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In partnership with Taste & Tour

The Metro Menu

A massive thank you to everyone who voted in the final phase of The Metro Menu  campaign by selecting their favourite establishment in each of our four tasty categories (see below).

You’ve helped shine a spotlight on some of the city’s most loved foodie gems, and we’ve been blown away by the support for Belfast’s food and drink scene!

After hundreds of nominations, a mouth-watering shortlist, and one very competitive final vote… we’re almost ready to reveal the winning venues.

Keep your eyes peeled – we’ll be announcing the winners  next week and revealing the official route for the Metro Menu Food Tour!

We’ll also be in touch with the lucky foodies who’ve won tickets to the tour, and will be joining us for a truly unique culinary experience delivered by Taste & Tour, onboard Metro!


About The Metro Menu

The Metro Menu is a foodie celebration of Belfast’s best local food and drink spots, brought to life by Translink in partnership with Taste & Tour. 

From public nominations to an expert panel-picked shortlist, the campaign shines a spotlight on cafés, restaurants and bars right across the city (all easily accessed by Metro). 

The final four winners will feature on an exclusive Metro Menu Food Tour this August, showcasing the tastiest stops in town, one bite (and bus journey) at a time.


Categories and Shortlist

‘Brunch & Beyond’

The contenders…

  • Stereo (Cregagh Road)
  • Hey Darlin (Antrim Road)
  • Neighbourhood (Cathedral Quarter)


‘Metro Mains’

The contenders…

  • Millar’s Grill & Seafood (Belfast City Centre)
  • Holohan’s Pantry (Belfast City Centre)
  • Waterman House (Belfast City Centre)


‘Casual Cravings’

The contenders…

  • Mourne Seafood Bar (Belfast City Centre)
  • Fish City (Belfast City Centre)
  • The Focacceria (South Belfast)


‘Belfast Beverages’

The contenders…

  • The Crafty Vintner (Lisburn Road)
  • Bullhouse East (Newtownards Road)
  • Boundary Taproom (Newtownards Road)

Meet Our Judging Panel

Chris McClurg

We're thrilled to have award-winning chef Chris McClurg joining us as guest judge for The Metro Menu! As a Great British Menu finalist and one of Northern Ireland's most respected culinary talents, Chris brings his exceptional expertise and passion for local produce to our judging panel. 

Having made his mark on the national food scene, Chris is the perfect ambassador to help us celebrate Belfast's thriving food culture and discover the dishes that truly represent our city's vibrant culinary identity.

Photo of award-winning chef, and Metro Menu guest judge, Chris McClurg standing with a Belfast Metro bus
A photo of Metro Menu Judge Caroline Wilson

Caroline Wilson

Caroline Wilson is Founding Director of award-winning food and drink experience provider, Taste & Tour. Caroline swapped her legal career to start a food tour business in Belfast almost ten years ago. It all started with a desire to show off the very best of Belfast's hospitality scene and the incredible produce of Northern Ireland in a fun and informative way - and this ethos remains to this day. 

Sean McGreevy

Sean McGreevy is Belfast Area Manager for Translink. He is responsible for managing all Metro and Glider service operations across Belfast, with around 6k services operating each week, and delivering over 30 million passenger journeys annually. With the introduction of over 160 zero emission vehicles across the fleet, Metro offers a modern, greener, convenient and good value bus service throughout the city.

A photo of Metro Menu Judge Sean McGreevy
A photo of Metro Menu judge Sophie Smith

Sophie Smith

Sophie Smith is a Culinary Arts Management student at Ulster University, with experience spanning both local and international kitchens. She began her culinary journey under Chef Gemma Austin at A Peculiar Tea in Belfast and recently completed a placement at the prestigious 3-star Michelin restaurant, The Inn at Little Washington in Virginia. Sophie has demonstrated her skills nationally at WorldskillsUK and IFEX and is dedicated to her growing career in hospitality. 

How Metro Menu Works

1. Share Your Favourites

Tell us about your go-to food and drinks spots across Belfast, that can be reached via Metro (i.e., within a 10 minute walk from a Metro bus stop) - restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs… while our focus is food, we won’t pretend it’s not best enjoyed with something refreshing!

An icon showing a white plate with a knife and fork with text saying Metro Menu
2. Public Shortlist

Our panel of judges, including guest judge Chris McClurg and the hospitality experts from Taste & Tour, will review all entries and create a shortlist of establishments, ensuring representation from across the city.

An icon showing a white plate with a knife and fork with text saying Metro Menu
3. Cast Your Vote

Once the shortlist is announced, you'll have the chance to vote for your favourite restaurant, café, bar or pub…

An icon showing a white plate with a knife and fork with text saying Metro Menu
4. Menu Development

The winning establishments will form 'The Metro Menu' and determine the route for our exclusive Metro Food Tour – the ultimate Belfast-inspired food experience, designed by you and hosted by experts, Taste & Tour.

An icon showing a white plate with a knife and fork with text saying Metro Menu
5. WIN The Ultimate Food Tour

Everyone who submits their favourite spots and / or votes for the winning establishments will be entered into a draw to win tickets for one of two exclusive Food Tour dates – an unforgettable culinary journey through Belfast aboard a special Metro bus, featuring delicious food and drinks for a unique and memorable night out. 

An icon showing a white plate with a knife and fork with text saying Metro Menu
A photo of award-winning chef Chris McClurg at the Metro Menu launch event at Belfast City Hall

Why Metro?

Metro is woven into the very fabric of Belfast, connecting you to the city’s thriving food and drink scene, from breakfast through to dinner! With services running from 5:20am until 11pm and unlimited day travel for just £4, Metro makes exploring the city’s tastiest spots easy and affordable – one bite and bus journey at a time...

By submitting your entry, you'll automatically be entered into our competition to win a place on 'The Metro Menu Food Tour' for you and a friend. See here for more information and terms and conditions..