Cheap Places to Eat in Belfast

"Don’t let the outside appearance of this establishment deter you from checking it out, its appearance is merely a reflection on the turbulent social history of Belfast. Long’s Fish & Chips is probably one of the most famous in the city for it’s traditional fish and chips using the freshest fish and Maris Piper potatoes. A Fish Supper from the oldest Belfast chippy will only cost you £7 and if you’re a tourist in town, eating here will truly be a local experience."

"A post shared by Joe Warwick (@joe_warwick_) on Nov 18, 2016 at 5:14am PST. Considered Belfast’s eighth wonder after the Titanic Museum, the Crown Liquor Saloon, the peace walls, the Linen Hall Library, Ulster Museum, Europa Hotel and Harland & Wolff Heavy Industries, a visit to Belfast’s oldest fish and chip shop is a must. Once inside the doors of this traditional fish and chip shop, you will be transported to another world."

"Long’s is on a semi-derelict street, with its windows protected by steel security mesh – proving that you can’t judge a book by its cover. Inside, the tables are covered with Formica. Yet ever since John Long converted part of his grocery shop into a chippie in 1914, it’s been serving the best fish and chips in not only Belfast, but possibly the known universe."

"If you are looking for an authentic and delicious Naples-style pizza then look no further than Little Wing Pizzeria. You will find their flagship restaurant on Ann Street in Belfast and offer a total of nine restaurants throughout Northern Ireland. A special kids menu is available as well as colouring and toys to keep them entertained while they wait for their pizza."

"One of the most popular places to eat in Victoria Square, COSMOS is an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant that includes a fusion of world flavours. You can sample everything here from continental European cuisine, Asian delicacies and curries, as well as carvery roasts. In addition to the buffet of delicious dishes, you have a varied and colourful selection of desserts to choose from."

"This popular Canadian coffee and doughnut chain has firmly rooted itself in Northern Ireland. With over five stores across the country, and two more on the way, you won't have to travel too far for something tasty. If you haven't tried their signature donuts before, why not purchase a Timbits box and sample a variety of yummy donut holes."

"A firm favourite of many who hunt the student area around Queen’s University, Maggie Mays has two cafes, one by Stranmillis and one in Botanic. The cute little cafe offers a large menu with staple home-cooked favourites that any Belfast mum would have served up for her kids – Cowboy Suppers (sausage, beans and chip), beef stew, fry-ups, and so forth. The menu has an extensive all-day breakfast option, burgers and mains, and not to forget amazing desserts and legendary milkshakes."

"With three different cafes throughout Belfast, Maggie Mays’ Stranmillis cafe stands superior among them and is truly Belfast’s best cafe. Maggie Mays is well-known throughout the city for its magic milkshakes, from the conventional strawberry or chocolate to the “super speak shakes” such as the “Nutty for Chocolate” or “Banoffee Blitz.”. Lovers of an Ulster fry are treated to the all-day breakfast menu, while Maggie Mays is home to some of the best hot food in Belfast."

"Down a narrow alleyway, the Morning Star dates from at least 1810, when it was mentioned in the Belfast Newsletter as being one of the terminals for the Belfast to Dublin mail coach, and the traditional bar downstairs still boasts the original mahogany counter and terrazzo floor. Upstairs in the restaurant, you can thank Aussie owner Corrine McAlister for what must be the most eclectic pub menu in Ireland, with kangaroo, crocodile steaks, emu, ostrich and bison occasionally on offer. The Irish Restaurant Awards named it Northern Ireland gastro pub of the year in 2017."

"This award-winning, traditional Irish pub is known for its quality food menu and huge selection of draughts. You’ll find rotating craft beers like Hallion IPA and Maggie’s Leap on tap, with bottles including beers from Hilltown Brewery as well as local craft ciders too."

"Morning Star pub is offering the perfect takeaway box for Valentine’s Day dinner – with two 10oz steaks, two seasonal sides, two desserts and a bottle of wine all for just £30. Order from their website for collection between 12 and 14 February."

"The cocktail menu is a lengthy two pages of specialised gin and whiskey cocktails, and the bar carries an extensive range of American craft beers, fairly limited in other bars throughout the city. The bench seating in a funky Caribbean interior and sharing cocktails, along with a fantastic range of pub food (a full menu is served upstairs), make this bar one of the best spots for groups. The bar is located a few steps from Belfast’s major shopping district, Victoria Square, so make sure to grab a seat before the retail shops close because this bar gets crowded at night."

"If you haven't tried Bootleggers for a food flat-lay then where have you been?. Not only does it look great, it tastes great too, and is located just beside Victoria Square. You have to love the places who have set out to be aesthetic."

"Union Street Bar promises some seriously cool and quirky nights out in Belfast, with a regular roster of quizzes, pride parties and the hilarious 'Cabargay'. Head on over to this LGBTQ+ staple and you'll experience unique events with an extensive collection of classic cocktails."

"With its comfortable booths, dark wood and book-lined walls, The Thirsty Goat – half restaurant, half pub – is slightly more formal and quiet than its lively neighbours down the street. There’s live music seven nights a week, and a very good selection of gins, whiskies and rums, although the wine list is tiny. The food is hearty pub grub, and an excellent Irish stew can be washed down nicely with a creamy pint of Guinness."

"Although this venue has only opened in the past year, it has already established itself as a favourite amount pint-drinkers. The outside beer garden of The Thirsty Goat has regular live music which is an excellent addition to the sunshine and the excellent beer on tap. Address: 1 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LA"