The best Asian restaurants in Belfast

Kicking off our rundown of the best Asian eateries in Belfast is, of course, the fantastic Kamakura Sushi and Ramen Restaurant. With three locations around the city, this is a great spot for all occasions. You may have worked it out already, but this place is renowned for its fantastic sushi and ramen dishes. However, that isn’t all it’s known for. It also offers a range of rice and noodle dishes, bento boxes, teppanyaki, donburi and more. Therefore ensuring diners get a well-rounded and authentic Japanese dining experience. With plenty of options for vegans and gluten-free diners as well, those with specific dietary requirements can rest assured they will also be well catered for dining here.

Stylish, creative and modern, Yugo is undoubtedly one of the finest Asian dining experiences you’ll find in Belfast (if not the whole of Northern Ireland). Taking inspiration from the Far East and combining that with a lively Belfast attitude, Yugo serves an array of epic small plates that are a true feast for the senses. To start, you can choose from dishes such as classic spring rolls, potato chips with pseudo bacon, or son-in-law egg with chilli jam. Then, moving onto the main event, there’s a vast range of sushi, grilled meats, dumplings, fish, bao and more. If you fancy something a little heartier, there’s also a range of sharing dishes, such as a beef massaman curry served with cucumber salad and steamed rice, and if you really want to treat yourself, you could go for the côte de boeuf, which comes with miso gravy and a choice of two sides. Wondering what to drink? Well, you’re certain to be spoilt for choice as the cocktail menu here is perhaps one of the finest in the city.

Taking its name from one of Tokyo’s top shopping districts known for its classy cocktail and sushi bars, Ginza Kitchen aims to bring a glamorous Asian dining experience to Belfast. First opened in 2019, this spot quickly became a favourite among the city’s sushi fans, thanks to its creative interpretation of traditional Japanese flavours. Set on the Lisburn Road, this small and intimate eatery is renowned for its homemade gyoza, 48-hour infused ramen broth, and sushi Matsu Moriawase, which comes served in a boat. Yes, really! And it’s not just the food that keeps sushi lovers coming back time and time again. This spot is beloved for its friendly staff and creative drinks menu, which features quirky cocktail creations like the Diamond Lotus, Chilli and Mango Margarita, and the Pink Geisha.

Perhaps one of the best loved Asian eateries in the city, both Zen Restaurant and House of Zen are a no-brainer when it comes to choosing a spot for some unforgettable Asian food in Belfast. House of Zen first opened in 2012, and has since become one of the most popular restaurants in the city’s bustling Cathedral Quarter. Similarly, Zen Restaurant sits unassumingly down Adelaide Street behind City Hall, welcoming fans of world-class Japanese cuisine from both Belfast and further afield. Both restaurants are elegantly decorated to complete the sense of an authentic Asian dining experience, with low lighting, blossom trees and dark wood interiors. When it comes to the food, you can expect nothing short of authentic and delicious flavours, with everything from sushi to teppanyaki, curries and noodle dishes. And to accompany your meal, diners can expect some epic cocktails made by the restaurant’s incredibly creative team of mixologists.

Set in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter in St Anne’s Square, Dumpling Library is undoubtedly one of the best Asian restaurants in Belfast. Perfect for date night or dining out with friends, this spot is truly unique, offering an epic range of dumplings, Asian small plates and epic cocktails. Taking influence from traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese flavours, Dumpling Library is headed by Eddie Fung and Executive Chef Kit Chu (both also of Zen and House of Zen), and aims to bring diners on a culinary adventure around Asia. The Dumpling Library concept is based around comfort and sharing, with many menu items inspired by those you would expect to see in homes across China. So, whether it’s steamed or pan-fried dumplings and buns, crispy chicken, spring rolls or classic rice and noodle dishes, you’re sure to find something that takes your fancy. It also offers a wide variety of tasty vegan and gluten-free options, so those with specific dietary requirements don’t have to miss out.