Ballycastle is one of the Causeway Coast’s most vibrant seaside towns; a place where harbourside strolls, beach days, and ferry crossings to Rathlin Island meet a thriving food scene. From lively pubs and modern bistros to artisan bakeries, cosy cafés, and legendary chip shops, Ballycastle offers something for every appetite.
Better still, its location makes it the perfect base for exploring nearby Ballintoy and Rathlin Island, where memorable meals await just a short drive or ferry ride away. Here’s where to eat during your days spent exploring this charming coastal town.
Quicklinks:
• Licensed Restaurants
• Cafes, coffee shops and coffee trucks
• Grab and Go: Chip Shops & Take-outs
• Desserts and more
Licensed Restaurants
Marconi’s Bistro at the Marine Hotel
A refined seaside bistro offering fresh local dishes, seafood specials, and excellent vegetarian and vegan options. With themed dining nights and tasting menus, classic cocktails, and indulgent Sunday roasts, it’s a versatile favourite for every occasion.
The Salthouse Hotel Bar & Restaurant
Showcasing the very best of Causeway Coast produce, this stylish restaurant focuses on freshly caught seafood, farm-fresh ingredients, and comforting Irish flavours. After dinner, linger over cocktails in one of the hotel’s cosy lounges. The Lookout at The
Salthouse Hotel
Perched above the coastline, The Lookout blends Italian comfort food with premium Irish ingredients. Expect stone-baked pizzas, homemade pasta, and indulgent desserts, all served with sweeping sea views.
Anzac
A long-standing Ballycastle favourite known for its excellent seafood and popular Sunday roasts. Rustic charm meets modern cooking in this welcoming Market Street spot.
The Central Bar – re-opening early March 2026
A lively, welcoming pub on Ann Street serving hearty classics and generous portions. With live sport showings, weekend entertainment, and Guinness always flowing, it’s a true local hub that’s perfect for mingling with the locals.
O’Connor’s Bar
Bright, friendly, and full of character, O’Connor’s pairs traditional pub charm with creative cocktails. Drop in and you might even catch a spontaneous trad music session.
The Cellar
Tucked away below street level, this cosy hideaway offers an extensive menu using fresh local produce. A great refuge on rainy days, with an excellent drinks selection to match.
The Diamond Bar
Lively and atmospheric, with live music hosted regularly, roaring fires, and classic pub dishes served from lunch through dinner. A great place to settle in for the evening.
19 by Katherine Carr (Ballycastle Golf Club)
Worth the short trip whether you golf or not, this elegant restaurant boasts panoramic views and a sunset-facing terrace overlooking Fair Head. Stylish dining in a spectacular setting.
Hunter’s Bar (Ballyvoy)
A family-run bar and restaurant just outside Ballycastle, beloved for its friendly atmosphere and excellent pub grub. One of those hidden gems you’re glad you discovered on a coastal drive.
McCuaig’s Bar (Rathlin Island)
Just a ferry ride from Ballycastle, McCuaig’s is one of the first stops you’ll see as your arrive into Church Bay. The kitchen operates on a seasonal basis, serving food until the end of September. If you’re visiting off-season, it’s still well worth stopping in for a pint of Guinness before exploring the rest of what the island has to offer.
The Manor House (Rathlin Island)
This beautiful guest house on Rathlin Island offers thoughtfully prepared meals using local seafood and island produce. There’s also a relaxed café for light lunches, scones, and hot drinks between adventures.
Fullerton Arms (Ballintoy)
A much-loved inn near Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, famous for fresh seafood and pots of mussels. Dog-friendly, welcoming, and home to one of the iconic Game of Thrones doors. If you don’t fancy leaving in a hurry, you can always spend the night, too!
Carrick-a-Rede Bar & Restaurant (Ballintoy)
Fireside seating, classic dishes, and great vegetarian options make the Carrick-a-rede Bar a reliable stop on your Causeway Coastal Route adventure. The friendly staff are always on hand to talk you through the vast range of local brews and spirits they serve, often incorporated into delicious cocktails.
Cafés, Coffee Shops & Coffee Trucks
Ursa Minor
An outstanding artisan bakery using organic, seasonal ingredients, with beautiful pastries and savouries. The focus here is on high-quality bakes with no preservatives. Don’t miss the shop stocked with small-batch food products from indie producers. They've also got a handy bread hatch in nearby Ballintoy, where you can stock up on fresh bread during your travels!
Thyme & Co
A cosy café serving home-baked goods and fresh meals for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Thyme & Co have become known for their popular pizza nights and themed evening events, which always sell out in a flash.
Our Dolly’s
A welcoming, underrated gem offering everything from roast dinner lunches to simple sweet treats. Friendly service and comforting food keep locals coming back.
The Promenade Café
Perfectly placed along the seafront, ideal for warming up with a cuppa after a blustery beach walk. Casual, cosy, and convenient, and always guaranteed service with a smile.
The Courtyard Coffee Shop (Ballycastle Garden Centre)
Who doesn’t love a little stroll around the garden centre? This relaxed café serves home-baked treats and quality drinks. It’s family-friendly with indoor and outdoor seating and a children’s play area, too.
Sandy’s Café at the Bakery
A family-run café in the heart of town, loved for good coffee, great food, and a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
Shorebird Coffee Hut
A beachside coffee stop with stunning views across the Sea of Moyle to Rathlin Island. Perfect for coffee, homemade bites, and enjoying the nearby scent of sea breeze from the ocean.
Rove Coffee House
What began as a small coffee truck in Cushendall has now found a permanent home in Ballycastle. Rove serves expertly crafted speciality coffee alongside matcha, açaí bowls, and light bites. A fresh, modern stop for quality caffeine and feel-good fuel.
Boathouse Coffee
A tiny seasonal coffee hut by the marina, serving excellent hot drinks and snacks. Grab a deckchair on sunny days and watch the boats drift in and out of the marina.
Oz Standard Coffee Merchants
An unassuming coffee van with a loyal following thanks to its exceptional brews, which can be found parked next to Brannigan’s fish and chip shop. You can also buy their coffee to enjoy at home.
Broughgammon Farm Café
This eco-conscious working family farm sell their own produce on site in their cosy café which often hosts workshops and intimate supper clubs. Relax by the fire with a hot drink and a sausage roll from the counter, before buying your own veal salami or bacon to take home with you to enjoy.
Carrick-a-Rede Café – Weighbridge Tearoom (Ballintoy)
A convenient and welcoming stop at the famous Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, serving hot food, sweet treats, drinks, and local crafts. You’ll certainly need a well-deserved treat after braving the crossing!
Roark’s Kitchen (Ballintoy Harbour)
This charming stone cottage sits on the edge of the popular harbour. Inside, the café serves homemade bakes, sausage rolls, scones, and cream cakes. Just one of the many popular spots along the coast that has a seriously beautiful view to enjoy while your relax and unwind.
Coffee & The Waves (Ballintoy)
Open seasonally, this little coffee truck provides visitors to Ballintoy's scenic harbour with a refreshing caffeine hit that's perfectly poured with a side helping of sea views.
Café Lazybird (Rathlin Island)
Open today until 5pm with fresh seafood available - lobster & pollock chowder, lobster baguettes, mackerel baguettes and more.
Posted by The Lazybird Café on Sunday 6 July 2025
A relaxed island café using homegrown and local produce. A lovely place to refuel while exploring Rathlin’s rugged beauty.
Grab and Go: Chip Shops & Take-outs
Morton’s
A Ballycastle institution that’s perfectly placed by the marina, Morton’s fishmongers has been serving fish and chips for over a century! Once ranked among the UK’s top chippies, and still a summer favourite.
Golden Chip
Known for crisp batter and generous fish portions, this Castle Street chippy is a reliable local go-to. Coincidence that it’s located within walking distance of the towns many great pubs? We think not.
Brannigan’s
A popular takeaway serving classic chip-shop favourites with quick, friendly service. Perfect when you’d rather enjoy some good food to take out to the comfort of your holiday let on those relaxing weekends away.
Al’s Pizzeria & Bistro
A family-run spot with a warm atmosphere and highly rated pizzas. Think casual evening bites that even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy.
Red Dragon
A long-standing Chinese takeaway offering generous portions and a wide Cantonese-inspired menu.
Canton House
Highly rated for fast service and flavour-packed dishes, especially the salt and chilli chips and crispy duck.
Kebab Zone
Serving kebabs and Indian-inspired dishes, ideal for a post-pint bite or when you’re in the mood for some tasty exotic spices.
Desserts & More
The Puffin Patisserie
With a name that pays homage to the colony of seabirds that flock to nearby Rathlin Island each year, this patisserie serves delicate pastries, traybakes, cakes, and indulgent cookie pies.
The Dessert Bar
A family-run favourite offering sundaes, ice creams, coffees, and baked treats for all ages. Who said you have to wait for summer to enjoy a huge helping of ice cream?
Morelli’s
A Causeway Coast classic, this much-loved local chain serves high-quality ice creams and sorbets in Ballycastle’s lively harbour area.
Maud’s
Mauds is a popular ice cream shop chain located at the harbour in Ballycastle, known for its award-winning ice cream and various sweet treats that can be found in chains across the country. Nothing beats strolling along the seafront on a sunny day with a decadent ice cream in hand.
The Bakery
A traditional bakery using old recipes, where the smell of freshly baked bread draws you in before you even reach the door. Pick up your fresh loaves in the morning, or stop by for cream bun after enjoying lunch nearby in one of Ballycastle's many cafés and restaurants.
With its lively harbour, easy access to Rathlin Island, and close proximity to Ballintoy’s iconic coastline, Ballycastle is a true food-lover’s destination.
Whether you’re settling in for a long lunch, grabbing fish and chips by the sea, or hopping on a ferry for island fare, Ballycastle offers flavour, warmth, and variety in every bite.
