Let’s talk about Belfast. The Northern Irish capital might be small but believe us when we say that its food scene worth the trip across the Irish Sea (or wherever else you might be coming from). In fact, Time Out recently declared Belfast one of the UK’s best cities for food based on our survey of thousands of urban-dwellers across the country. Irish ingredients are some of the best out there, and the chefs of Belfast know exactly how to make them sing.
So where exactly should you go to find the best of the best? Well, we’ve just crowned The Muddler’s Club Belfast’s finest restaurant right now.
Named after a 200-year-old secret society and one of Belfast’s two restaurants with a coveted Michelin star, Muddler’s Club offers a £95 constantly changing tasting menu. In the past it’s served delicious gems like scallop in a pool XO sauce, wild halibut in a burnt butter sauce and lamb carpaccio and celeriac scattered with peanuts.
Food writer and Belfast insider Anna Cafolla, who curated the list, said: ‘Down a cobbled street in Belfast’s historic Cathedral Quarter, it would be easy to miss the cloistered, low-lit, and Michelin-starred Muddlers Club – named after a secret society that once gathered in that spot. 10 years in, chef and owner Gareth McCaughey’s philosophy remains centred on homegrown produce, seasonality, and thrilling flavours.’
The Ginger Bistro in the city centre claimed second place on the list, followed by the ‘nimble, snack-forward’ menu at Roam.
Anna said: ‘Whether you’re a local stuck for date night, a power luncher in need for ideas or you’ve just stepped off your early morning flight to the crisp, salty Lough air, the small port city of Belfast’s bold culinary scene has something for you. That’s a promise.’
Discover all the other best restaurants in Belfast here.
Eating in the UK
Want something else to stick your teeth into? We’ve uncovered some secret foodie locations that you might not have thought of, and we have lists of the best restaurants in the country, as well as our picks for the most romantic places to eat in Britain. And while you’re at it check out our top restaurants in Glasgow, Brighton, Leeds and Manchester for 2025.
Here are all the UK restaurants that won new Michelin stars in the 2025 Michelin Guide.
Plus: The UK’s top 50 cocktail bars have been crowned for 2025.
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