Here I will go through a few of my top spots for lunch spanning over different cuisines. It focuses on using local ingredients but transforming these ingredients into international food favourites. Belfast is currently growing into becoming a hot spot for great food and nightlife, so why not try out a few.

Maggie Mays – for an Ulster Fry

Maggie Mays is a Belfast classic, if you have heard of the Ulster Fry, then you’ve heard of Maggie Mays. They currently have 3 different cafes within the Belfast area and a takeaway chippy on University Road. It’s reasonably priced and caters to students, families, and private functions.

Their all-day breakfast is genuinely the best and contains all the staples you need to experience the traditional Belfast breakfast, from their Bumper Fry (a massive fry with chips!) and the infamous Belfast Bap. Their vegetarian/vegan menu is the same size as their normal menu and the desserts are huge and always homemade.

City Picnic – for a shopping break

This spot is perfect for a quick, relaxing lunch when you’re in the middle of a busy shopping day in the city centre. City Picnic has a really cool vibe, with some more traditional items like beef and chicken burgers, but is also inspired by Mexican cuisine, promoting amazing nachos, rice bowls and loaded fries.

If you can escape the pressures of the office or wherever you work, City Picnic delivers the ultimate meal experience to your work in their picnic boxes. These include hot breakfast boxes, wrap and pizza boxes. Why not add one of their signature cocktails or milkshakes to your order?

Villa Italia – for classic Italian Cuisine

If you’re feeling anything of Italian origin, you need to try Villa Italia. This family run restaurant will make you feel like you are part of the family and welcomed with open arms. Just across the road from the famous Queen's Lanyon Building, this food spot is perfect for something special at lunch time.

The décor is authentic Italian, with terracotta tiles, picturesque murals and hanging grape vines, and many of the waiters also speak Italian! With traditional pasta dishes and a page full of different pizza toppings, you will be submerged in flavour. Trust me, you won’t ever leave here hungry!

Town Square – for the best tacos

Located on Botanic Avenue, this is a perfect spot for a lazy lunch in Belfast mixed with cool, classy vibes. It hosts 2 different themes, you might find people there in the morning having coffees or working on their laptops, but as the afternoon sneaks in, you will find more people having a cheeky drink outside under the famous heaters and indulging in some tasty grub.

You easily order online, so no need to get up from your table. They have the best tacos, in my opinion, even they call their sweet chilli chicken taco “The Crowd Pleaser”, so take it from them, not me! If you are looking for something sweet but fun, look no further than the only 2 desserts on the menu, S’mores and chocolate fondue. Here you can toast your marshmallows over a table burner and have your melting chocolate over a hot plate – perfect for sharing!

Find out more

8 Must-Visit Restaurants and Cafes in Belfast!

My Favourite Vegan and Gluten-Free Cafes in Belfast

VIDEO: Our Favourite Coffee Shops Around Campus

PhD Opportunities at Queen's

Erin McGrattan   PhD in Cancer Epidemiology | Postgraduate Student | Northern Ireland Hi, I'm Erin McGrattan. I'm from County Down in Northern Ireland and I studied for my undergraduate degree in Queen's in BSc Food Quality, Safety and Nutrition. I am now undertaking a PhD in Cancer Epidemiology, focusing on oesophageal cancer and I'm situated in the Centre for Public Health. I love Belfast and have lived in the city for a few years, so I am open to answering any questions regarding its history, nightlife, best food spots and student accommodation. I am an avid camogie player so I'm interested in any GAA or sports clubs in my area.