Where to dine out in Belfast for the King’s Coronation

Whether it’s for dinner or afternoon tea, if there is one place to dine in Belfast that is fit for a king, it’s A Peculiar Tea on University Road. First opened at the tail end of 2021, this unique and creative eatery has seen diners come back time and time again to try the new and limited menus on offer. Founded by Chef Gemma Austin, who represented Northern Ireland in the high stakes BBC cooking competition, The Great British Menu, this place may as well have a royal seal of approval having received mention in the 2023 Michelin Guide. A unique concept restaurant offering flavoursome, limited tasting menus all based around a particular theme, from movies and TV shows to eras, music and more, enjoying a meal out here is an occasion you won’t forget. Currently, it’s running the ‘Best of Broadway Menu’ and the ideas for May are yet to be revealed. But we can bet Gemma and team will have been working on something truly spectacular.

For casual fine dining in the heart of South Belfast, there is nowhere better to visit than Millar’s Restaurant. Located on the Upper Lisburn Road, this is somewhat of a hidden gem when it comes to places to dine out in the city, with the locals who know just how special this is keen to keep the secret to themselves. It offers various set menus, as well as a stunning evening menu that features everything from various cuts of meat and seafood, to a separate vegetarian and vegan section. Boasting elegant interiors, friendly and attentive staff, and a focus on seasonality, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped inside a palace dining here. Even the little ones can enjoy the child-friendly menu featuring all of the classic favourites from chicken tenders and skinny fries to cod bites, peas and chips, and more. So, if you’re looking for the perfect place to treat the whole family during the bank holiday, make sure to book a table at Millar’s Restaurant.

On 6th May, the King’s Coronation will be broadcast live on big screens at Belfast City Hall. So if you want to make the most of the holiday without missing out on the goings-on across the pond, Parisien, situated right across the road from City Hall, is the perfect place to make your reservation. There is a balcony out the front of the restaurant, and while there are no tables out here, you can head out for the most important parts if and when you want to so you can get a better view of the screens. Now, aside from offering a prime spot to watch the Coronation ceremony, this elegant French-inspired eatery offers a delightful brasserie inspired menu with a modern twist, making use of the freshest, locally sourced ingredients combined with traditional French cooking techniques. From French onion soup to steak frites on the a la carte menu to a delicious array of small plates and canapés, you’ll be spoilt for choice by what’s on offer here. Alternatively, you can make the most of the popular afternoon tea and bottomless brunch menus that feature a great range of sweet and savoury options to suit all tastes and dietary requirements.

Hidden away in a leafy corner of Stranmillis overlooking the River Lagan, Cutters Wharf offers a memorable dining experience perfect for all occasions. Back in 2018, it offered a special Royal Wedding Brunch to mark the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, so it’s likely it’ll offer something special again to mark the King’s Coronation, although nothing has yet been revealed. Whether it does or not, Cutters is still the perfect place to enjoy the bank holiday with a tasty lunch or evening meal on the picturesque River Terrace, making for the perfect location to soak up what will hopefully be a lovely warm May day. With a relaxed atmosphere and a varied menu to suit all tastes, this is a great place to catch up with friends over some delicious food and drinks. But this place proves incredibly popular, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment!

If there’s one spot in the city that is fit for royalty, it’s the iconic Grand Central Hotel in Belfast City Centre. The highest hotel in the city, offering panoramic views of the Belfast skyline, dining here will make you feel like you’re a member of the royal family! With various dining options throughout the hotel to suit all tastes, this is a great place to spend the bank holiday, no matter which you choose. But for us, we have to recommend the fantastic Seahorse Restaurant. Boasting elegant interiors, highly professional staff, and an unforgettable menu of delicious food and drinks, this is a spot in the city that you won’t want to miss!