
Belfast abounds with brilliant Italian restaurants serving classic dishes and Mediterranean vibes. Some of these restaurants date back to the 1980s and are still loved extensively by locals, so you can be sure the atmosphere will be as enjoyable as the food. So, if you’re fancying Italian tonight, check out our guide to some of the best Italian restaurants in Belfast and plan the quickest route to authentic Italian food!
1. Coppi
Situated in the cultural hub of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter in St Anne’s Square, Coppi is one of the best Italian restaurants in Belfast. This contemporary restaurant has a unique menu with an extensive selection of Italian dishes, wines, and cocktails to try. Adding to this, you’ll taste their classic crisp and clean Coppi lager – which probably helps explain why the restaurant is so popular…
Saint Anne’s Square, 11 Edward Street, BT1 2LR.
2. Little Wing
If you want to experience classic Italian pizza made with fresh herbs, the ripest Italian tomatoes picked from the rich earth of Parma, and vegetables that taste divine, Little Wing Pizzeria should definitely be on your list. Founded in 2009, the Little Wing family today has nine restaurants spread across Northern Ireland.
The interiors are rustic Italian furnishing that adds up to the overall experience, whilst the pizzas are served with beautiful toppings that only increase your appetite. Even their bruschetta is considered one of the most delicious in town!
322 Lisburn Road, BT9 6GH.
3. Villa Italia
This family-run pizzeria restaurant was established in 1988, and its location near Queen’s University makes it a student-friendly option. Villa Italia is one of the best Italian restaurants in Belfast, with rustic Italian interiors covered in terracotta tiles and grapevines hanging from the ceiling.
They serve a classic collection of authentic Italian pasta and famous handmade stone-baked pizzas, along with a wide selection of meat and fish dishes made with best local produces. Handily, you can also get vegan gluten-free pasta along with your choice of sauces.
39 – 41 University Road, BT7 1ND.
4. The Chubby Cherub
Situated in Belfast city centre, The Chubby Cherub is a beautiful cosy restaurant full of character, thanks in part to the atmospheric low lighting. The menu has an extensive collection of Italian dishes and desserts – pizza is an obvious favourite, but pannacotta and tiramisu are standouts from the dessert menu. For all the lovers, the restaurant has a ‘cupid’s corner’ for you to dine in a bit of privacy. Keep it PG though!
11 Chichester Street, BT1 4JQ.
5. Scalini
The sister restaurant of Villa Italia, Scalini is a family-run pizzeria restaurant that is just walking distance from Queen’s University and the Botanic Gardens. A Belfast fixture since 2001, the key difference from its sister restaurant is that you don’t need to book in advance to dine here. The quality is just as impeccable, however, with traditional southern Italian dishes and the smell of freshly made pizzas wafting through the air.
85 Botanic Avenue, BT7 1JL.
6. il Pirata
With quirky interiors, il Pirata is one of the best Italian restaurants in Ballyhackamore, East Belfast. Since 2011, they’ve served a delicious range of rustic Italian dishes made from local produce, to match their amazing collection of classic wines and cocktails. The menu eminently reasonable prices, and it’s a lovely laidback place for a quick catch-up with your friends.
279-281 Upper Newtownards Road, BT4 3JF.
7. Fratelli
Fratelli means brothers in Italian, so it’s no surprise that this restaurant aims to welcome guests into a family environment. With a rustic Italian feel to the place, Fratelli serves authentic Italian food and mini desserts that taste heavenly, making it ideal for family gatherings or small get-togethers.
The place is also kid-friendly, with children invited to build their own pizzas to enjoy and spend quality time learning the process of pizza making. So the next time you plan a family gathering, don’t forget to check out Fratelli – especially if you can snag a seat on the terrace…
60 Great Victoria Street, BT2 7BB.
8. Amici
Another family-run Italian restaurant, Amici offers a stunning selection of authentic Italian pizzas and pasta that tastes absolutely divine. It really is the perfect place for spending some quiet time relishing Italian food and wine, so Amici thoroughly deserves to be on the list.
133 Lisburn Road, BT9 7AG.