Food and Drink in Belfast

Belfast’s food scene is buzzing. Whether it’s delis and markets laden with super-fresh local produce, sleek city centre restaurants, or old-school favourites like fish and chips and the Ulster Fry, the capital of Northern Ireland is fast becoming a true food hero.

Eating out is one of the great pleasures in life. It’s also one of the joys of travel. There’s nothing like a new city, new restaurants and new culinary experiences. For a city the size of Belfast the choice of places to eat is surprising. Belfast offers everything from fine dining, brasseries and bistros to gastro pubs, cafes, coffee shops and some of the best fish & chips in the world.

Pubs and Clubs

Smart and stylish, sports, live music, nightclub or gay and lesbian; whatever your taste in nightlife this city has it in abundance. Punters are out in their droves most evenings in the city, sampling the best of what Belfast nightlife has to offer. Why not set your feet moving and your heart racing at one of the city's nightclubs or relax and imbibe in a modern smart and stylish bar or more traditional historical hostelry? Alternatively you may prefer to while away the hours enjoying the food in the comfortable surroundings of the gastro pub. Whatever you seek, Belfast is happy to oblige.

Saint Georges Market

The present St. George's Market, built 1890-1896, is one of Belfast's oldest attractions and recognised as one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland. The market is home to some of the finest fresh produce, with customers travelling near and far to sample the delights of Friday, Saturday and Sunday markets.

There has been a Friday market on the St George’s site since 1604. The present award-winning St George’s Market, built between 1890 and 1896, is one of Belfast’s oldest attractions.

As well as being home to some of the finest fresh produce, with customers travelling near and far to sample the delights of Friday, Saturday and Sunday markets, it has become one of the city's most popular places to visit.

Since its £4.5m refurbishment in 1997, this charming Victorian building offers one of the most vibrant and colourful destinations that Belfast has to offer.

Friday Variety Market

The Friday Variety Market is open 6am to 3pm. Around 248 market stalls sell a diverse range of products from Atlantic shark and zips, to antiques and fresh fruit. The fish section alone contains 23 fish stalls and holds the reputation for being the leading retail fish market in Ireland. You can also listen to live music from local solo artists.

Saturday City Food, Craft and Garden Market

The Saturday City Food and Craft Market is open 9am to 3pm. Enjoy the best food tastes and smells brought by local producers, as well as a fusion of tempting continental and speciality foods from around the world. Customers can sample the produce, relax with a coffee and a newspaper against a backdrop of live music from top local bands and solo artists.

Sunday Food, Craft and Antique Market

The Sunday Market is open 10am - 4pm and is a mixture of the traditional Friday Variety Market and Saturday’s award-winning City Food and Craft Market. It has a special emphasis on local arts and crafts, offering more local craftspeople the opportunity to show off their talents. Live music from top local bands and solo artists also ensures that visitors are kept entertained. Products on sale include local, continental and specialty foods, scented candles, clothes, handmade jewellery, antiques, art and souvenirs.

It was named the UK's Best Large Indoor Market 2014 by the National Association of British Market Authorities, beating off stiff competition from internationally renowned markets like Spitalfields, Billingsgate and Borough.