Waterman Restaurant: Belfast’s Contemporary European Dining Gem
Discover Waterman Restaurant, Belfast’s Michelin-recognized spot for seasonal European cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting with local charm.
Waterman Restaurant in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter offers a modern, no-frills dining experience with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and classic European dishes. Awarded a Bib Gourmand in the 2025 Michelin Guide, it combines quality cuisine with a relaxed atmosphere, complemented by a curated wine list and attentive service. The venue also includes a cookery school and event spaces, making it a versatile culinary destination.
A brief summary to Waterman Restaurant
- Waterman House, 5-23 Hill St, Belfast, BT1 2NG, GB
- +442890434310
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Wednesday 5 pm-9:30 pm
- Thursday 5 pm-9:30 pm
- Friday 12 pm-10:30 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-10:30 pm
- Sunday 1 pm-8 pm
Local tips
- Reserve your table in advance, especially for weekends, as the restaurant is popular and seating is limited.
- Try the Parmesan Truffle Fries, a highly recommended side dish that complements many mains.
- Consider visiting on a weekday evening for a slightly quieter and more relaxed dining experience.
- Enjoy the seasonal menu by asking the staff about daily specials and local ingredient highlights.
- Explore the cookery school within Waterman House for a hands-on culinary experience if available during your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Waterman Restaurant location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Waterman Restaurant
A Modern Culinary Landmark in Belfast
Nestled in the vibrant Cathedral Quarter of Belfast, Waterman Restaurant has quickly become a notable dining destination since its opening in June 2022. Founded by acclaimed chef Niall McKenna, who has been a pivotal figure in Belfast’s culinary scene since 2000, Waterman represents his largest project to date. The restaurant occupies a stylish space within Waterman House, blending contemporary design with a welcoming, informal atmosphere. This setting provides a perfect backdrop for a dining experience that emphasizes quality and simplicity.Seasonal Menus and Local Ingredients
Waterman’s menu is a celebration of local, seasonal produce, crafted into classic European dishes with modern flair. The kitchen, led by head chef Aaron McNeice, who has been with McKenna since 2012, focuses on creating simple yet flavorful plates that change daily to reflect the freshest ingredients available. Signature offerings often include dishes such as tender steaks, fresh stone bass, and inventive small plates like arancini and lightly battered squid. The restaurant also offers a short but thoughtfully curated wine list, alongside local gins and beers that rotate monthly, enhancing the dining experience.Service and Ambience
The front-of-house team, managed by Sean White, is known for delivering friendly, professional service with a sense of fun and attentiveness. While the atmosphere is generally lively and buzzing, some guests have noted the acoustics can be challenging, and the dining experience may feel rushed during peak times due to table time limits. Despite this, the overall vibe remains relaxed and welcoming, making it suitable for both casual meals and special occasions.Beyond Dining: Cookery School and Event Spaces
Waterman House is more than just a restaurant. It also houses a cookery school and versatile event spaces designed for conferences, meetings, and private gatherings. This multi-use venue allows visitors to engage with Belfast’s food culture in various ways, from hands-on culinary classes to enjoying expertly prepared meals. The integration of these facilities underscores Waterman’s commitment to fostering a vibrant food community.Recognition and Local Impact
Waterman’s inclusion in the 2025 Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand distinction highlights its reputation for good quality and value cooking. This accolade places it among the top culinary establishments in Great Britain and Ireland, reflecting the high standards maintained by McKenna and his team. The restaurant’s emphasis on local sourcing and seasonal menus also supports regional producers and showcases Northern Ireland’s rich agricultural heritage.Visitor Experience and Practical Details
Visitors can expect a contemporary dining experience with a focus on European flavors and local ingredients. The restaurant’s opening hours vary throughout the week, with service typically in the evenings from Wednesday to Saturday and a shorter Sunday lunch service. While some diners have expressed concerns about pricing and portion sizes, many praise the quality of food and the professionalism of the staff. Waterman is well-suited for food enthusiasts seeking a modern, authentic taste of Belfast’s evolving culinary scene.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
2-6 Waring St
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Albert Memorial Clock
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Numbers' Wall
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Castle Buildings
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Beacon of Hope
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A soaring symbol of peace and gratitude rising 19.5 meters above Belfast's heart.
Queen Elizabeth II Bridge
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A 1960s road bridge over the River Lagan, connecting central Belfast with the Titanic Quarter and offering quiet riverside views from its pedestrian walkways.
Treasure Trails
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Explore Belfast like never before with Treasure Trails, an interactive treasure hunt that uncovers the city's hidden gems and rich history.
Belfast Free Walking Tour
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Discover the heart of Belfast with a free walking tour that unveils the city's history, culture, and hidden gems through the eyes of local guides.
The Back Of Boots
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Discover the serene ambiance of The Back Of Boots in Belfast, a pilgrimage site steeped in history and spiritual significance.
Giant's Causeway Experiences
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Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich mythology of Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, through guided tours and immersive experiences.
If Buildings Could Talk - Belfast Walking Tour
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Belfast’s grand civic heart, where Edwardian architecture meets city history in Donegall Square’s green heart.
DC Tours - Belfast Walking Tours
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Explore Belfast's rich history and vibrant culture with DC Tours, your premier walking tour agency for unforgettable sightseeing experiences.
Donegall Square N & Donegall Square W
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Belfast's grand civic square, where Victorian architecture frames the city's industrial heritage and maritime history.
Mary Ann McCracken statue
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Bronze monument to an abolitionist, feminist pioneer, and social reformer who stood for justice across three centuries.
Belfast City Hall Tours
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Baroque Revival masterpiece and civic heart of Belfast, where industrial heritage meets contemporary culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Creative Tours Belfast
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Explore Belfast’s vibrant music scene on foot with expert guides, historic venues, and live performances in the UNESCO City of Music.
Harp Bar
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Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Harp Bar, Belfast's favorite pub for craft beers, live music, and authentic Irish hospitality.
Cathedral Quarter Belfast
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Belfast's creative heartland where Victorian grandeur meets contemporary street art and vibrant cultural expression.
Duke of York
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Experience the heart of Belfast's pub culture at Duke of York, a vibrant spot with rich history, local brews, and a warm atmosphere.
The Cloth Ear
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A cosy, unpretentious hotel pub inside The Merchant Hotel, offering classic pub dishes, local beers and a snug atmosphere in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
Commercial Court
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Discover Belfast’s historic Commercial Court, a vibrant cobbled alley alive with colourful murals, lively pubs, and rich mercantile heritage.
Cathedral Quarter Moural
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Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter blends historic charm with vibrant street art, world-class culture, and lively nightlife in a uniquely creative urban district.
Trade union mural
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A vibrant mural in Belfast celebrating the city’s proud labor history and the enduring spirit of trade union solidarity.
Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum
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Explore Northern Ireland’s WWII history through immersive exhibits, family activities, and heartfelt remembrance in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
The Spire Of Hope, Belfast
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A soaring 40-metre steel beacon of hope atop Belfast’s historic St Anne’s Cathedral, shining brightly across the city skyline.
The Spirit Circle: Sensorium & Belfast by the Glass
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Interactive sensory cocktail experience in Belfast's heart, where taste meets discovery and every drink tells a story.
Belfast Cathedral, the Cathedral Church of St Anne
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Discover Belfast Cathedral’s Romanesque beauty, historic mosaics, and the soaring Spire of Hope in the heart of the city’s vibrant Cathedral Quarter.
High St
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High Street Belfast: Where historic charm meets vibrant shopping and lively city culture in the heart of Belfast.
Custom House Square
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Central Belfast’s vibrant square blending historic grandeur with lively festivals and cultural celebrations year-round.
The MAC
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Belfast's vibrant contemporary arts centre blending theatre, galleries, and café culture in a welcoming modern space.
Essential places to dine
Waterman Restaurant
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Discover Waterman Restaurant, Belfast’s Michelin-recognized spot for seasonal European cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting with local charm.
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The Muddlers Club Restaurant
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Six By Nico Belfast
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The Great Room Restaurant, Belfast
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Mumbai 27
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Buba
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The Northern Whig
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Experience the best of Belfast dining at The Northern Whig, where traditional flavors meet modern culinary art in an inviting atmosphere.
Dumpling Library
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Coppi Restaurant
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Taylor & Clay
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Bootleggers
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Step into Belfast’s Bootleggers for bold American flavors, original cocktails, and a lively speakeasy vibe inspired by 1920s Prohibition.
Academy Restaurant
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Roam
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OX Belfast
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Art Loves at The Merchant
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Discover a curated emporium of art-led gifts and homewares within Belfast’s iconic Merchant Hotel, celebrating creativity and craftsmanship.
Young Savage - Vintage Clothing, Records and Books
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Discover Belfast’s vibrant vintage gem offering unique clothing, rare records, and curated books in a welcoming, multi-floor cultural haven.
Forsight Belfast
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Petty Kingdom Vintage Clothing & Records
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Discover curated vintage fashion and classic records in the heart of Belfast’s city centre at Petty Kingdom.
Urban Outfitters
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Discover Urban Outfitters Belfast on Ann Street — where cutting-edge fashion meets creative lifestyle in Northern Ireland’s vibrant capital.
Born and Bred
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Explore Born and Bred in Belfast for unique Irish gifts and souvenirs that capture the spirit of Northern Ireland.
Søstrene Grene
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Discover Scandinavian charm and creativity at Søstrene Grene Belfast, your cozy craft and home decor destination in the city center.
Fuzz Vintage
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Carrolls Irish Gifts - Belfast
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White Stuff Belfast
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Top Gift
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FatFace
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Tommy Hilfiger
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Fossil Store Belfast
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Dark Horse
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39 Gordon Street
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The Spaniard
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Bert's Jazz Bar
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Ulster Sports Club
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The National
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Monico Bars
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Henry's
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The Jailhouse
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The Tipsy Bird
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Bittles Bar
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The Reporter. Bar
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Sunflower Public House
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Revolución de Cuba Belfast
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Lux
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Dive into Belfast's vibrant nightlife at Club Lux, the ultimate disco club and bar experience with electrifying music and great company.
Craics Ninety
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A compact, high‑energy clubnight in Belfast’s Common Market that celebrates 1990s music with DJs, themed entertainment and a pulsing dance atmosphere.
Ollie's Belfast
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A compact, late-night nightclub beneath The Merchant Hotel — brick-vaulted interiors, VIP booths and a focused dancefloor for weekend clubbing.
Kremlin
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Belfast's beating heart of gay nightlife: dance floors ablaze, cocktails flowing, and community vibes till dawn on Donegall Street.
Shoe Factory
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Experience the lively and inclusive nightlife at Shoe Factory, Belfast's top gay nightclub, where music, dance, and celebration come together.
Boombox Belfast
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A lively and inclusive gay nightclub in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, renowned for drag shows, DJ nights, and a welcoming queer atmosphere.
Anthology Ni
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A high-energy Belfast nightclub within the Kremlin complex, known for DJ nights, themed performances and lively late‑hour clubbing.
The Art Department
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Experience the electrifying nightlife at The Art Department, Belfast's ultimate dance club with an artistic twist.
Voodoo
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Experience the electric atmosphere of Voodoo, Belfast's top night club, featuring live music, great drinks, and an unforgettable nightlife experience.
Cabaret Supper Club
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Thompsons Garage
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Experience the vibrant nightlife of Belfast at Thompsons Garage, where music, dancing, and unforgettable memories await every night.
Alibi
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Scratch Nightclub
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Experience Belfast’s vibrant nightlife at Scratch Nightclub, where diverse music and a lively atmosphere create unforgettable late-night memories.
Club Honey
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Experience Belfast’s vibrant nightlife at Club Honey, where energetic music and lively crowds create unforgettable nights on Falls Road.
Saturday Night Nightclub
14.1 km
Experience the vibrant pulse of Newtownards nightlife at Saturday Night Nightclub, where music, dancing, and social energy come alive.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Lively
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
