The best places for authentic pub grub in Belfast

Located on the Lisburn Road, close to Queen’s University, Ryan’s Bar and Restaurant is a beloved no-fuss bar and restaurant welcoming hungry diners from all across the city. Offering a classic menu of pub grub favourites, with everything from Bang Bang Chicken Strips to an 8 oz Sirloin with thick cut chips and pepper sauce, beer battered fish and chips with mushy peas and tartare sauce to a succulent and tasty vegan burger, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.

Offering two courses for the very reasonable sum of just £14, this is the perfect place to enjoy some delicious pub grub without breaking the bank. Plus, their fantastic menu of beers, wines, and spirits, alongside their emphasis on good craic ensures you’ll enjoy a fantastic and authentically Belfast dining experience here.

The perfect place for families, Ben Madigan’s Bar and Kitchen is set at the heart of north Belfast on the Cave Hill Road. Overlooked by the iconic Cave Hill, an enduring symbol of the city, you’re sure to enjoy a truly authentic Belfast dining experience here. Offering up a simple and comforting yet extensive and creative menu of pub grub classics like fish and chips, beef and chicken burgers, and various pasta dishes with a modern twist, they keep their focus firmly on quality local produce, so you can expect nothing but the finest local flavours each and every time you dine here.

Besides the food, the team also works hard to ensure guests are treated to the best hospitality that the city is famous for, with every customer who walks through the door being made to feel like part of the family. So, whether you’re enjoying a leisurely lunch with the family, want an evening catch up with friends, or are heading for a relaxed date with your loved one, Ben Madigan’s is the perfect spot for all occasions.

Nestled in the heart of Crumlin Road Gaol, one of Belfast’s most historic buildings, Cuff’s Bar and Grill offers a captivating yet comforting dining experience for all ages. First opened in July 2016, this popular eatery has gone from strength to strength over the past decade, welcoming customers from all across the city and further afield looking to indulge in some delicious pub grub and kick back in their relaxed dining environment.

Having developed great relationships with small independent suppliers such as Elmore Fish, a family business dating back to 1894, and Antrim meat suppliers, Apperley’s Butchers, the team at Cuffs make the very best of the seasons to create a menu that includes something for everyone. From their succulent pulled pork burger to their jumbo scampi, their Irish beef stew to their creamy carbonara, the menu is flavourful, delicious, and varied.

Set in the heart of the city centre, just on the outskirts of the iconic Cathedral Quarter, The Northern Whig is an absolute must-visit when it comes to classic pub grub. Offering a blend of luxury, comfort, and glamour, the Whig is dedicated to bringing diners the very best that Belfast has to offer in all aspects of hospitality, from the very freshest local cuisine to specialist homemade cocktails.

Open seven days a week from brunch until evening, it’s always a good time to dine here, no matter the occasion. Sourcing only the best local ingredients to create quality dishes, they offer an exciting menu that is influenced by cooking styles from all over the world. From their succulent chargrilled chicken stack served on a bed of mash with Jameson’s peppercorn cream, tobacco onions, and seasonal veg to their hearty beef and stout pie served with champ and a medley of seasonal vegetables, this is a Belfast dining experience that you don’t want to miss.

A favourite among East Belfast locals, Horatio Todd’s is renowned for its friendly local atmosphere, delicious menu of pub grub favourites, and huge selection of drinks. First opened in 2010, the restaurant takes its name from celebrated local pharmacist Horatio Todd, who was a prominent businessman in the city at the turn of the 20th-century. It’s not just their name, however, where they pay homage to their Belfast heritage.

Rather, their epic menu and vibrant local atmosphere make their roots in the city clear. Offering seasonal menus that feature a variety of classic pub grub favourites, including succulent burgers, beer battered fish and chips, and steak and chips, you’ll be blown away by the simple yet delicious flavours available here. They also offer an extensive vegan and vegetarian menu, so those who refrain from eating animal products don’t need to worry about missing out.