Il Pirata ristorante
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Il Pirata

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A trendy Italian restaurant serving creative, contemporary dishes with modern twists in a vibrant, quirky setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Il Pirata ristorante

Il Pirata

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A trendy Italian restaurant serving creative, contemporary dishes with modern twists in a vibrant, quirky setting.

"The food was delicious and the staff were friendly, making it a must-visit spot!"

TIP

Book Ahead

Reserve your table in advance, especially for weekends or busy periods, to ensure you get a spot.

Try Sharing Plates

Opt for sharing plates like crispy squid or deep-fried brie to sample a variety of delicious items.

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Quick Facts

Cuisine

Italian

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+44 28 9065 9612

Address

279-281 Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast, BT4 3JF, United Kingdom

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Modern Twists on Italian Comfort Food

Modern Twists on Italian Comfort Food

Experience creative Italian dishes with modern twists, featuring fresh ingredients and flavorful presentations. Perfect for date nights or lively outings.

Best restaurants for European food in BelfastBest Restaurants in Belfast
Trendy Ambiance and Quirky Decor

Trendy Ambiance and Quirky Decor

Enjoy a trendy, casual vibe with quirky industrial-style decor, low lighting, and dark wood benches, creating a perfect atmosphere for dates or nights out.

Best restaurants for European food in BelfastNine Best Restaurants in Belfast UK | Carbonara App
Exceptional Sunday Roast

Exceptional Sunday Roast

Indulge in a perfectly executed Sunday roast, praised for its great flavors and generous portions, making it a must-try British meal experience.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Il pirata 3.5⭐️ One of the best starters goats cheese fritter with almond, rocket and beetroot. My partner enjoyed the crispy squid which had a tomato and chorizo base. It had a nice ambiance and the staff were very friendly. @Il Pirata #belfasttiktok #belfastfood #ballyhackamore #northernireland
@julie_travels_
3 likes • 410 views

Book Ahead

Reserve your table in advance, especially for weekends or busy periods, to ensure you get a spot.

Try Sharing Plates

Opt for sharing plates like crispy squid or deep-fried brie to sample a variety of delicious items.

pepito Ballyhackamore where il pirata used to be menu like a tapas vibe loads to choose from full drinks menu with great sounding cocktails which will be for the next time the star of the show the beef short rib and the desserts and coffee omg unreal when jenny smiles and says I'm so happy you know it's at the top would deffo recommend for a try 9.5/10 superb #goodtimes #food #belfast #northerni...
@bigmarvsreviews
25 likes • 1.3K views

Don't Miss Sunday Roast

Consider visiting for the Sunday roast for an exceptional British meal experience with great portions.

Ask for Recommendations

The attentive staff are happy to recommend dishes based on your preferences.

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead

Reserve your table in advance, especially for weekends or busy periods, to ensure you get a spot.

Try Sharing Plates

Opt for sharing plates like crispy squid or deep-fried brie to sample a variety of delicious items.

Don't Miss Sunday Roast

Consider visiting for the Sunday roast for an exceptional British meal experience with great portions.

Ask for Recommendations

The attentive staff are happy to recommend dishes based on your preferences.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Il Pirata is praised for its creative Italian dishes, trendy ambiance, and friendly staff, making it a popular spot for dates and nights out. While many rave about the innovative starters and the exceptional Sunday roast, some reviewers found certain seafood dishes to be small for the price. The service is generally noted as warm and attentive, though initial impressions can sometimes vary.

"Lovely setting for a family dinner. Spacious table seating and delicious food and drinks. Service was friendly and attentive. Can’t fault it!"

Vanessa

"Another date night, a new place! We initially thought this was a mexican place🙈 the name is confusing, anyways...first impression wasn't great to be honest because the lady who welcomed us was very sharp and cold, I am fussy about sitting arrangements so for me the tables are too close to each other, I would have liked more room, once sitted, the service was great, warm and caring! My other half got the special which was tagliatelle with chicken and cream spice which he devoured in a minute 😂 he loved it! I had the sea bass on a bed of prawn and beans spice, which was delicious 😋 very filling and satisfying!"

Bethel Sweeney

"Tried the new sharing board last week and was very impressed, great flavours and was nice to try a few different bits, very good ingredients and nice and fresh. Service was great too. Will be back"

Aaron JArred

What People Like

Creative Italian dishes with modern twists
Trendy, quirky, and casual atmosphere
Exceptional Sunday roast and flavorful starters

What People Dislike

Small seafood portions for the price
Inconsistent initial service impressions

Frequently Asked Questions

Il Pirata serves creative and contemporary Italian dishes, with modern twists on traditional comfort foods.

Best restaurants for European food in BelfastBest Restaurants in Belfast

Yes, the trendy ambiance, quirky decor, and casual vibe make it an ideal spot for dates or nights out with friends.

Best restaurants for European food in BelfastNine Best Restaurants in Belfast UK | Carbonara App

Popular choices include innovative starters like goat cheese fritters, crispy squid, and the exceptional Sunday roast.

TikTokGoogle Review

It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak times or weekends, to secure a table.

Yes, the menu includes a selection of vegetarian dishes, such as pizzas and pasta.

Google Review

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279-281 Upper Newtownards Road, Balyhackamore, Belfast, Counlty Antrim, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT4 3JF. This chic modern restaurant serves crowd-pleasing rustic Italian food on the outskirts of Belfast. Expect pizzas, pasta, cicchetti and more, with a brilliant selection of wine and cocktails to go alongside your food.

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Looking for the best restaurants in Belfast city centre that serve up a superb Italian meal?. Il Pirata (“The Pirate”) is your best bet. Inside has a quirky feel: naked lightbulbs, equally bare wooden tables, and black-and-white two-tone walls make this another stylish place to eat.

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Relaxed Italian Restaurant Il Pirata is located in the bustling suburb of Ballyhackamore. il Piratas' life began in 2011, creating and serving Rustic Italian dishes skillfully prepared offering a large Italian menu covering ....

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A neighbourhood Italian restaurant that uses stand-out local produce, Il Pirata gets it right whether you’re after lunch or a romantic dinner. Order a few dishes to share and get stuck in.

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Il Pirata (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide