Food & Drink

Foodie Finds: Makin’ Bacon Bus Café, Coop Coffee Co, Cú and Coppi

Coop coffee in Ormeau Park, south Belfast. Picture by Mal Mccann.

Beat away the January Blues with some excellent food from some of the best restaurants, cafes and takeaways NI has to offer.

DINE IN

KHAO, 569 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Tuesday-Sunday 5pm-9pm

If you want to treat yourself to some good authentic Thai food, then Khao on the Lisburn Road is the place to go. Sit in and enjoy the cosy and colourful aesthetic, takeaway or simply pop in for a bubble tea.

The menu offers a variety of dishes packed full of flavour catering for all Asian food lovers. The chicken Pad Thai and Thai green curry are some personal favourites. The restaurant also allows diners to bring their own bottle which is always a bonus.

Cú, 635 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Monday-Friday 5pm-10pm, Saturday 12pm-3pm, 5-10pm

According to their website Irish passion combined with Mexican flavours is what defines Cú. Using the best locally sourced produce and incorporating punchy Mexican influences the restaurant has created a unique taste sensation. From their small and sharing plates to their tacos it’s all bursting with flavour.

“Big flavours. Beats. Tequilas. That’s why we’re #alwayspunchin.”

AMPM, 38-42 Upper Arthur Street, Belfast, Tuesday-Friday 12pm-9:30pm, Friday & Saturday 12pm-1am and Sunday 12pm-9pm

Arguably one of the most aesthetically pleasing restaurants in Belfast. However, although you may come for the chic, stylish baroque décor you will stay for the food as the restaurant offers global comfort food and pub classics such as roast chicken supreme and steak and chips as well as their famous AMPM bohemian burger. Between the stunning interior and the wholesome tasty food, it’s the perfect place for all occasions.

@centralbelfast

Still buzzing from this amazing meal at AMPM 💛 Unbelievable flavours and menu’s as vast as your appetite! They open from Tuesday to Sunday and offer a range of dining options for different occasions, including afternoon tea, express lunch dishes, cocktails (both classic and contemporary), intimate dinners, and events that will be unforgettable (in a good way!) 🍸 Bite into the world of AMPM, seriously, if you haven’t been yet, make it your next stop! 📍 #belfastcity #restaurant #belfastfood #nitiktok #fypシ

♬ original sound - Central Belfast Apartments 🧳
Coppi, St Anne’s Square, Belfast, Monday-Thursday 12pm-9pm, Friday & Saturday 12pm-9:30pm and Sunday 1pm-8pm

Husband and wife team Andrea and chef Tony O’Neill were inspired by the Cicchetti bars in Venice and the rustic simplicity of real Italian cuisine when they opened Coppi in 2012. Over a decade later Coppi has stayed true to that initial inspiration offering up a variety of fresh pastas, meats, arancini and much more.

Located in the Cathedral Quarter it is a must-try destination not least because their feta fritters drizzled with truffle honey are one of the best starters I’ve ever had.

@kristatheexplorer

You have to visit this modern #Italianrestaurant in #Belfast when you visit the city! The food is delicious and they have a great cocktail menu too 🍹🥵 📍 @Coppi Belfast #CoppiBelfast #belfastfoodplaces #belfastfoodbloggers #belfastfoodie #belfastcathedralquarter #belfastfoodfinds #fyp #travelblogger #kristatheexplorer #northernireland

♬ Ready - Official Sound Studio

BRUNCH

Moon Gelato, 87 Main Street, Moira, Tuesday-Sunday 2pm-9pm

You’ve heard of a spice bag, but have you ever heard of a space bag? Moon gelatos own creation offers a twist to the well-loved savoury snack instead offering a sweet alternative packed to the brim with marshmallows, a freshly made cookie, a full waffle that is tossed in a cinnamon mix and a slow cooked hot chocolate. The hot chocolate can be used as a dipping sauce or pour it over everything like you would with a classic spice bag.

Great value for money and ideal for sharing with friends or eating by yourself after a long day.

@food_featured

This is the dessert version of a ‘spice bag: Moon Gelato’s Space Bag

♬ original sound - Food Featured • NI’s Best Food
Coop Coffee Co, 250 Upper Malone Road, Belfast, Monday-Sunday 8am-4pm

This bright pink coffee caravan has been causing a stir on social media for quite some time. Located on the Upper Malone Road, Coop is a stylish, high-quality alternative to your usual coffee shop. It also offers delicious baked goodies and puppuccinos for your pooch – what else could you want from your local coffee caravan?

@belfastlive

This is definitely ice latte weather🥵 Coop Coffee Co. off the Lisburn Road is the perfect pit stop for a treat in the sun!! @coopcoffeeco #belfast #ni #northernireland #northernirelandfood #lisburnroad #fyp #belfastlive #summer #belfastfood #coopcoffee

♬ Aesthetic - Tollan Kim
Makin’ Bacon Bus Café, Lisnasure Road, Donaghcloney, Craigavon, Tuesday-Thursday 9:30am-3pm, Friday & Saturday 9:30am-8pm.

This double decker bus has been decked out and transformed into one of the most unique brunch spots in NI. Located 35 minutes outside Belfast the eatery has a delicious classic brunch menu as well as organising monthly tasting nights and offering a dinner menu on Friday and Saturday evenings. There is also an onsite donkey who you can say hello to whilst you wait on your order.

TAKEAWAY

Falafel Fresh, 6 Bridge Street, Belfast Monday-Sunday 12pm-10pm (Open 12pm-3am on Friday & Saturday)

If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to fast food Falafel Fresh is for you. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians choose from the extensive Mediterranean menu or build your own salad or sandwich from scratch.

@nifoodreviews

Looking for a healthier lunch option in Belfast City Centre? Check out Falafel Fresh on Bridge Street👀 Our personal favourites included the hummus (soooo smooth🤩), the beef and chicken shawarma and the baklava which paired nicely with the mint tea. Really reasonable prices, and they are open for walk ins and delivery. Check it out!🫶 #AD #nifoodreviews #nifood #nifoodie #nifoodblog #nifoodblogger #nifoodbloggers #northernireland #belfast #belfastfood #belfastfoodie #belfastfoodblog #belfastfoodbloggers

♬ Rice Crackers - Aves
The Walled City Slice, 18 Bishop Street, Derry, Tuesday-Saturday 10:30am-4pm

New York style pizza by the slice. Options include pepperoni, margherita, veggie and Detroit style all for £5 or less and served with their own hot honey. You can also call in for a tea or coffee and try their tasty fresh cinnamon rolls.

Pablos, 22 Church Lane, Belfast, Monday-Wednesday 1pm-10pm, Friday & Saturday 1pm-1am, Sunday 1pm-11pm

Simple but delicious. Exclusively using Peter Hannan’s salt-aged Glenarm Shorthorn beef patties Pablos is offering up some of the best burgers in Belfast. However, if you are not a burger enthusiast the offer vegetarian alternatives, tacos and an extensive selection of loaded fries. You also have the option to sit in or takeaway.