostalgic experience. Focused on delivering an exciting themed seven course tasting menu, guests can all expect something completely different on every visit. Previous themes included Cluedo, Harry Potter, Roald Dahl and even Tim Burton, with not only each dish translating the flavours of the theme but the interior of the restaurant completely transforming also. As well as the seven course tasting menu, A Peculiar Tea offers a unique afternoon tea that includes themed sweet treats, sandwiches and scones, and will be unlike any afternoon tea you’ve ever had.

On a mission to be Belfast’s most Instagrammable venue, local cafe and eatery Dilly and Dolly’s more than fits the bill. With two locations, one in the centre of Belfast, this cutesy cafe is hard to miss with its large floral displays and Parisian-style facade – all in the on-brand pink colour. The same can also be expected inside Dilly and Dolly’s, with extravagant decorations, including neon signs, flower walls and ceilings, and even an old school telephone box which, of course, has been painted pink. The attention to detail doesn’t stop at the decor, with each drink, dish and sweet treat given the same pretty Dilly and Dolly’s flare. Open every day, Dilly and Dolly’s is the ultimate spot for a catch up with friends over coffee or even afternoon tea, with every area of the shop serving as an exciting backdrop for grabbing that perfect Instagram pic.

Belfast’s only (known) speakeasy, Angel & Two Bibles doesn’t look like much from the outside but upon entering it’s completely whimsical and out of this world. After buzzing for entry visitors must climb the staircase to “heaven” – i.e the quirky cocktail bar and rooftop. A complete juxtaposition to its humble exterior, Angel & Two Bibles is bursting with colour and detail that feels as though it’s been pulled straight from a movie. Once visitors have reached the bar they will see large displays of flowers, pattern clashes, obscure art and plush furniture – the perfect spot for a few drinks. Even better than the interior is Angel & Two Bibles’ lengthy list of drinks, offering two unique cocktail menus: The Old Testament (cocktails you know and love) and The New Testament (the bar’s own unique concoctions). No matter which menu you choose from, each cocktail will be artfully prepared by the skilled bartenders who are front and centre of this unique space.

An award-winning eatery with a distinctly Belfast vibe, Freight is a must visit food spot when dining in the city. Unlike anything else on offer in Northern Ireland, Freight gives guests the opportunity to enjoy a delightful selection of brunch, lunch and dinner plates. One of the city’s most talked about eating spots, filled with character and artful European/Asian fusion dishes, there’s always something exciting on offer at this stand out place. Created by brothers, Gerard and Christy McQuillan, Freight delivers exciting flavours and the flare of fine dining in a modern industrial space with a vibey soundtrack and guaranteed atmosphere. Whether you’re visiting for a brunch time treat or celebratory dinner, Freight offers exceptional menus that are constantly changing to reflect the best produce of the season. Even better with each menu and change there is a complimentary vegan menu, which is created with the same attention to detail. 

A warm, contemporary eatery serving a delightful range of Asian fusion dishes to suit all tastes, Yugo is an absolute must-visit if you’re looking for a unique dining experience in the city. Located in Belfast City Centre close to the City Hall, this spot is open for both lunch and dinner sittings with something for all occasions and dietary requirements, from meat-focused plates to seafood, vegan options, and more. Born out of an idea with far eastern routes and a modern aesthetic, Yugo combines the feel and cuisine of Asia with the attitude and excitement of Belfast. Expect everything from tofu with butternut squash and togarashi to lamb sweetbreads, with smoked aubergine and nam jim. Their cocktails are just as unique with creative Asian-inspired flavours coming through in every drink. A firm favourite is their Seasonal Spritz, which currently comes to life with pear liqueur, peach, apple, lemon, soda, and Prosecco.

A unique concept making for a quirky dining experience at the heart of the city, Academy Restaurant is one brilliant spot you simply cannot miss. Serving up exciting new menus that are inspired by flavours from across the globe and make the most of fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients from all across Ireland, Academy Restaurant offers a truly memorable dining experience. Set in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, this spot offers the hospitality industry’s fresh young talent the chance to hone their skills and learn the craft in a real life restaurant setting. Bringing together their fresh perspective and innovative outlook on flavours, this is the spot to visit if you want to experience the newest ideas in food. Showcasing environmentally sustainable approaches to business and contributing to the continued growth of Northern Ireland as a world-class food destination, this is an exciting spot to experience the best flavours the island has to offer. 

Named after a historic secret society that called the premises home over 200 years ago, The Muddlers Club is one of only two Michelin Star restaurants in the city. Tucked away between Waring Street and Exchange Place, this unique restaurant is nestled down the laneways of the city’s Cathedral Quarter, making it feel like a true hidden gem or secret society. With the talented Chef Gareth McCaughey at the helm, The Muddlers Club has gone from strength to strength throughout the years since first opening in 2015. Having enjoyed almost a decade of success in the city, The Muddlers Club is a firm favourite among hungry diners looking for a delicious meal and creative, well-thought-through small plates. Making the most of fresh, homegrown produce daily to ensure the quality of each and every dish, you can expect nothing short of exquisite flavours here. Plus, the open kitchen allows you to soak up the atmosphere completely, watching on as ingredients are transformed into meticulously simple dishes in front of your eyes.

Having been ranked among the top 100 restaurants in the UK, Blank Restaurant is an unmissable spot for incredible dining in the city. What makes this spot unique is that you don’t find out what’s on the menu until you arrive, making each and every time you eat here a brand new surprise. Their A La Carte menu is available all day from Wednesday to Friday and from 1 pm to 6 pm on Saturdays, offering a two and a half hour dining experience with everything from Portavogie Langoustines to Conway Farm Asparagus, Mourne Mountains Beef to County Wicklow Pigeon. They also offer a separate vegetarian menu, on which all dishes can be made vegan, so no one needs to miss out on epic flavours. Alternatively you can opt for their six or nine course tasting menus, which allow you to enjoy a fantastic range of flavours sourced from top-quality suppliers from all across the island.

Closing out our list of quirky dining spots in Belfast, Stix and Stones is a fantastic spot you need to visit. With two locations to choose from, one in the East Belfast suburb of Ballyhackamore and one in the city centre, you’ll never be too far from one of Northern Ireland’s most unique dining experiences. Known as the city’s premier steak and seafood restaurant, Stix and Stones not only offers some of the highest quality meat and fish around. Rather, they offer diners the opportunity to cook their own food on hot stones, so you can make sure whatever you order is cooked exactly how you like it. First opened in 2014, this spot has enjoyed a decade of success in the city serving hungry diners keen to enjoy a truly unique and satisfying dining experience.