Your guide to the best chocolate spots in Edinburgh
13 Sep 2024
13 Sep 2024
Sustainable restaurants in Belfast
As we become more aware of our impact upon the environment, many of us are looking towards things we can do to limit our carbon footprint. From opting to walk or take public transport instead of driving, flying less or opting for carbon offset flights, and even implementing renewable forms of energy into our homes, people across the world are looking at ways to flatten the curve of global warming and limit our impact on the natural world. With that said, many restaurants are looking at ways to reduce their own impact upon the environment by offering plant-based menus, sourcing ingredients locally, and even implementing renewable and low emission electrical within their restaurants. Belfast’s restaurants are ahead of the curve when it comes to new and innovative ways to protect the planet, so here are some of the most sustainable restaurants in Belfast where you can enjoy a delicious meal without fretting about your carbon footprint.
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Fish City is a multi award-winning seafood restaurant and fish and chip takeaway located in the heart of Belfast City Centre. Known as Belfast’s premier sustainable seafood restaurant, this quirky spot is leading the way when it comes to eco-friendly dining in the city. Serving fresh, local, and sustainable fish and seafood in a warm and friendly environment, you can rest assured you will enjoy a fantastic meal here.
All the cod and haddock are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council and all other seafood species served are responsibly sourced from sustainable waters. With a policy of full transparency in its supply chain, Fish City ensures traceability and it also works with primarily local producers. It is thanks to these efforts that this popular seafood spot was voted the UK’s healthiest and most sustainable fish and chip restaurant and takeaway by Seafish in 2018.
Home
Bistro, Locally Sourced , Vegan / Vegetarian Friendly 
Located in the heart of Belfast City Centre, Home Restaurant is one of the city’s most popular eateries with both locals and tourists alike. Creating exciting and flavourful dishes inspired by homegrown sustainable ingredients, Home is a must-visit if you’re trying to be more mindful about your consumption and its environmental impact. With an impressive vegan and vegetarian menu, there is plenty of choice for those pursuing a meat-free or plant-based diet.
Focusing on seasonal produce, you can always expect something new and delicious on the menu each time you visit this warm and welcoming eatery. The combination of dishes inspired by local Irish produce with the heartfelt hospitality that the people of the Emerald Isle are so well known for makes this one of the best restaurants in Belfast for any occasion.
Academy
Contemporary , Locally Sourced 
Overlooking St Anne’s Square behind Belfast’s infamous Cathedral Quarter is Academy, one of the city’s most sustainable eateries. Not only does Academy boast the status of one of Belfast’s top eco-friendly restaurants, it also acts as a culinary school and educational hub for students looking to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. Bringing together students and culinary experts, Academy aims to create a nurturing environment for the next generation of hospitality leaders. Thus, it showcases environmentally sustainable approaches to businesses as well as contributing to the development of Northern Ireland as a world-class culinary destination. Academy offers a complete culinary experience with menus designed to highlight the very best of fresh, local, seasonal ingredients.
Shu
Locally Sourced , Fine Dining , European , Cocktails 
Shu on the Lisburn Road is one of the most well-established eateries on Belfast’s dining scene. Known for fine dining and an intimate atmosphere, this multi-award-winning restaurant also boasts the title of being one of Belfast’s most sustainable restaurants. First opened in 2000, Shu has over two decades of experience serving the people of Belfast, so it’s certainly got it down to a fine art, which is why it still proves so popular with people from all across Northern Ireland.
Combining three uniquely designed spaces – The Main Room, Juls, and The Upper House – there is something here to suit all occasions. Focusing on locally-sourced ingredients, this vibrant Michelin-recommended restaurant takes influences from all over the world to create a delightful menu of modern European cuisine. With fine dining in the white table-clothed Upper Room, a more relaxed environment in The Main Room, and late night cocktails in Juls, there is something for everyone here.
Experience a taste of Italy in the heart of Belfast; Fratelli’s is not only serving up delicious Italian fare, but they’re doing it sustainably too. Traditional and affordable plates are the name of the game at Fratelli’s, with classic favourites on the menu such as bruschetta, confit duck leg, carbonara, lasagne al forno, risotto, and rigatoni. Alongside dishing up some of Belfast’s best Italian, the eatery is also committed to working within the Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives to improve their working practices, protecting the natural environment, reducing their carbon footprint, behaving fairly and responsibly, supporting the local community and local business, and ensuring that their operation is managed and delivered as sustainably as possible. Just when we think we couldn’t love Fratelli’s more!
