Belfast: City Centre Food Tour with 12 Irish Dishes & Drinks

Summary

Irish stew to street art in Belfast’s lively Cathedral Quarter

You’ll taste over a dozen Northern Irish dishes—from hot chocolate and wheaten bread to hearty stew and oysters—guided by locals who know every corner of Belfast’s centre. Expect laughter in historic pubs, stories behind street art in Cathedral Quarter, and small surprises along the way that make you feel like you belong for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

I felt a weird mix of nerves and excitement standing in front of Belfast City Hall—maybe because I’d skipped breakfast, or maybe just the way the city hums in the morning. Our guide, Sean, had this easy way about him; he knew everyone along the route (he actually waved at a woman selling flowers by Queen’s Arcade and she winked back). We started with hot chocolate so thick it nearly stuck to my spoon—never thought I’d crave chocolate before noon but there you go. The soda bread was still warm when we broke it open. I tried to say “wheaten” like a local but Sean just grinned and said I’d get there eventually.

We wandered through Bank Square where the air smelled faintly of fried batter and rain on stone. Some guy played accordion under an awning near St. Mary’s Church, half-hidden by umbrellas. The Irish stew came next—honestly, I thought I knew what stew was until that first bite. It tasted like someone’s grandmother had been stirring it all morning for us. There was Guinness too (just half a pint), then oysters that tasted briny and cold against the creamy butter they served on fresh bread. Not everyone loved the oysters but I did—maybe because they reminded me of summers by the sea as a kid.

The Cathedral Quarter was louder than I expected, full of painted walls and music leaking out from doorways. Our group sort of loosened up after the Irish craft beer stop—everyone laughing about how many “secret” dishes might be left (Sean wouldn’t say). Someone asked about the murals and suddenly we were all squinting up at bright faces on brick walls while Sean told stories about artists who’d painted them after dark. That part stuck with me more than I thought it would.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Belfast's food and culture

• Meet at Belfast City Hall
• Enjoy breakfast with locals
• Visit Queen's Arcade shopping
• Relax at Bank Square and St. Mary's Church
• Discover street art in Cathedral Quarter
• Experience live music and galleries

Top questions

How long does the Belfast food tour last?

The tour covers several stops around central Belfast; allow about 3-4 hours including walking between locations.

Is lunch included on this Belfast food tour?

Yes, you’ll sample over 12 dishes including hearty Irish stew, fried cod, oysters, breads, tea or hot chocolate, plus drinks like Guinness and craft beer.

Where does the Belfast food tour start?

The tour begins in front of Belfast City Hall in central Belfast.

Are drinks included on this Belfast centre food tour?

Yes—expect tea or hot chocolate, chocolate liqueur, Guinness, Irish craft beer, and more throughout the day.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or special diets?

If you have dietary requirements, contact in advance—they’ll do their best to accommodate but can’t guarantee every dish will suit all needs.

How much walking is involved during the food tour?

The route involves a fair amount of walking between stops; comfortable shoes are recommended.

What age is required for this Belfast food tour?

This experience is reserved for guests aged 18 years old or over.

What’s included

Your day includes guided tastings across central Belfast with over twelve local dishes (like soda bread with sausage, Irish stew, fried cod), drinks such as Guinness and craft beer, creamy butter with fresh-baked wheaten bread, plus tea or rich hot chocolate—all led by a local guide through lively neighborhoods before finishing near Cathedral Quarter’s street art scene.