Eat & Drink Belfast Restaurant Week – a tasty celebration of local food and culinary events – is serving up nine days of deliciousness in fabulous eateries across the city from this Saturday (8 October).
From 8 – 16 October, diners will be spoilt for choice as restaurants, cafés and pubs serve up bespoke menus and unique food experiences to celebrate Belfast’s bustling food and drink scene, and organisers Visit Belfast and Food NI are encouraging everyone to try something new or book a table at a tried-and-tested favourite to celebrate.
Belfast’s restaurant scene offers everything from Michelin-starred dining to a classic Ulster fry, and the city’s pubs and bars are perfect for cocktails, craft beers or locally distilled gins. In more than 60 events taking place right across Belfast, the city’s eateries will showcase the passion that goes into making, cooking and serving up the very best of fresh local produce.
Belfast City Council has funded the event, and Lord Mayor Brian Kingston said:
“Belfast has a growing reputation for great food, and was named as one of National Geographic’s top places to travel for food in 2016. The city is home to internationally renowned chefs and produce and as we approach the end of the NI Year of Food and Drink, Belfast Restaurant Week provides the perfect opportunity for residents, or visitors to Belfast, to get out and enjoy some of the best food on offer right across the city.”
For full details all events taking place during Belfast Restaurant Week, go to visitbelfast.com/food.
Some of the special events and menus on offer during Belfast Restaurant Week include:
The Merchant Hotel Opera Dinner (Thursday 13 October, £69.50pp)
The Merchant Hotel invites music enthusiasts and gourmands alike to enjoy culinary and auditory delights at their Opera Dinner. Guests will arrive to a drinks reception with canapes before indulging in a six course meal with wines to accompany each course. Opera singers will entertain guests on arrival, between courses and during the grand finale.
Dine around Deanes (Thursday 13 October, £70pp)
Sample the delights of all Deanes restaurants in Belfast. Climb aboard a double decker bus, which will take you on a tour from Deane and Decano in south Belfast, via Deanes at Queen’s and to the city centre restaurants – Deanes at Howard Street, Deanes Deli Bistro and Vin Café.
Bollywood Dance Night (Saturday 15 October, £25pp)
East meets West with an injection of culture and live entertainment to complement your meal at Solo Kitchen and Bar. For one night only, feast on an authentic three course Indian meal using the very best locally sourced food and beverage suppliers. Be greeted like a VIP with a red carpet and glass of prosecco on arrival, and enjoy entertainment from live Bollywood dancers as you eat.
Taste & Tour (Sunday 10 October, 7.30pm)
Taste and tour your way around the Ormeau Road, with a deliciously vibrant food and drink scene. Over the course of the evening, you’ll enjoy a host of food and drink experiences, including a visit to a speciality coffee roaster, local drinks in a traditional family owned pub, incredible Asian cuisine and more to tantalise your taste buds.
Cooking with Niall McKenna (Sunday 9 October, free)
Celebrate Belfast Restaurant Week at St George’s Market with chef Niall McKenna, owner of the James Street South restaurant, who’ll be cooking up a storm in the market from 10am – 12 noon on Saturday 9 October.
Trad & Tapas (Wednesday 12 October, prices vary)
Enjoy traditional music all night in Horatio Todd’s, complete with an Irish and Ulster Scots themed tapas menu using local produce from the local area.