The best of British dining in Belfast

Located at the heart of the city on Great Victoria Street, Ginger Bistro has won numerous awards and was even previously voted the Best Restaurant in Northern Ireland. Thus making it an absolute must-visit while in the city. Established in 2000, this spot boasts almost a quarter century of existence serving the people of Belfast and beyond, making it as much a fabric of the city as some of Belfast’s most iconic attractions. With a handpicked supply chain of producers, the ingredients used in every dish at Ginger Bistro are of the highest quality and locally produced when possible. Taking inspiration from classic British cooking with a creative twist, diners can expect delicious dishes such as a slow cooked feather blade of beef served with green beans, roast tomatoes, mash and bourguignon gravy, or a succulent roast breast of chicken wrapped in Parma ham with carrot purée, roast carrots, sautéed cabbage, parsley butter, chicken skin, panko crumb and baked cheddar mash.

Combining casual and fine dining, Millar’s Restaurant – located at the heart of leafy South Belfast – is certainly among the best of British dining the city has to offer. Offering fresh menus that reflect the seasons, diners can expect high-quality dishes made from the freshest local ingredients that truly make the most of what’s currently in season. Open Wednesday to Sunday for brunch, lunch and evening sittings, this is the perfect spot for all occasions. It even offers a fun-filled bottomless brunch where diners can choose one brunch item, such as eggs Benedict or buttermilk pancakes, accompanied by a bottomless drink of their choice from the menu, which includes wildflower shiraz, prosecco, Aperol Spritz, a breakfast margarita and more. Following a meat-free diet? No worries, Millar’s also offers a great vegan and vegetarian menu that ensures no one goes hungry when dining here.

A relatively new addition to Belfast’s dining scene, The Teal Monkey opened in 2022 and found its home tucked away on the Dublin Road just south of the city centre. Taking inspiration from flavours from all around the world to create a unique British dining experience, The Teal Monkey serves a delightful menu filled with flavour and creative flair. Expect truly unique dishes like a Braised Short Rib Truffle Mac and Cheese, Tempura Seabass served with spiced cauliflower, chickpea and lentil dahl, and Seared Duck Breast served with butternut purée, gnocchi, chard kale and a blackberry jus. Live music is played every Saturday between 7pm and 9pm, making the atmosphere here truly special, and they offer a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits that make for the perfect accompaniment for the flavourful menu of delicious dishes.

Celebrating a special occasion? Or maybe you just want to go all out and treat yourself or your loved ones? Whatever the occasion, The Great Room Restaurant at the Merchant Hotel is the perfect place to check out for a dining experience you won’t forget. Set in the elegant surroundings of the hotel’s Great Room, with its chandeliers, plush furnishings and high ceilings, you’re sure to feel like royalty dining here. Having been awarded 2 AA Rosettes, diners can expect the finest food and service when eating here. Offering breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, this is the perfect spot for all occasions, and you’re sure to leave feeling more than satisfied. Not only that, but it also offers completely separate plant-based menu alternatives to the lunch, a la carte, tasting and afternoon tea menus, meaning those following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle don’t need to miss out on all the delights on offer.

Located in the heart of the city centre, The Northern Whig is certainly worthy of a mention when it comes to the best of British dining in Belfast. Blending luxury, comfort and glamour, the team here are dedicated to bringing the best that Belfast has to offer in terms of hospitality with the finest local cuisine and specialist cocktails created by expert mixologists. Open seven days a week from brunch until evening, this is a great spot to start, end or break up a day in the city centre. Offering an exciting selection of menu items influenced by cooking styles from all over the world, the team strives to cater for all tastes and dietary requirements. Offering a delicious menu of classic British favourites, including traditional fish and chips, chargrilled sirloin steak and a roast of the day, you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy here.

One of the most popular bars and restaurants in Belfast, Lavery’s & The Woodworkers welcomes visitors of all ages and from all walks of life. Lavery’s is casual and laid back, with various options for dining both indoors and outdoors, with its beer gardens being among the very best places to enjoy a sunny day in the city. Meanwhile, Woodworkers next door boasts an almost unrivalled selection of craft beers, making it a must visit for those who enjoy trying a wide variety of drinks. When it comes to food, on offer is a delicious menu of classic British pub grub favourites featuring everything from fish and chips with mushy peas and tartare sauce to steak and Guinness pie served with vegetables and chips, as well as loaded fries, burgers, tacos and much more.

Located in East Belfast on the Upper Newtownards Road, Horatio Todd’s is a local favourite for those looking for good pints, delicious food and a great atmosphere. Offering a varied lunch and dinner menu, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, this is a great spot to enjoy true British comfort food dining at any time of the day. The a la carte menu offers a delicious selection of classic dishes, such as a succulent chargrilled steak burger complete with pastrami, American cheddar, pickle and tomato relish, served with crispy chips or a pan-fried fillet of seabass topped with a tomato and cumin poached seafood curry sauce, complete with crushed Comber potatoes and a coriander and pomegranate yoghurt dressing. Alternatively, you can go for the traditional Horatio’s fish and chips or the indulgent 10 oz sirloin surf and turf, which comes with sauté garlic and chorizo tiger prawns, charred lemon and a side of your choice.

It doesn’t get much more classic British than fish and chips now, does it? And there’s nowhere better to enjoy this traditional delight than the renowned Fish City restaurant located at the heart of the city centre on Ann Street. Having won numerous awards for its quality and sustainable approach to seafood, this is an absolute must-visit for those who enjoy eating the produce of the seas. Offering daytime and evening dining, as well as takeaway options, this is a great place to enjoy a hearty lunch during a day out in the city, or a delicious evening meal to celebrate a special occasion. The menu features a delicious range of classic seafood offerings from seafood chowder to prawn cocktail, from fish and chips to battered whole tail scampi. Fancy something a little different? This is also the spot for you, it also offers creative dishes such as gluten-free salt and chilli squid complete with shaved fennel and orange slaw and a delicious lime and coriander mayonnaise, and prawn and chicken dim sum with a ginger, garlic and soy dressing.

A unique and lively craft beer bar situated on Belfast’s Ormeau Road, Northern Lights is a great spot to enjoy a buzzing atmosphere and a fantastic selection of craft beers. Open seven days a week, from 12pm to 11pm Sunday to Thursday and 12pm to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, this spot is always bustling with life. Aside from an almost unrivalled selection of beers, it also serves a delicious menu of food offerings for both lunch and evening dining. Between 12pm and 4pm, diners can enjoy sandwiches served with a side of crisps, with options such as a cheesy tuna melt, a grilled veggie flatbread, and a simple ham and cheese toastie. Alternatively, evening diners can enjoy a great selection of burgers, salad bowls and hearty mains including buttermilk fried chicken, IPA battered fish and chips, and even a meat-free chilli served with rice, sour cream and salted tortilla chips.

A fully licensed bistro at the heart of Belfast city centre, The Lantern has established itself as a firm favourite among both locals and visitors alike. Offering an intimate and relaxed environment, this is the perfect place to catch up with friends over great food or celebrate a special occasion with delicious dishes and drinks. Making the most of the finest locally sourced ingredients, the wide and varied menu here features everything from seafood chowder to chargrilled chicken Caesar salad, a roast Irish chicken supreme to cherry valley duck, fish of the day, and much more. There’s also a delicious selection of wines, beers and spirits, perfect for washing down a delicious and hearty meal.