Romantic Food Ideas

The way to someone's heart is through their stomach, so the saying goes! It's lucky then that there are great food ideas in Northern Ireland that will have your loved one begging for second helpings this Valentine's Day.

Candle-lit Dinner for Two

Heading out for a romantic meal is always a great idea, especially if you have an excuse like Valentine's Day! 

Northern Ireland has numerous award winning restaurants combining the skill of top chefs and the quality of our local produce to offer a truly memorable experience. From sea-front restaurants along the Causeway Coastal Route to seafood bars at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, contemporary city restaurants in Belfast and the City of Derry to hearty pub grub in the beautiful rural spots.

All major restaurants around Northern Ireland will be pulling out all the stops to create a romantic atmosphere on Valentine’s night! So make a booking and gaze at your loved one across a candlelit table!

Click on our Eating Out guide for restaurant details...

DIY Dinner for Two

If you want an alternative to an evening out, then how about an evening at home instead? 

Get into the mood with a glass of bubbly champagne, light the fire and arrange a few ambient candles around the room; put Snow Patrol's latest tune on the stereo and whip out the special tableware - it's time to impress! With the most amazing local produce available all over Northern Ireland, you won't have any problems cooking a delicious meal for your better half - and think how stunned they will be at the effort you made! 

Farmers' markets and farm shops are available throughout Northern Ireland and where better to shop for your Valentine's Day ingredients - you'll find everything you need to create a romantic menu. Try McKee's Coffee and Farm Shop, located in the Holywood hills that CS Lewis loved as a boy. You'll find fresh local produce and a great coffee when you need to take the weight off your feet! There's also Pheasant's Hill Farm in Downpatrick where you'll find a great selection of rare breed speciality meats - perfect for a special Valentine's Day feast! Culdrum Organic Farm, Coleraine and Ballylagan Organic Farm in Ballyclare are also suppliers of fresh organic fruit and vegetables. There are farmers' markets in every county including the Causeway Speciality Market in Coleraine and the Tyrone Farmers' Market in Dungannon. 

And for extra special treats, try Tickety Moo Ice Cream from Fermanagh, Finnebrogue Venison from Downpatrick or Ballyblue Irish Soft Blue Cheese from Fivemiletown Creamery. And don't forget to buy local Cuan Oysters from your fishmonger for a little extra naughtiness.!

And once you have sampled the very best of local food produce, why not try one or two uniquely Northern Irish beverages too! Chocolate has some definite aphrodisiac qualities, so why not try Molly's Yard Chocolate Stout from Lisburn's Hilden Brewery to test the theory, or a wee nip of Bushmills Whiskey will surely warm the heart on a cold February day. There are plenty of cocktail recipes for Bushmills Whiskey and Saint Brendan's Liqueur so it might be a good time to impress your beloved with a little Tom Cruise-style 'Cocktail' expertise too! 

Click on our Eating In guide for details of the freshest local produce...

Or why not benefit from the Taste Tyrone promotion, click here for more details 
or go to www.tyronegoodfoodcircle.com

Or why not try your hand at our special ‘Fall in love with N.I.’ Valentine’s menu?..