The Top 5 Italian Restaurants in Belfast Worth Every Bite
Italian food is like medicine for your soul. Bad day at work? Pizza. Hungover? Spaghetti. Date night? Wine, pasta, repeat. Honestly, if therapy came with a side of garlic bread, we’d all be doing just fine.
Belfast might not have the Colosseum or the Amalfi Coast, but it does have a surprising number of Italian spots that will make you forget you’re in a city where it rains 200 days a year. Tucked between pubs and coffee shops are restaurants that smell like heaven and taste like home (or at least the home you wish you had, with a nonna who cooks all day).
Some are old-school classics that haven’t changed in decades, while others are sleek newcomers serving up pasta so pretty you’ll feel bad eating it. Whatever Italian food you’re craving for, here are the top Italian restaurants in Belfast worth visiting at least once (a week).
1. Coppi
Address: Saint Anne’s Square, 11 Edward Street, Belfast BT1 2LR, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 28 9031 1959
Business Hours: Open daily (except Sundays). 5 to 9:30 PM (Monday to Thursday), 12 to 9:30 PM (Friday to Saturday)
Nested in the Cathedral Quarter, Coppi is Belfast’s take on Venice. It’s a chic spot that combines modern industrial décor with warm lighting and buzzing energy from the square outside. But of course, the real star here is the food.
The menu takes its cue from Venice with a focus on cicchetti (small plates). That means you’re encouraged to order multiple dishes and pass them around–great if you like sharing, less great if you’re secretly very territorial about your food. Their pasta is made fresh daily and it shows. Drinks are a strong suit too, with prosecco cocktails that can trick you into thinking you’re on a canal holiday.
But Coppi isn’t the place to go if you want a quick bite. The service is relaxed, which matches the atmosphere, but if you’re in a rush you might find yourself staring at the empty plate a little too long.
And while the food quality is high, portions of the small plates can feel… well, small. If you’re the type who gets hangry, you’ll want to order generously.
The service was great and attentive.
Coppi is a lovely dining experience. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience in Belfast I’d definitely recommend it. We had a few appetizers which were good and I definitely enjoyed my ravioli entree. The service was great and attentive. The low lighting cultivates a nice vibe, as well as the restaurant’s layout. The music was an odd choice to me, not quite as calm as I would like for that atmosphere but maybe that’s just me. Definitely enjoyed it!
– Aaron Schenider, Google Review
The portions were generous, and the atmosphere was really welcoming.
I had the pleasure of dining at Coppi in Belfast tonight with a work colleague, and it was a fantastic experience! The restaurant has a lovely modern vibe and the staff were incredibly friendly. We tried the duck pasta and the lasagna, and the lasagna was absolutely delicious—definitely some of the best meat I’ve had in a lasagna! The portions were generous, and the atmosphere was really welcoming. Prices were reasonable for the city centre, and I will definitely be going back. Highly recommend it!
– James Mackay, Google Review
2. Villa Italia
Address: 39-41 University Rd, Belfast BT7 1ND, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 28 9032 8356
Business Hours: Open daily. 5-10 PM (Monday to Thursday), 4-10 PM (Friday to Saturday), 12:30-8 PM (Sunday)
Villa Italia has been around longer than most of us have had email addresses, which only solidifies its whole aesthetic. It’s the kind of old-school Italian restaurant that people in Belfast grow up going to, then bring their own kids back to years later. The décor hasn’t changed much–murals of Italian piazzas, cozy booths, warm terracotta tones–but that’s part of the charm.
The menu is sprawling, which means there’s something for everyone–wood-fired pizzas, baked bastas, creamy risottos, and more. The portions are famously generous. Families also love it because the staff have the patience of saints, even with kids who only want chips, and groups love it because you can pile the table high with food and still feel like you’re getting value.
That said, Villa Italia isn’t for everyone. If you’re after a quiet, candlelit dinner, you might find the bustle overwhelming. And the sheer size of the menu means not everything will blow your socks off; stick to the classics and you’ll be happier.
The food and service was good.
Very busy large Italian restaurant. The restaurant has three floors. There was a big queue when i went which was a Saturday afternoon so booking is advisable. There is no parking outside. The food and service was good. Both courses we had arrived promptly. Well recommended.
– David Gillingham, Google Review
Service was fantastic and staff were very attentive.
First visit to Villa Italia (Northern Ireland in general) and it was brilliant. In what was a busy service around 8pm-ish, the restaurant was buzzing, and the atmosphere was friendly, family orientated. Me and my partner went straight into mains with a pizza each, both of which were superb, and great value too. On a first trip to Belfast, if we are to come back we’ll definitely be back at Villa Italia, service was fantastic, and staff were very attentive 🇮🇹
– Martin Templeton, Google Review
3. Fratelli
Address: 60 Great Victoria St, Belfast BT2 7BB, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 28 9031 0862
Business Hours: Open daily. 4-10 PM
Fratelli (which literally means “brothers”) is all about warmth, bustle, and sharing. The rustic-chic interior–exposed brick, soft lighting, long wooden tables–makes it feel like a place designed for group dining.
The location near the Grand Opera House means it’s also a go-to for pre-theatre dinners, when you want something hearty but stylish before or after a show.
Food-wise, it covers the classics: antipasti boards big enough to share, wood-fired pizzas with bubbly crusts, creamy risottos, and reliable pasta dishes. The Nutella pizza is a bit of a show-stealer and a common favorite of families and friend groups.
Of course, with a lively, family-style atmosphere comes noise. If you’re after quiet conversation, Fratelli isn’t the best bet. Service can also feel stretched thin during peak times.
The staff are extremely attentive and courteous.
The staff are extremely attentive and courteous! We didn’t make a reservation, went on a Saturday night, and the manager gave us a table when we arrived. The restaurant is very beautiful, the portions are generous, and the food is good. I recommend it when you’re in Belfast.
– Vanessa Boyle, Google Review
Delicious fresh food.
The most fabulous evening! Delicious fresh food (the chicken Caesar was exquisite) expertly served by Jack. Joel had seated us upstairs – perfect for our hockey tour final dinner. Outstanding building, clean toilets, super atmosphere – all only surpassed by the best service and tasty food. Thank you very much!
– Corene Newbery, Google Review
4. Scalini
Address: 85 Botanic Ave, Belfast BT7 1JL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 28 9032 0303
Business Hours: Open daily (except Mondays). 5-10 PM (Tuesday to Thursday), 4-10 PM (Friday), 4-10:30 PM (Saturday), 4-9:30 PM (Sunday)
Scalini is what happens when you combine affordable prices with comforting Italian classics and a location right on Botanic Avenue. It’s not trying to be fancy, and that’s the whole point. Students, families, and anyone who just wants a good plate of pasta without fuss flock here, and the place always has that “packed but cozy” buzz.
And while the food is satisfying, don’t expect the delicate touches or experimental flair of Belfast’s higher-end Italian spots. This is straightforward, hearty eating.
The menu has all the usual suspects–lasagne with layers you can actually count, pizzas that arrive bigger than expected, and pasta dishes that could double as next-day leftovers if you have the self-control (unlikely).
The décor is colorful and cheerful, if a little dated, but it adds to the “this is your neighborhood spot” vibe.
Service was great —the staff are very hardworking.
What a marvellous place – it looks rather inconspicuous from outside, but step inside and WOW, the atmosphere and the decor is super! Service was great – the staff are very hard working. It didn’t seem to take long for the food to arrive, and it tasted delicious! The only negative thing is that I don’t live near this place to go again! I will definitely go again on my next visit to Belfast though!
– Rob Hughes, Google Review
Food was tasty, served in timely manner.
Fantastic Italian restaurant near to where we stayed in Belfast. Fantastic set up and felt like had been transported to Italy. Food was tasty, served in timely manner and wait staff friendly and helpful. So good we may come back for the second night of our stay
– Morag McGlinchy, Google Review
5. La Bottega
Address: 625 Lisburn Rd, Belfast BT9 7GT, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 28 9049 0340
Business Hours: Open daily (except Mondays). 11:30 AM-8 PM (Sunday to Wednesday), 11:30 AM-10 PM (Thursday to Saturday)
La Bottega is like a love letter to Italian living. Part deli, part café, part casual dining spot, it’s where you go if you want your Italian food to feel closer to the way it’s eaten in Italy: simple, seasonal, and focused on good ingredients rather than oversized portions.
The atmosphere is bright and relaxed, with shelves stacked with imported Italian goods that make you want to casually buy truffle oil and pretend you’ll use it at home. The menu leans toward lighter plates.
On the flip side, if you’re looking for a hearty, belly-stretching lasagna or a pizza the size of your head, La Bottega probably isn’t your best bet. Prices reflect the deli-quality produce, so it can feel a touch expensive for what’s essentially café-style dining. Still, for the Italian deli-cafe experience, it’s worth a try!
Food and wine were fantastic!
Had an absolutely delightful lunch here, food and wine were fantastic! Really enjoyed the venison loin and porcini sauce. I will confess I had to order a 2nd slice of tiramisu 🤭 Will be back here in a hurry!
– Andrew Miller, Google Review
The staff were very friendly…
The staff were very friendly and talked to each guest to make them at home! I really appreciated that part of this restaurant!! Also, when I was interested in dessert choices they very kindly explained, and describe all the desert they had.
The atmosphere is also very cozy, and felt truly like you travel to Italy and lived at home. And the interior design was very pretty and Instagram worthy.!!
– Chloe M, Google Review