The best restaurants for Christmas in Belfast

There’s nothing quite like checking out the panto at the Grand Opera House to get you in the festive spirit. So, why not make a day of it and go for some pre-theatre dining before enjoying an evening of laughs with the nation’s sweetheart, May McFettridge. Located right across the road from the Grand Opera House, Fratelli is the perfect place for a pre-theatre dinner. A rustic Italian eatery offering everything from pizza to pasta and more, you are sure to leave feeling satisfied. With great offerings for both kids and adults and options to suit all dietary requirements, this is a safe bet when travelling with a fussy bunch.

Set in the heart of East Belfast in the leafy suburb of Ballyhackamore, Bistro Este is a hidden gem that is well worth visiting at any time of the year. However, if you’re looking for an unforgettable Christmas dinner, then this is the spot for you. With a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, this is a great spot to enjoy the festivities with family or make the most of a Christmastime catch up with friends. The three course Christmas menu comes in at a very reasonable £39.50 and diners will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the vast array of delicious dishes available. Taking the traditional and adding a modern twist, the team at Bistro Este truly show their creative flair through this festive menu. For starters, you will have a choice of everything from Madras curried parsnip soup to vegetable kimchi rolls served with a dipping sauce. For mains, there’s traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, Portavogie prawns with handmade linguine, thermidor sauce, lobster oil and aged parmesan, or a 10 oz Lisdergan sirloin steak with pepper sauce, triple cooked chips, pickled onion rings and watercress salad, and much more. Now for dessert, you can expect delicious offerings such as sticky toffee pudding, raspberry and white chocolate creme brulee, a homemade Christmas pudding, and more.

For local Irish hospitality, menus that cater to all dietary requirements, and a friendly festive atmosphere, Home Restaurant on Belfast’s Wellington Place is the perfect restaurant to get the whole family together this Christmas. A modern European restaurant focusing on local produce and sustainable ingredients, Home focuses on keeping its impact as low as possible. With festive menus featuring everything from a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings to butternut squash and lentil curry, there really is something for everyone here. The kids’ menu offers everything from white fish to sausages, mash and gravy, and more.

One of Belfast’s most family-friendly restaurants, Ben Madigan’s Bar and Kitchen is a great spot to take the kids for a fun and festive afternoon. Located at the foot of Cave Hill, this bar and kitchen is renowned for its warm and friendly hospitality and award-winning food and drink. With a rich history and modern attitude, Ben Madigan’s will be hosting great value Christmas party nights. For just £34.95, you can enjoy three courses and a great playlist from the resident DJ. Last year’s menu featured everything from a traditional Christmas dinner to a vegan nut roast, beef silverside to spiced salmon, and more. With various events and quiz nights taking place throughout the year, we can’t wait to see what these guys have in store for this festive season. 

Another East Belfast favourite, Hoose is owned and operated by partner team Chris and Sarah, who have over 30 years experience working in the hospitality industry. Using the very freshest local produce, they aim to bring great food at great prices with the perfect atmosphere to diners of Belfast. Bookings are now open for this year’s Christmas menu, which kicks off on 24th November. So make sure to reserve your table soon so you don’t miss out. Alongside the more traditionally inspired offerings of turkey and ham roulade with all the trimmings, they also offer an extensive array of internationally inspired dishes, as well as a full vegan and vegetarian menu. So, even if you’re not really in the mood for a classic turkey and ham dinner when dining out in the city this Christmas, you’re in luck. Some highlights from this year’s menu include Serrano ham wrapped cod with a leek and pea risotto and samphire, Korean-style beef with napa slaw and sriracha mayo, and a delicious winter berry cheesecake served with vanilla ice cream.

Located just outside of Belfast city centre, Bob Stewarts is a much-loved local pub and restaurant known for its delicious food, friendly atmosphere, and fantastic drinks selection. With a huge Christmas light switch-on celebration on 13th November, including live music, mulled wine, a meet and greet with Santa, and more, this spot is really getting into the festive spirit. A 400-year-old pub, Bob Stewarts oozes tradition with a modern twist, making it a cosy spot to catch up with friends over some pints and great food this festive season. With a heated beer garden out the back, this is a great place to spend the evening!

One of Belfast’s newest cocktail bars, Angel & Two Bibles is a must-visit for delicious cocktails with friends this festive season. With one of the most creative drinks menus in the city, this cocktail lounge is exactly what Belfast has needed. With a speakeasy vibe, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a different era as you sip on delicious cocktail creations. Sit indoors and warm up by the fire or make the most of the chilly winter weather with a drink in hand on the heated outdoor roof terrace. With an ‘Old Testament’ menu featuring a range of classic cocktails for the traditionalists and a ‘New Testament’ menu for those who fancy trying something new, Angel & Two Bibles offers something for everyone.

An iconic city centre restaurant known for serving great food and delicious drinks while offering an unforgettable atmosphere, The Lantern needs to be on your Belfast dining bucket list. And if you ask us, there’s no better time to tick this spot off than during the festive season! At the time of writing, it’s yet to release its Christmas menu for 2023. However, last year’s menu will be hard to beat with tasty dishes such as a flavourful crab fish cake with walnut salad, dill and lemon coulis, or crispy duck spring rolls, Asian napa slaw and oriental dressing as starters. The mains were just as mouthwatering with everything from a traditional turkey and ham roast to a chickpea curry with basmati rice and chips, to grilled sea bass, herb roasted baby potato, winter greens and beurre blanc. Finishing the evening off right, there was a delicious dessert menu featuring a classic Christmas pudding, an indulgent apple and mixed berry crumble, and a warming sticky toffee pudding. Don’t have a sweet tooth? No problem. There’s also an Irish cheese board with apple and plum chutney and cheese biscuits.

Spanish tapas for Christmas? Yes please! With a fun and light-hearted vibe, 2Taps in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter is the perfect place to head for some drinks and a bite to eat with your work colleagues. The traditional tapas menu gets a festive twist come this time of year, with dishes such as baked camembert with cranberry sauce, turkey roulade, chicken liver paté, and more. With a wide and varied menu that caters for all dietary requirements, you can rest assured there will be something for everyone here.

Located in South Belfast, Millar’s Restaurant is among the most underrated restaurants the city has to offer. With plenty of options to suit all dietary requirements, this is the perfect place for dining with a group this festive season, whether it be friends, family or work colleagues. Going all out with the decorations and offering top-class friendly Irish hospitality, you can truly get into the Christmas spirit here. Available from 24 November until 24th December, you’ll have plenty of chances to check out the festive delights served here. Booking is now open and tables are sure to snap up fast, so we advise making your reservation soon so you don’t miss out. When it comes to food, you can expect everything from a classic turkey and ham roulade to a barbary duck breast with sweet potato puree, miso glazed cod or a succulent chicken supreme.

Dining at the fantastic A Peculiar Tea beside Queen’s University should be on everyone’s list. Offering a six course tasting menu surrounding a limited theme, this is one of the city’s most unique and exciting eateries. Chef Gemma Austin and her team are yet to announce this year’s Christmas tasting menu, but based on previous creations we can imagine it will be something incredible. For example, the restaurant’s first ever Christmas menu was titled ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ and featured a range of ingredients, including potato, guinea fowl, truffle, prawn, chocolate and venison. Meanwhile, last year’s, titled ‘Walking in a Peculiar Wonderland’, featured everything from Jerusalem artichoke to truffle, duck, halibut, and more. A true dining experience, this is the perfect place for a festive date night with your significant other.

An intimate, industrial-style restaurant offering creative tasting menus with wine pairings and cocktails, The Muddlers Club is a great spot for a festive date night in the city. A one Michelin star restaurant hidden away in the Cathedral Quarter, it offers a range of tasting menus to suit all dietary requirements, including meat-eaters, vegetarian and vegan options. With talented local chef Gareth McCaughey at the helm, diners can enjoy creative dishes made from top-quality ingredients and homegrown produce. This is sure to be a Christmas dinner you won’t forget.

Last but most certainly not least in our guide of epic spots for festive dining in Belfast is the neighbourhood favourite, Cyprus Avenue. Perfectly situated in the leafy suburb of Ballyhackamore, this laidback eatery is a firm favourite among Belfast locals all-year round. Priding itself on sourcing the very best local Irish produce and making a conscious effort to cater to all tastes and dietary requirements, you can expect a vast array of delicious dishes here at Christmastime. Priced at £35 per person for midweek dining or £39 per person for weekends, the three course set menu features everything from duck liver parfait to turkey crown with cranberry stuffing, chipolatas and all the trimmings.