Food & Drink

Foodie Finds: The Boathouse, Tzatziki, Harlem Cafe and Hero

Restaurant recommendations to explore in 2024.

Hero opened in December on York Street.
By Sophie Clarke

If you’re tired of turkey, sick of sprouts and no longer a fan of honey glazed ham then the first Foodie Finds of 2024 has exactly what you’re looking for.

DINE IN
The Boathouse, Lough Road, Antrim, Monday-Sunday 12pm-9pm

Since The Boathouse was taken over by hospitality experts Sean and Geraldine McLaughlin in October, the 70-seater restaurant now offers a breakfast, lunch and dinner service. The new offering will invite diners on a gastronomic journey through Northern Ireland’s finest flavours showcasing the best local seafood, meat and produce from nearby farms as well as drinks from local breweries. Coupled with the unrivalled panoramic views of Lough Neagh the restaurant is ideal for any and all occasions.

Tzatziki, 35 Botanic Avenue, Belfast, Tuesday-Thursday 5pm-10pm, Friday-Sunday 1pm-10pm

Serving authentic Greek dishes such as gyros, moussaka and spanakopita made from traditional recipes Tzatziki will transport you to Greece almost immediately. With generous portion sizes and friendly staff this is a must try if you’re looking to expand your palette in 2024.

@alexhuston.eats

🇬🇷 Checking out Greek Food on Botanic Avenue #belfast

♬ original sound - AlexHuston.eats
Bank Square Brasserie, 56-58 Berry Street, Belfast, Monday-Thursday 12pm-9pm, Friday & Saturday 12pm-10pm

Celebrating local ingredients, food and wine, Bank Square Brasserie gives diners the opportunity to appreciate high quality food and service in a casual atmosphere with its European Bistro style menu. This unique experience provides plenty of options for everyone with their plant-based menu being amongst the best in Belfast.

@keevaeats

The Bank Sq Brasserie Lunch Deal is a STEAL! I was invited down to to check out their lunch menu in Belfast City Centre and guys, we were super impressed. If you are looking for somewhere in town for lunch that isn’t a coffee shop then this is definitely the place for you! They have a full starters/mains/desserts menu similar to their dinner but also have a £10 Lunch Deal Mon-Fri for people just popping in for a quick lunch whilst in town and it’s an absolute BARGAIN! I made sure to start with a cocktail as I know from experience these guys know their way around a drink. We ordered the Lobster Dumplings and Thai Crispy Beef for starters from the full menu which were both so tasty! We then had the Burger and Salt & Chilli Squid from the £10 lunch deal which were both great and also very generous portions! From the food and drinks to the service and atmosphere, this place is an absolute gem! If you are with an appetite pleeeease get the burger and fries, you won’t regret it 😋 #belfast #belfasttiktok #belfasthiddengems #belfastfood #belfastfoodplaces #belfastlunch #nifood #nifoodreviews #nifoodspots #nitiktok #belfastfoodspots

♬ Fighter (Instrumental) - ROKKA
Millar’s Grill & Seafood, 1D Lanyon Quay, Belfast, Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 12pm-9pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm-9:30pm

Diners are spoilt for choice with Millar’s Grill & Seafoods’ abundance of local produce from their fresh seafood to their steaks. The restaurant also offers an extensive drinks menu with a vast selection of wines, local whiskeys, gins and beers to sip whilst overlooking the Waterfront and Lanyon Quay.

BRUNCH
The Pocket, 68 Upper Church Lane, Belfast, Monday-Thursday 8am-3.30pm, Friday 8am-4pm, Saturday 8.30am-5pm, Sunday 8.30am-4pm

“Success is born out of passion” is the philosophy behind one of Belfast’s busiest brunch spots. Located in the Flat Iron Building just behind the famous Bittles Bar the café is renowned for its high-quality fresh food, great coffee and relaxed atmosphere.

Harlem Café, 34 Bedford Street, Belfast, Monday-Friday 9am-3pm, Saturday 9am-3pm, 5pm-11pm, Sunday 9am-2pm

With an eclectic bistro menu Harlem Café is truly a one-of-a-kind mix of fabulous food and eye-catching vintage vibes in the city centre. Whether you’re catching up with friends, celebrating a special occasion or looking for a different spot for a date, they only have one rule… no-one leaves Harlem hungry.

@cookaliacarte_

Beautiful Brunch Spot Belfast If you are in Belfast or coming for a weekend be sure to ass Harlem Cafe to your list of food spots to check out 10/10 food, vibes and decor 👌 #brunchbelfast #belfastbrunchspots #breakfastbelfast #placestoeatbelfast #instagramdecor #brunchideas #belfastcity #placestogobelfast #hungryinbelfast #belfastfoodplaces #belfastfoodspots

♬ Tadow - Masego & FKJ
Déjà vu Street Kitchen, 52 Boucher Road, Belfast, Tuesday-Friday 9.30am-4pm, Saturday 9.30am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm

From their chicken and waffles, buffalo chicken wings and brisket loaded fries to their Mexican flatbread and chicken and beef burgers. This spot on the Boucher has brunch options for everyone. However, I personally believe that it is worth a visit for their lemon meringue and apple crumble inspired French toast alone.

General Merchants/5A, Lockview Road, Belfast, Monday-Saturday 8am-5pm, Sunday 9am-5pm

What was once a café with no name, with locals simply referring to it as 5A is now part of the General Merchants portfolio.

General Merchants has become synonymous with brunch in Belfast and if you haven’t tried their breakfast bap before that is must in 2024.

If Stranmillis is not a convenient option they can also be found in east Belfast, Ormeau Road, Forestside shopping and for a quick fuel stop on the way to work, there is also a kiosk in Belfast city centre.

TAKEAWAY
Hero, 54 York Street, Belfast, Monday-Saturday 12pm-4pm

From the streets of New York to York Street, Hero opened in December offering authentic New York style sandwiches, sodas and loaded fries. Within walking distance from both Belfast city centre and Ulster University this new spot will likely become one of your favourite places to frequent. However, given the size of the portions a heroic appetite is needed.

Yoko, Riverside Park S, Coleraine (inside The Jet Centre), Monday-Friday 4:30pm-10pm, Saturday 1pm-10pm, Sunday 1pm-9pm

Asian fusion restaurant, perfect if you’re looking for a different Chinese takeaway option. Their takeaway menu offers everything from steak and cheesy garlic bread to crispy honey chilli shredded chicken, chilli beef noodle soup and duck pancakes.

Oregano, Shore Road, Belfast, Monday-Thursday 5pm-11pm (closed on Tuesdays), Friday-Sunday 5pm-12am

Another option for those who enjoy authentic Greek food is Oregano, which offers a range of Greek street food to takeaway, including Souvlaki (skewers), homemade burgers, fresh crepes and Greek fried dough balls (loukoumades).