Discover the 5 Best Places to Eat in Belfast

Increasing numbers of travelers are choosing to visit the vibrant city of Belfast, and it's not hard to see why. A city rich in history and culture, Belfast is home to unique attractions as well as a growing number of fantastic places to enjoy local and international cuisine. Read on to discover 5 of Belfast's best places to eat.

Situated in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, you will find the the atmospheric Italian restaurant Coppi. Named after Angelo Fausto Coppi, the infamous Italian cyclist who dominated the sport in the ‘40s and ‘50s, Coppi was awarded the prestigious Michelin ‘Bib Gourmand,' signifying that it serves good cuisine at a reasonable price. Enjoy a light meal of ‘cichetti', the traditional Venezian bar snacks, with options such as crab & fennel roll, feta fritters & truffled honey, or chili & basil hummus crostini, and duck ravioli fritters. Dinner choices include traditional Italian pizza and special Italian mains, such as pork scaloppine. The restaurant also features a number of vegan and gluten free meals. Be sure to perfectly complement your meal with one of the restaurant's suggested wines or a special Coppi cocktail, such as the Fausto Mojito.

Ox opened in 2013 by two friends passionate about high quality, sustainable, seasonal produce. Located near River Lagan, Ox provides a sophisticated dining experience for both lunch and dinner. Lunch menu options include mourne lamb rump, aubergine, sheep's yogurt, pickled mint leaves, with thoughtful dinner options combined in a tasting menu to include such as onion galette, Lough Neagh eel and wild garlic, foie gras, turnip, pickled rhubarb, ginger followed by a dessert of blackcurrant, white chocolate, sablé liquorice. The knowledgeable staff will seamlessly pair each menu item with well rounded glasses of wine to perfect your dining experience.

No trip to Belfast would be complete without a taste of traditional breakfast fry. Located in the heart of Belfast's city center, Bright's Restaurant is a great place to go to enjoy a breakfast fry, available all day, and many more of Ireland's traditional dishes. The indulgent meal includes hearty fare such as Irish soda & potato breads, black pudding, sausage and bacon, and makes a tasty treat after a sightseeing trip on a cold day. Other traditional favorites to savor are the famous Irish stew, and Whiltshire ham pie with chicken and leek. The restaurant's prime location puts it just 20 minutes by foot from the Radisson Blu Hotel, Belfast, so you can take a cool stroll through the city's center and attractions and head for a quick and delicious meal!

Located inside the Radisson Blu Hotel, Belfast, you will find the The Gasworks restaurant specializing in authentic and local Irish delicacies. Try the house favorite fish and chips or smoked haddock with green pea puree to get a treat of Irish favorites. Finish your meal with a deliciously sweet Eton mess with wild berries, crushed meringue and whipped cream. You will definitely be treated to a good, hearty meal and with a view over the city of Belfast and River Lagan, what better way to enjoy some local classics? You can of course, also grab a cool Irish beer from the Gasworks Bar & Café to accompany your meal.

Situated in a lofty New York style warehouse, Bib Gourmand winner, Home has been offering contemporary dining options in Belfast city center since it opened in 2011. The aim of restaurant is to serve feel-good food throughout the day, including breakfast pastries, deli lunches, and a varied menu for lunch and dinner. Dining options include roast chicken with Irish style cabbage, mash and wholegrain mustard, sweet potato fries, or Thai yellow Khao Soi soup. Special vegetarian, gluten free and 'skinny' menus are available to diners as well which are all great items to try.

Top Image © Geoff Telford / coppi.co.uk