11 of the healthiest cafes and restaurants in Belfast

Eating well doesn't have to mean staying at home all the time or resigning yourself to rabbit food (Photo: Shutterstock)

Staying healthy while eating out tends to be a challenging when there tend to be so many tempting and naughty options on any restaurant's menu.

Avoid temptation by choosing one of these healthy Belfast eateries, where eating well doesn't mean tiny portions or rabbit food.

The Ginger Bistro

Popular for nearly two decades now, Ginger Bistro has plenty of good eats on offer that won't leave you feeling guilty.

While meat options are likely to include a lot of fat, seafood lovers can enjoy Asian broth with noodles, sauteed scallops or a roast fillet of hake.

There's also a dedicated vegetarian menu that includes a healthy and delicious green vegetable and coconut curry.

Visit: 68-72 Great Victoria Street, BT2 7AF - gingerbistro.com

Holohan's Pantry

You won't escape the indulgent desserts here, but if you can resist your sweet tooth, Holohan's Pantry has plenty of healthy options.

Try the pan seared sea bass fillet at lunchtime, or the smoked salmon and pearl barley starter at tea time.

Visit: 43 University Road, BT7 1ND - holohanspantry.co.uk

Home Restaurant

The options for food that's good for you are endless at Home Restaurant, where they offer a dedicated 'Skinny Dinner' menu, as well as veggie and vegan options at lunch and tea time.

As well as the expected soups and salads, healthier offerings include Vietnamese shredded duck, sweet potato curry and a 35 day salt aged rib eye steak.

Visit: 22 Wellington Place, BT1 6GE - homebelfast.co.uk

(Photo: Shutterstock)

The Skinny Kitchen

For anyone hitting the gym, The Skinny Kitchen is the perfect place to load up on protein before or after.

Whether you're in the mood for a protein bowl or a skinny burger, there are options for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans on every section of the menu.

Visit: 91-93 Boucher Road, BT12 6HR - skinnykitchen.co

Sakura

Nutritious and delicious, sushi is a great option if you're trying to treat yourself without going overboard.

Sakura has a rotating conveyor belt full of freshly made sushi, as well as varied Japanese set meals and hot noodle dishes.

Visit: 82 Botanic Avenue, BT7 1JR - sakurabelfast.com

The Honest Vegan

Some say The Honest Vegan are cooking up the best animal-free food in Belfast, and super healthy plant-based meals aren't just for vegans.

On your visit, swap chicken wings for baked buffalo cauliflower bites, and tuck into a bowl of African peanut stew. Your body will thank you.

Visit: 336 Lisburn Road, BT9 6GH - thehonestvegan.co.uk

(Photo: Shutterstock)

Soul Food Cafe

Serving their own healthier take on classic comfort food, you'll find a low carb cooked breakfast on the menu at Soul Food Cafe, as well as Thai fishcakes and a warm goat's cheese salad.

Visit: 395 Ormeau Road, BT7 3GP - facebook.com/soulfoodbelfast

Slim's Healthy Kitchen

With locations on the east and west sides of the city centre and billed as 'alternative fast food', Slim's has endless options for nutritious meals.

Go for a protein pancake stack, a quinoa bowl or a lean turkey burger, and indulge in a skinny cocktail (like the coconut margarita) if you're out for your evening meal.

Visit: 429 Lisburn Road, BT9 7EY / 28 Belmont Road, BT4 2AN - slimskitchen.com

Kurrito

They keep things simple at Kurrito, where diners decide between burritos, tacos, a bowl, fajitas or roti, and then customise their meal with their chosen Indian-inspired fillings and sauces.

The unusual fusion of Indian and Mexican cuisine works well and results in some very healthy and tasty combinations.

Visit: 26 Botanic Avenue, BT7 1JQ - kurrito.co.uk

(Photo: Shutterstock)

Common Grounds

Social enterprise, Common Grounds, serves great coffee and some wholesome and healthy lunches.

Visit for 'Thai Tuesdays', where a different authentic Thai dish is served every week.

Alternatively, try the soup of the day with wheaten bread, or the exotic chicken, coconut mayo and pineapple sandwich.

Visit: 12-24 University Avenue, BT7 1GY - commongrounds.co.uk

Goodness Rocks

Guilt-free indulgence is the name of the game at Goodness Rocks, where you can enjoy everything from a slice of protein-packed cake to perfectly poached eggs and lean bacon.

If you're in a rush, or can't get away from your desk for long, you can even order your lunch order online in advance and just swing by to collect it when it's ready.

Visit: 75 Saintfield Road, BT8 7HN - goodnessrocks.co.uk