The AA Restaurant Guide 2020 includes 18 establishments from Northern Ireland on its shortlist and across the country there are also many amazing pubs, shacks and eateries to dine in.
Here we pick out some of the best places to eat when you visit Northern Ireland.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Michelin-starred restaurant OX offers relaxed dining overlooking the River Lagan in Belfast. With their combined wealth of experience in fine dining, co-owners Stephen Toman and Alain Kerloch aim to provide the same quality of food and attentive service, but in a more relaxed, simple environment. Each dish on the menu is thoughtfully and creatively designed so every element of the dish has an integral role in showcasing the best quality seasonal produce.
The natural scenery at Harry’s Shack is as memorable as the food. The rustic seafood restaurant is situated on the fringes of Portstewart Strand beach and has stunning views of the Causeway Coastal Route. Fish fresh from local boats, local beers, quality wines and fabulous views make it unique and a favourite amongst locals and visitors.
Brunel’s is in the seaside town of Newcastle, situated on the coast of Northern Ireland with the stunning Mourne Mountains standing tall over the town. Head chef Paul Cunningham has ensured that the restaurant’s menu focuses on bold and creative gourmet dishes using the freshest regionally sourced ingredients, really showcasing seasonal produce at its best.
Walled City Brewery Restaurant - Derry-Londonderry
The Walled City Brewery is a multi-award winning restaurant and brewhouse based in Ebrington Square, Derry-Londonderry. By having a fully operating brewery and accompanying restaurant in the same building, it is the first of its kind in the country. Guests can get a real “taste of the North West” with some incredible beer and food on offer. Those wanting to find out more about the brewery can take part in the Beer Masterclass, a 1.5-hour interactive experience where beer enthusiasts will learn all about the history of brewing whilst tasting the ten craft beers on offer.
The Fullerton Arms is a fantastic pub in Ballintoy that serves authentic Irish cuisine using incredible local produce, and visitors should be sure to try the famous Strangford Rope Mussels available in a range of different sauces. Ballintoy was also used as one of the filming locations for smash hit TV show Game of Thrones, with some of the scenes in the Iron Islands shot in the harbour. Visitors to the Fullerton Arms can sneak a peek at the stunning carved wooden door that is on display at the pub, created as part of a campaign to commemorate season six of Game of Thrones. With only ten on display around Northern Ireland, it makes a visit extra special.
This busy restaurant located in Belfast has a superb menu featuring fresh shellfish carefully hand-selected from its independently-run shellfish beds. Mourne Seafood has been praised by top critics including the Observer Food Monthly Awards and was also voted as a “top choice” by Lonely Planet.
If you’re looking for some place warm and cosy, then Sleepy Hollow may be the perfect choice. One of the 18 Northern Irish establishments shortlisted by the AA for its Restaurant Guide 2020, this Newtownabbey favourite is renowned for its modern Irish food as well as serving classic dishes using new innovative techniques.
Located in the heart of Belfast, Deanes EIPIC serves the best of local ingredients cooked to award-winning standards. The restaurant retained its Michelin star last year and in May head chef Alex Greene scored a double win during finals week of the Great British Menu. He cooked two of the courses (starter and dessert) in this year’s banquet.
Mike Starling is the former digital features editor at The Week. He started his career in 2001 in Gloucestershire as a sports reporter and sub-editor and has held various roles as a writer and editor at news, travel and B2B publications. He has spoken at a number of sports business conferences and also worked as a consultant creating sports travel content for tourism boards. International experience includes spells living and working in Dubai, UAE; Brisbane, Australia; and Beirut, Lebanon.
The clown car cabinet
Ed Park's 6 favorite works about self reflection and human connection
6 fantastic homes in Columbus, Ohio
Why a Michelin star can spell danger for restaurants
8 award-winning restaurants to visit this fall
A foodie guide to Seattle
A foodie guide to St Andrews
Tipping point: is the end of the service charge near?
10 spectacular hotels for golfers that have just the right swing
The UK's most authentic farm-to-table restaurants
8 standout restaurants worth visiting this summer
