Pacing the streets of the Northern Irish capital is hungry work – so much so that nothing but a feast at one of the best restaurants in Belfast will do. The Peace Murals, Crumlin Road Gaol, Titanic Museum, and St George’s Market – perhaps you’ve even wandered up the muddy trail to Cave Hill. After starting the day with a non-negotiable Ulster Fry, the clock’s been ticking; it’s time for another loaded plate or two.
Michelin has featured a steady stream of Belfast restaurants since 1997, when the now-shuttered Deanes Eipic famously secured its star. Yet, Belfast’s culinary roots go deeper than awards. The city’s food scene draws on centuries of agricultural heritage, a hospitable culture, and the seafood bounty of its waterfront location.
Following your stomach around Belfast is an experience of its own. Here’s our pick of the city’s best restaurants.
Capparelli at the Mill
Fortune favours the brave, or in this case, those willing to venture out of Belfast’s central quarters. In the eastern neighbourhood of Dundonald, this restored 18th-century mill serves unexpected Mediterranean cuisine. Capparelli at the Mill opened its doors in 2025. Just a 20-minute bus ride from Stormont Estate, it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a sun-inspired twist. High ceilings with traditional beams create an airy atmosphere. Guests enjoy dishes like lemon seabass or casarecce alla poitin, while overlooking seasonal wildflowers through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Address: 231 Belfast Road, Belfast, BT16 1EU
Website: capparelli.co.uk
EDŌ
EDŌ is a familiar name in Belfast. The much-loved tapas restaurant has an industrial aesthetic and a Michelin Bib Gourmand, whipping together shareable portions of European nibbles, including paella, patatas bravas, and harissa octopus. You’re in safe hands. Owners Jonny and Charlotte Elliott have a respectable track record of accolades, including prior experience working under Gordon Ramsay. And if you like what you’ve tasted? The team’s newly-launched restaurant, Beau, in the Cathedral Quarter, could be worth a detour.
Address: 3 Capital House, Unit 2, Upper Queen Street, Belfast, BT1 6FB
Website: edorestaurant.co.uk
Stock Kitchen & Bar
Retrace those steps. Stock Kitchen & Bar is an opportunity to experience Belfast’s famous St George’s Market from a whole new perspective. Tucked away in the market’s Victorian upper beams, the restaurant revolves around local produce, with balcony seating available overlooking its stalls. Acclaimed chef Danny Millar has numerous BBC appearances and a resume of Belfast restaurants to his belt. At Stock Kitchen, his à la carte menu rotates consciously-sourced dishes like County Down pheasant, Wicklow venison, and Strangford mussels.
