Belfast is a revitalised city boasting a thriving culinary scene. Chefs compete for attention in neighbourhoods dominated by destination shopping and lively nigh-time venues. Visitors from Glasgow will find a warm welcome and an enthusiasm for local produce.
The next time you pay a visit to Belfast, aim to eat in restaurants with character. Here’s three to give you a flavour of what Belfast has to offer – a hipster hangout, a laidback gastropub and a quirky diner.
Getting There: You can take one of almost 40 flights a week leaving from Glasgow to Belfast City Airport, leaving from Glasgow Airport and Glasgow Preswick. Citylink operate three buses a day from Glasgow to Belfast. The Stranraer (Cairnryan) to Belfast ferry takes around two hours and fifteen minutes.
Shu
253 Lisburn Road
(028) 9038 1655
Consistently a hit with restaurant critics and beloved by Lisburn Road hipsters, Shu is leading the way in setting new standards for modern Irish cooking.
Chef Brian McCann has crafted a menu with plenty of nods to local produce. Think black pudding, braised beef and plenty of fish combined with innovative cooking styles and some flair.
Dine in the ground floor restaurant before visiting their chic basement cocktail bar. The unusual name comes from the name of the Egyptian god of atmosphere apparently.
Best Dish: Clandeboye Estate wood pigeon, celeriac purée, kale, beetroot, Lapsang Souchong £18
The Barking Dog
33-35 Malone Rd
(028) 9066 1885
Tonight's Starter Special: Curried Monkfish Cheeks, Beetroot, Coriander, Rhubarb & Ginger Chutney #nomnom #foodporn pic.twitter.com/byIxc1z4nD
— Barking Dog (@BarkingDBelfast) April 20, 2015
This laidback eatery on Malone Road smacks of a young, vibrant confidence exemplified by their no-nonsense menu and charming staff.
The bare brick walls, wooden tables and quirky crockery is the backdrop for a procession of tapas dishes or gastropub staples like beer-battered fish and chips or a steak sandwich.
Look out for their set menu offering two courses for £20 or three courses for £25 with choices including fish pie, beef shin burger or sweet potato ravioli.
Best Dish: Smoked Chicken, Sweet Potato Ravioli, Spring Onions, Carrot Crisps, Parmesan, Chilli Butter £7.50/£14
Love & Death Inc.
10a Ann Street
(028) 9024 7222
With the statement name and attention seeking interior design quirks it’s tempting to start thinking that this popular city centre joint on Anne Street is trying just that little bit too hard.
One look at the food and you’ll learn to ignore the hints of bang-on-trend pretension. This is a nightclub, cocktail bar, restaurant and gallery. While perfectly suited for dancing, knocking back drinks or gawking at arty curios, we suggest you visit for their kickass menu with turbo-charged American-influenced bar snacks like gourmet hot dogs, cajun chicken or mac and cheese.
Special deals like £5 lunchtime snacks makes it one of the best value restaurants in Belfast.