The best restaurants for Christmas in Belfast

There’s nothing quite like checking out the panto at the Grand Opera House to get you in the festive spirit. So, why not make a day of it and go for some pre-theatre dining before enjoying an evening of laughs with the nation’s sweetheart, May McFettridge. Located right across the road from the Grand Opera House, Fratelli is the perfect place for a pre-theatre dinner. A rustic Italian eatery offering everything from pizza to pasta and more, you are sure to leave feeling satisfied. With great offerings for both kids and adults and options to suit all dietary requirements, this is a safe bet when travelling with a fussy bunch.

Set in the heart of East Belfast in the leafy suburb of Ballyhackamore, Bistro Este is a hidden gem that is well worth visiting at any time of the year. However, if you’re looking for an unforgettable Christmas dinner, then this is the spot for you. With a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, this is a great spot to enjoy the festivities with family or make the most of a Christmastime catch up with friends. The three course Christmas menu is usually very reasonably priced and diners are often spoilt for choice when it comes to the vast array of delicious dishes available. Taking the traditional and adding a modern twist, the team at Bistro Este truly show their creative flair through this festive menu. For starters, you can expect choices such as Madras curried parsnip soup or vegetable kimchi rolls served with a dipping sauce. For mains, there’s traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, alongside dishes such as Portavogie prawns with handmade linguine, thermidor sauce, lobster oil and aged parmesan, or a 10 oz Lisdergan sirloin steak with pepper sauce, triple cooked chips, pickled onion rings and watercress salad, and much more. For dessert, you can expect delicious offerings such as sticky toffee pudding, raspberry and white chocolate creme brûlée, a homemade Christmas pudding, and more.

A beloved Belfast restaurant with a cosy vibe and local feel, Holohan’s Pantry is the perfect place to enjoy some delicious food and quality time with your significant other this festive season. Book a table here and surprise them with a little pre-Christmas meal to truly let them know how much they mean to you. Specialising in real Irish food, this spot has won numerous awards, including Restaurant of the Year 2023, making it a truly special place to dine out this festive season. The dining room is always tastefully decorated to spread some festive cheer and it truly does make the most of the very finest Irish produce to offer a Christmas dinner menu like none you’ve ever tried. Accompanying the epic food menu, it also serves up a delightful selection of wines, beers, and cocktails that are sure to go down a treat.

For local Irish hospitality, menus that cater to all dietary requirements, and a friendly festive atmosphere, Home Restaurant on Belfast’s Wellington Place is the perfect restaurant to get the whole family together this Christmas. A modern European restaurant focusing on local produce and sustainable ingredients, Home focuses on keeping its impact as low as possible. With festive menus featuring everything from a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings to butternut squash and lentil curry, there really is something for everyone here. The kids’ menu offers everything from white fish to sausages, mash and gravy, and more.

One of Belfast’s most family-friendly restaurants, Ben Madigan’s Bar and Kitchen is a great spot to take the kids for a fun and festive afternoon. Located at the foot of Cave Hill, this bar and kitchen is renowned for its warm and friendly hospitality and award-winning food and drink. With a rich history and modern attitude, Ben Madigan’s always hosts great value Christmas party nights. You can expect three courses and a great playlist from the resident DJ. Previous menus have featured everything from a traditional Christmas dinner to a vegan nut roast, beef silverside to spiced salmon, and more. With various events and quiz nights taking place throughout the year, we can’t wait to see what these guys have in store for this festive season. 

Another East Belfast favourite, Hoose is owned and operated by partner team Chris and Sarah, who have over 30 years experience working in the hospitality industry. Using the very freshest local produce, they aim to bring great food at great prices with the perfect atmosphere to diners of Belfast. Bookings are now open for this year’s Christmas menu, so make sure to reserve your table soon so you don’t miss out. Alongside the more traditionally inspired offerings of turkey and ham roulade with all the trimmings, you can expect an extensive array of internationally inspired dishes, as well as a full vegan and vegetarian menu. So, even if you’re not really in the mood for a classic turkey and ham dinner when dining out in the city this Christmas, you’ll be in luck.

With plenty of events taking place in the run up to the big day, The Devenish is the place to celebrate the festive season with the family this year. From performances by local comedian Paddy McDonnell to live music as part of Christmas Rebelfest and of course, The Devenish Christmas Brunch Club, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to exciting events taking place throughout December. Alongside these special events, there will also be a delightful festive menu to suit all tastes, ages, and dietary requirements. From Honey Roast Antrim Turkey and Ham to Thai Red Curry, the festive menu features a delightful array of classic and creative flavours. Whether you are looking for a traditional Christmas with top-class food and wine or a fun-filled celebration featuring the best entertainment in town, you’re sure to find it here.

Located just outside of Belfast city centre, Bob Stewarts is a much-loved local pub and restaurant known for its delicious food, friendly atmosphere, and fantastic drinks selection. With a huge Christmas light switch-on celebration on 13th November, including live music, mulled wine, a meet and greet with Santa, and more, this spot is really getting into the festive spirit. A 400-year-old pub, Bob Stewarts oozes tradition with a modern twist, making it a cosy spot to catch up with friends over some pints and great food this festive season. With a heated beer garden out the back, this is a great place to spend the evening!

One of Belfast’s newest cocktail bars, Angel & Two Bibles is a must-visit for delicious cocktails with friends this festive season. With one of the most creative drinks menus in the city, this cocktail lounge is exactly what Belfast has needed. With a speakeasy vibe, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a different era as you sip on delicious cocktail creations. Sit indoors and warm up by the fire or make the most of the chilly winter weather with a drink in hand on the heated outdoor roof terrace. With an ‘Old Testament’ menu featuring a range of classic cocktails for the traditionalists and a ‘New Testament’ menu for those who fancy trying something new, Angel & Two Bibles offers something for everyone.

An iconic city centre restaurant known for serving great food and delicious drinks while offering an unforgettable atmosphere, The Lantern needs to be on your Belfast dining bucket list. And if you ask us, there’s no better time to tick this spot off than during the festive season! At the time of writing, it’s yet to release its Christmas menu for this year. However, previous year’s have boasted tasty dishes such as a flavourful crab fish cake with walnut salad, dill and lemon coulis, or crispy duck spring rolls, Asian napa slaw and oriental dressing as starters. The mains have been just as mouthwatering with everything from a traditional turkey and ham roast to a chickpea curry with basmati rice and chips, to grilled sea bass, herb roasted baby potato, winter greens and beurre blanc. Finish the evening off right, with a delicious dessert menu that’s included classic Christmas pudding, an indulgent apple and mixed berry crumble, and a warming sticky toffee pudding. Don’t have a sweet tooth? No problem. There’s often an Irish cheese board with apple and plum chutney and cheese biscuits.

The perfect place for a casual catch up with pals that isn’t gonna break the bank – and leave you lots to spend on your Secret Santa – Ryan’s Bar and Restaurant offers up a delicious food and drinks menu that is certain to suit all tastes. The Christmas menu offers up all the classics from locally sourced County Antrim roast turkey and ham complete with stuffing, mash, vegetables, roast potatoes, cocktail sausages, cranberry sauce, and rich gravy, to a delicious Veggie Roast with roast potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, and gravy. It also serves up an epic selection of starters and desserts that will leave you feeling more than satisfied. Bookings must be made in advance – and two courses will set you back just £19.95 throughout the week or £21.95 at the weekend, while three courses come in at £24.95 or £26.95.

Spanish tapas for Christmas? Yes please! With a fun and light-hearted vibe, 2Taps in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter is the perfect place to head for some drinks and a bite to eat with your work colleagues. The traditional tapas menu gets a festive twist come this time of year, with dishes such as baked camembert with cranberry sauce, turkey roulade, chicken liver paté, and more. With a wide and varied menu that caters for all dietary requirements, you can rest assured there will be something for everyone here.

Located in South Belfast, Millar’s Restaurant is among the most underrated restaurants the city has to offer. With plenty of options to suit all dietary requirements, this is the perfect place for dining with a group this festive season, whether it be friends, family or work colleagues. Going all out with the decorations and offering top-class friendly Irish hospitality, you can truly get into the Christmas spirit here. Available throughout December, you’ll have plenty of chances to check out the festive delights served here. Booking is now open and tables are sure to snap up fast, so we advise making your reservation soon so you don’t miss out. When it comes to food, you can expect everything from a classic turkey and ham roulade to a barbary duck breast with sweet potato puree, miso glazed cod or a succulent chicken supreme.

Whether you’ve been placed in charge of organising the work Christmas dinner or you just want to enjoy some afterwork drinks with your colleagues before heading to the markets, Lavery’s and The Woodworkers is the perfect spot. Offering a relaxed and friendly vibe with various seating areas to suit all occasions, this spot is ideal for all kinds of gatherings. Catering for groups of all sizes, with special platters available for tables of over 24, this is the ideal place to dine with a group of mates. Plus, the full a la carte menu will be available over the festive season, making this a great choice to ensure there’s something to suit everyone. Alternatively, if you’re just in the mood to enjoy a few festive drinks, why not head into The Woodworkers, where it serves up a huge selection of beers, wines, cocktails, and spirits to get you in the festive mood. Just remember to book your space because it will be busy over the Christmas period!

One of the most recent additions to the Belfast dining scene, mrDeanes is the perfect place to impress a date this cuffing season. From the mind of renowned local chef Michael Deane, this spot is one you won’t want to miss, featuring an open and airy 100 seat dining area making for an informal yet stylish dining experience. The food on offer matches the quality of the atmosphere, with an array of the finest local food from its own homemade pork sausages to locally caught fresh fish dishes – there is something for everyone, with a bistro twist and creative flair. The Christmas menu is unique and creative, with everything from Irish stuffed turkey served with cranberry, herb gravy, roasties, and sprouts to confit duck a l’orange with carrot, vanilla, and crispy potatoes. What more could you want?

An intimate, industrial-style restaurant offering creative tasting menus with wine pairings and cocktails, The Muddlers Club is a great spot for a festive date night in the city. A one Michelin star restaurant hidden away in the Cathedral Quarter, it offers a range of tasting menus to suit all dietary requirements, including meat-eaters, vegetarian and vegan options. With talented local chef Gareth McCaughey at the helm, diners can enjoy creative dishes made from top-quality ingredients and homegrown produce. This is sure to be a Christmas dinner you won’t forget.

Last but most certainly not least in our guide of epic spots for festive dining in Belfast is the neighbourhood favourite, Cyprus Avenue. Perfectly situated in the leafy suburb of Ballyhackamore, this laidback eatery is a firm favourite among Belfast locals all-year round. Priding itself on sourcing the very best local Irish produce and making a conscious effort to cater to all tastes and dietary requirements, you can expect a vast array of delicious dishes here at Christmastime. Expect a well priced three course set menu featuring the likes of turkey crown with cranberry stuffing, chipolatas and all the trimmings.

Get to know one another amidst the intimate and romantic surroundings of Rita’s Cocktail Bar. Hidden away on Franklin Street, this quaint and cute cocktail bar offers a refined vibe, making it the ultimate place to cosy up with a date this festive season. You never know, you might even be lucky enough to get sat under the mistletoe. The festive cocktail menu offers ‘a sultry affair’ with everything from After Midnight with nutmeg-infused Ketel One, creme de cacao creme de menthe, gomme and sweet cream mix, to the Irish Goodbye with Born Irish Whiskey, creme de cacao, allspice, orange bitters, Aztec chocolate bitters, and orange twist garnish, and plenty more deliciously Christmassy flavours.