Opened to great acclaim in the late 90s, Deane's has played a prominent role in the upgrading of cuisine in Belfast, proving that there was a market here all along for fine contemporary and fusion food. As renowned Michelin-starred chef Michael Deane puts it, come and sample some serious, indulgent dining. The clientèle range from high flying city types to Belfast's most distinguished visitors. Beware though, the menu changes regularly. There is a fine range of wines, with a bottle of house wine.

Robinsons is a thriving and lively bar set right in the middle of the city; beside the famous Crown Liquor Saloon and across the road from the Europa Hotel and the Grand Opera House. This is a bar that is busy at all times and popular with a wide, varied mixture of people from office workers to students. Several floors offer different forms of revelry; excellent (and reasonable) pub lunches are also served. You can sip a pint at the bustling bar or you can slink off into a more secluded area and choose a book from their library, either way it's up to you.

Established in 1985, Archana is a family-run restaurant that brings the rich flavors of Indian cuisine to Belfast. It also takes pride in being one of the first Indian-cuisine restaurants in the city. The menu focuses on preparations from the northern regions of India, and is typical home-style Punjabi food. Offering balti style food, every dish is a delicious amalgamation of exotic spices and herbs. The aromas of the food being brought out of the kitchen is an indication of the rich flavors your palate will be delighted to. A list of wines are on offer to complement your food.

Situated directly beside Queen's University Student's Union, the Parlour looks more like an elegant Edwardian home than one of Belfast's newest pubs. Inside, it is divided into two floors with the bottom floor providing a relaxed environment for a drink, while upstairs you're more likely to enjoy some dance-floor mischief. Discos run throughout the week with an emphasis on commercial dance, chart music and 60s and 70s classics. The Parlour also serves the notorious Absinthe. A huge old style lamp hanging on the front wall means you will hardly miss it in the fog. It also serves excellent pizzas. All in all, an increasingly popular location for an enjoyable night out.

This restaurant, bar and club is a very trendy, chic and well-established joint. The atmosphere here is easy going, relaxed and casual. The decor is a blend of dark wood and low lights. If seafood is what you've been craving for, you will get many options to choose from at Shu. The food is eclectic and is made to suit your palate. Try their wide array of wines to go with your sushi or fish sticks. The bar is on the second floor and the club is in the basement. Check the website for more details.

Known as “The Big House” to locals because of the size of the three-story building, the Pavilion has a reputation that draws people from all over. The ground floor is a long hall bar with decorative wooden paneling, high ceilings and private booths for intimate social gatherings. There are plenty of plasma screens to view the latest sports events from all around. The middle bar is a great place to enjoy lunch and watch life pass by. Then make your way to the top of the house to catch a quick game of pool and listen to some music.

Cutter's Warf is a great place for a leisurely pint but really comes to life during the summer months. Its popularity is due to a massive beer garden and an idyllic setting, situated on the banks of the River Lagan. The bright, airy pub has some excellent panoramic views, quirky promotions and plenty of passing boats full of straining rowers to keep you entertained. There's also good barbecue, plenty of free-flowing drinks and lively music. Also, there is a restaurant upstairs which serves a wide variety of dishes.