NI restaurants and bars perfect for a post-lockdown date night
So long Netflix and chill 🥰
Last updated 4th May 2021
Remember when 'date night' was a term to help differentiate a regular weeknight from a romantic one? Well, we’ve go Covid-19 to thank for that mix up – as the days all seem to blend into one atm.
Now more than ever, we need something to look forward to. And as lockdown restrictions relax across Northern Ireland, it’s time to get our thinking caps on.
Are you the hopeless romantic in your relationship who comes up with the plan each time? Or are you more of a chilled/relaxed type of couple that just wings it?
As bars and restaurants start to welcome back diners and drinkers, with social distancing and extra safety precautions in place, you can’t leave to chance. Couples have been booking their favourite spots for weeks in advance, so it’s time to think ahead.
Not to worry, we’ve pieced together our favourite date night hang outs:
Cargo by Vertigo, Belfast
Located in Belfast's iconic Titanic Quarter, Cargo is set in view of Belfast's landmark Samson and Goliath Cranes - a stunning setting for a relaxed dining and drinks with friends, family or date night outside the house. Great food, cracking drinks, friendly faces and the world-famous Northern Irish banter.
Ramore, Portrush
Situated on the stunning coast of North Antrim in the seaside town of Portrush, the Ramore offers a unique range of restaurants & bars serving highly renowned dishes & drinks for all tastes. Part of a complex of six restaurants, the popular, family-friendly Ramore Wine Bar serves an extensive menu of pub grub like chilli chicken pitta, monkfish and tiger prawns, pizzas, and burgers with tobacco onions. The oversized, homemade cakes and pies on display at the dessert counter make regular appearances on Instagram.
Jamaica Inn, Bangor
The Jamaica Inn offers everything in one homely, cosy package. Close to Bangor yet away from the hustle and bustle. By the sea, with stunning views and a coveted outside space for watching the world, and boats, go by. Log fires, hot toddies, freshly cooked, delicious food, sophisticated cocktails, cold crisp white wines, spicy reds…the list is endless.
Grand Central Hotel Observatory, Belfast
The most spectacular of liquor lounges and the tallest Bar in Ireland. Take a seat and marvel over never-before-seen views of Belfast and beyond. Savour the most masterful mixology creations and delicious food options in Belfast's most memorable sky-bar.
The Lobster Pot, Strangford
The Lobster Pot is a family run Restaurant and Bar in the heart of Picturesque Strangford Village. Specialising in fresh local produce such as Kilkeel Lobster, Marlfield Farm Free Range Poultry, Hereford Irish Beef, and Strangford Lough Mussels, the restaurant offers quality food at affordable prices.
Viscounts Restaurant, Dungannon
Viscounts Restaurant in Dungannnon, Northern Ireland was established in 1994 and has won numerous awards since. Now one of the best loved Restaurants in the Province, Viscounts prepares great food with locally sourced ingredients.
Set in a former Church Hall which is over 100 years old, the Cathedral-style wooden ceiling and feature gothic-type stained glass window gives a wonderful medieval ambience to the interior of this listed building.
The TapHouse, Enniskillen
The TapHouse is Fermanagh's newest 'Gastro-Pub'. With a passion for top-quality, down-to-earth, great value food and a commitment to everything local, we are proud to offer a warm and inviting drinking and dining experience. Situated in the leafy suburbs of Enniskillen, we uniquely offer ample on-site parking and a cosy yet sophisticated atmosphere suitable for any occasion. Call in, we have saved you a seat!
The Sooty Olive Restaurant, Derry/Londonderry
We are a multi award winning casual dining restaurant serving good, local food at good prices in the heart of the Waterside, Derry. Proud winner of the 'best restaurant' in 2019 at the Irish Restaurant Association Awards for Co.Derry.
Belfast Woodfired Pizza
Everyone knows the way to someone's heart is through pizza right? Using only fresh locally sourced ingredients on their famous light and crispy base, Belfast Wood Fired Pizza is definitely one to try if you are looking something different.
Available for at their Lisburn Road store and Robert Stewart's Spirit Grocer in Drumbeg also.
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