Valentine's Day is fast approaching and you may be wondering how to treat your loved one for the big day.
If boxes of chocolates, bunches of flowers or heart-shaped jewellery isn't your style, why not consider taking the out for a delicious meal and take advantage of Northern Ireland's thriving hospitality industry.
Whether a romantic Valentines, a chilled Palentines or a fun Galentines, there’s nothing like a night out to warm your heart.
Read more: NI restaurant named as one of the 'most romantic' in UK
Food booking app Dish Cult has made stressing about where to choose that little bit easier by rounding up their nine top picks for Valentine's Day 2023.
They said: "While Belfast is home to tasty restaurants, it also boasts plenty of exciting and unique options.
"So, be it a romantic dinner, or an outing with friends, the team at Dish Cult has rounded up the city’s liveliest and most dreamy places to dine out for the occasion."
Here are their top picks for eating and drinking in Belfast:
La Taqueria
They said: "Delicious Mexican dishes and top-class margaritas are on offer at the ever-popular La Taqueria on Belfast’s Ormeau Road. The menu suits all tastes and dietary requirements, including crispy pork belly tacos for meat lovers and Corona beer battered cauliflower florets for vegans and vegetarians.
"Frequented by diners from all across Belfast and Northern Ireland, this lively restaurant is widely adored for its creative margarita menu that includes everything from a classic to a coconut or chilli twist. So, if you’re looking to spice things up this Valentine’s, then this is the spot for you."
Angel & Two Bibles
"For groups hoping to party away this Valentine’s Day in a sensational and dramatic location, look no further than Angel & Two Bibles. Belfast’s only speakeasy, this rooftop bar wouldn’t be out of place in a film with a humble exterior but over the top maximalist interior, instantly transporting guests to another world," Dish Cult said.
"All about style and substance, Angel & Two Bibles offers some of the best cocktails in the city with masterful mixologists on hand to craft you your perfect drink. Offering up two cocktail menus, whimsically named The Old and New Testament, you and your friends are sure to find a tipple that tempts you – whether you love all things sweet and bright or you prefer a smokey classic pour."
EDŌ
They continued: "Located in the heart of Belfast City Centre, EDŌ is the perfect place to grab a delicious meal if you’ve got a full date night planned this Valentine’s Day. This modern Spanish tapas restaurant offers an extensive menu full of creative small plates that are sure to delight.
"With an open kitchen and elegant yet casual feel, this restaurant sure does pack a punch and sees many diners return time and time again.
"Designed for sharing, this is the perfect place to show your loved ones just how much you care by letting them finish the patatas bravas even though you want them for yourself!"
OX
"Who says just because you’re out with your friends that you can’t treat yourselves to a pristine dining experience in one of Northern Ireland’s most elegant restaurants.
"OX, idyllically positioned overlooking the Lagan, is one of the most renowned eateries in the country, serving up tasting menus, small plates and a wide array of wine," Dish Cult explained
"The main event at OX is the tasting menu, which is focused on seasonality and ensuring the best local flavours are represented in each dish. If a formal tasting menu is too much for the occasion, you can still experience the glamour of OX from its “Cave” next door. In the OX Cave you can enjoy a wide selection of seasonal small plates and drinks, but without sacrificing on quality."
2Taps
According to Dish Cult: "If you’re searching for a lively and vibrant dining experience, 2Taps is the ultimate venue. 2Taps has remained a firm favourite with locals since first opening in 2005 with an extensive menu of Spanish and European inspired tapas, as well as drinks and desserts.
"Serving more than just the classic patatas bravas or jamon, 2Taps goes a step further to offer a range of wider European small plates with menus to suit everyone including vegetarians and vegans alike.
"Where 2Taps stands out for bigger groups is the sharing portions of paella and sangria jugs, which are sure to kick off celebrations with a bang. Perfectly positioned in the heart of the city’s Cathedral Quarter, 2Taps is ideal for great food and drinks before heading out for a night bar hopping in one of the country’s most iconic areas."
Bank Square Brasserie
They said: "An intimate and romantic restaurant located in Belfast’s City Centre, Bank Square Brasserie is a great place to dine out this Valentine’s Day. Celebrating local produce, the menu features a creative range of dishes to suit everyone.
"With an extensive vegan menu, this spot is great for those couples that have very different preferences when it comes to food. Serving fresh, local, simple food that celebrates flavours from all across Northern Ireland, you’ll want to keep coming back for more.
"Full of colour and vibrancy, from the decor to the cocktails, dishes and more, this is a dining experience you won’t forget."
Blank
"With such ready access to the internet, many of us are guilty of scouring the menu and deciding what we want before we even arrive at the restaurant.
"If you fancy dining the old-fashioned way and finding out what’s on offer when you set foot inside and sit down at your table, then Blank is the perfect restaurant for you.
"A relative newcomer on the Belfast dining scene, Blank has already taken the city by storm. So, if you want to treat your loved one to something truly surprising yet special this Valentine’s, then where better," Dish Cult added.
Cyprus Avenue
"Although Valentine’s Day is often associated with classic dinner and drinks, this year why not kick off the festivities early with boozy brunch at Cyprus Avenue," they said.
"The breakfast offering at Cyprus Avenue is perfect for you and your pals with classic delights such as croissants or French toast as well as the more unusual Savoury Liége Waffles and Salt Aged Steak with hash browns.
"True with all its menus, Cyprus Avenue offers dishes to suit everyone’s tastes and dietary requirements. What is brunch without the booze, and from the atmospheric heated terrace you can celebrate with your loved ones whilst sipping a classic Mimosa, Bloody Mary or something else from the restaurant’s vast drinks menu."
Zen
Dish Cult continued: "Full of spice and flavour, Asian cuisine is a sure winner with even the fussiest of eaters. The perfect restaurant for all occasions, whether it be a romantic, low-lit date or a glam night out with friends, you really can’t go wrong with a meal at Zen.
"From classic Asian-inspired dishes such as Thai Green Curry and Sweet and Sour Chicken to more creative offerings including Coconscious Curry and Braised Morinaga Tofu – alongside a fantastic range of delicious cocktails – your taste buds will be in heaven here."
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