I don't have a problem with organic food. The idea that something is reared under a non-chemical…read morebased feeding structure and is generally created in as loving a way as possible is a good thing. I do have an issue with the word organic being slapped on everything to ensure it's accepted by the middle class consumer and sold at an inflated price. Luckily in this case, Mullan's farm seem solely interested in producing top of the range meat. This little butcher/farm shop towards the front of the market sells everything from corn-fed chickens (producing that lovely yellow skin which crisps up very well when fried) to venison and beef. I left with half a dozen eggs the last time, slightly more pricey than Mc Carthy's egg stall across the way but they were still great. I ended up using them in a spinach and goats cheese soufflé, very tasty and I recommend it.

This is a fantastic local fruit and vegetable shop located just by the river Lagan. All the produce…read moreis delivered fresh each day from local, organic farmers which appeals to residents around the prestigious locality. This was a little bit of a bargain for a thrifty student version of myself who wanted to spend as little money as possible on food and keep as much as possible for the bar! All the local produce is relatively cheap because its delivered straight to the shop, cutting any middle man in the form of whole sellers. The quality of the vegetables is second to none. All grown organically and only in season, which also meant I could vary my stir frys without much effort! The lady owner is a unique character who is always willing to let a hand, is as enthusiastic about the quality of her stores products as are local chefs including celebrity Paul Rankin, who can often be see buying his dailies.

Sainsbury's is my favourite supermarket. Its quality products are the best available and it sells a…read moregreat range of items. I'm a fan of their vegetarian foods and Sainsbury's own brand items (love Sainsbury's Nut Cutlets and veggie mince). They have the best labelling of all the supermarkets with all their own brand products clearly labelled as to whether or not they are vegetarian or BUAV approved (not tested on animals). In addition their brand match scheme ensures you don't pay more with Sainsbury's than with another supermarket. As per Sainsbury's website "When you buy ten or more different products, we'll tot up the comparable brands in your basket. If you could have paid less at Asda - even because of the deal - we'll give you a coupon for the difference off your next shop." I always use my brand match vouchers at my next Sainsbury's grocery shop. Plus their wine selection is superior to all other supermarket selections. Quality store with unbeatable prices, pleasant to browse and lovely, helpful staff. Perfect. At Christmas and New Year Sainsbury's have a special range of fabulous food you can order and collect in store, I would especially recommend the: *Three nut roast with cranberry sauce *Butternut & mushroom en croute *Limoncello buche de Noel If you want indulgent, treat foods try Sainsbury's 'Taste The Difference' range. This blows every other supermarkets 'luxury' items clean out of the water. Definitely the best you'll get, bar none.

Sainsbury's is the main supermarket in the Forestside shopping centre, so for this reason it is…read morealways packed, no matter what time of the day it is. The supermarket has all the stuff you would expect and more, and is a good place to get all your weekly shop done. They have a very large fruit and veg section, complete with salad bar if you are that way inclined, with a very large delicatessen meat and cheese counter. The store also has a large range of magazines, books, CDs, DVDs and games, and is always worth a check for a better price if you are about to buy a recently released item from HMV. As for the rest of the store there is a large range of everything as you would expect. The store has its own cafe which is good for pacifying those who have been dragged along or those who have worked up a hunger in their arduous shopping trip! The store also has installed self scanning machines, which is a real boost to customers as they can get in and for a few items much faster than in the past! I will sign off with a tip: try the white chocolate and cranberry cookies from here. You will not find a better cookie from any supermarket, pinky promise!

"People who love to eat are always the best people." -Julia Child (1912-2004)…read more One of the stops on our Belfast food tour, Sawers was a tremendous hit. Crowded at lunchtime on a weekday, we managed to nab a table when another couple finished their meal. It's super busy and inside, it's full of gourmet delights. Anyone who thinks Northern Ireland doesn't have good good needs to come here. Smoked salmon on toasted bread, hard Irish cheese, crunchy baguette, sliced turkey, even chilli sauce and something called "black butter." Oh, and wine. You can't have a midday snack without wine, right? Much/most of the food here is quite local (the wine is Spanish) and the staff are helpful. Check the "sandwich board" out front for specials. The Spanish Board for £25 would be my choice! [Review 1893 of 2024 - 871 in United Kingdom - 22915 overall]

Found this gem while strolling the streets of downtown Belfast. This place has it all! A great…read moreselection of various packaged food, a deli that makes fresh sandwiches, pastries, fresh cheeses to cut and an olive bar. Browsing the store, I saw that it's separated into sections. An Italian section with lots of varieties of pastas and sauces. Cookies from Italy and limoncello! There is a very small Mexican section, which in my opinion was pretty darn good for being in Ireland! They had tortillas, various dry chilies and hot sauces. Lots of cookies, candies, jams and jelly's and a very large tea selection. The cheese case and deli were loaded with so many choices, it was hard to choose! You can order food and eat at tables that are just outside the front of the store. A definite recommend but if you're a foodie, be prepared to be dazzled!

I called in to get something for brain health today. The gentleman behind the counter known as…read more"Bestie" certainly didn't disappoint he offered the best advice and clearly knew his stuff. Very helpful and knowledgable. Really grateful for this chat. thank you. Vicki

The Eatwell Food store is quite possibly the best health food supplier in Belfast. Located midway…read morealong the Lisburn Road, it has a quaint, blue, traditional façade and stocks a vast range of whole/health foods including grains, nuts, seeds, vitamins, oils, chocolates, nut roasts and cooking sauces. I particularly like their range of environmentally friendly Ecover household cleaning products and vast selection of vegan and vegetarian foods. Plus Eatwell's stock chilled goods including tofu, Violife dairy free cheeses, Swedish Glaze ice cream and vegetarian haggis etc. They also have a full section filled with cosmetics, creams and shampoos; in conclusion Eatwell's have it all! You'll get items here you just won't find in standard supermarkets and shops. An excellent store.

Walking in to Fortwilliam Greengrocers is like being Marty McFly and going back in time, for a…read morestart, how often do you see greengrocers these days? Not very often for me. Everything about this store is authentic and old school in the best possible way. Even the sign is something you'd expect to see in black and white photographs. The shop is on a corner plot which means they have loads of items outside, yard brushes, flowers and fresh fruit and veg. You can have a good nosey at their produce without actually going in doors. They have loads of organic, looking fruit, as well as some 21st century items like sweets and snacks. When I went in yesterday it was being run by a single lady but she had everything under control, a proper shopkeeper for a proper shop. This wee part of The Antrim Road is like a throwback to a bygone era. Next to the greengrocers there's a butchers and a baker. All we are missing is a candle stick maker - but who knows that could be next.

From previous experance of shopping in this local fruit and veg shop i have found that the people…read moreare very friendly and always there to lend a helping hand. the fruit and veg are quality food and always fresh. flowers are beautiful and last for long. i believe this is a very good store and there should be more like this.

This spot is a fun place to spend a couple hours while exploring Belfast. Various vendors selling…read moretheir goods. Fresh fish,coffee, pastries, fruits & veggies etc. All sorts of gift items such as hats,scarves,shirts,jewelry,sea glass gifts (met the sweet artist) Wuite the array of goods! Fun browse There was even a musician playing Irish tunes

This market is well know for sundar gardening so I went on Sunday morning. Try cute and unique,…read morefilled with art works foods and drinks. Plenty of options for foods. Traditional (mostly) or international & lots of local coffee shop. Some stalls can have a long line since it makes to order and that can take up to 30mins for more. Most folks are just chills and seat back and relax with their families or friends. For me, it's a small market but great vibe and definitely go there on Sunday to see the true local social life.

The big health shop chains may be able to offer fabulous offers and super cheap deals, but you…read morewon't get the service, advice and knowledge as this tiny place. Despite it's dinky appearance they seem to have crammed in any lotion, potion and herb you are ever likely to need. I was in enquiring about something I had read about online, and not only did they have it, but suggested something else that would be better, and it was. Google can suggest, but the nutmeg can advise- that is a big positive difference.

Nutmeg is a health food store in the centre of Belfast. I am the type of guy who takes little…read morephases. Lots of little phases. Quite a lot of them do revolve around places like this. I wanna start drinking a certain type of tea or heard that Miso soup is the healthiest thing on Earth (it tastes like unhappiness)and I turn to Nutmeg. It's quite a cramped shop and they have filled it as best they can. On the left hand side is the organic, whole foods that are all sourced from Fair trade marked groups keeping with the shops ethical policy. The right hand side is for the sweet, sweet drugs. They stock all sorts of natural remedies and pick me ups straight from natures pharmacies all over the world. The staff are passionate about what they are trying to promote and can get a little on the preachy side, but its their shop after all.

I hate this Tesco! I was in the neighborhood visiting the in-laws and wanted to cook the family…read morechicken fajitas so I zipped to Tesco on the Ballygomartin Road. And whaddya know? They're out of stock as usual. What kind of big chain grocery store doesn't have chicken breast in stock? And you can forget the produce, I was lucky to get out of there with one onion! Phooey on Ballygomartin Tesco!

Smaller than your average Tesco but still bigger than the metros you find dotted about town. I do…read morefind however because of this a lot of things you would normally find in the larger Tesco's you will find difficult to get here, and I don't know if it is overall Tesco policy or a product of buying trend very often than not something will just stop being sold for no reason. Apart from that it's what you expect from a Tesco. Staff are friendly however you still find the conversations happening between staff at the checkouts whenever they are serving customers which as an ex retail employee really gets on my goat- how hard is it to give attention to the people you are serving as opposed to your friends.

There are plenty of good butchers in Bangor and this is certainly one of the better ones. It has…read morebeen going for a wee while now and it has a great reputation for beef, prok, chicken and fresh eggs. Really really good stuff if you need to pick up stuff for dinner and or a summery BBQ. There is a really reliable delivery service which is handy if you cant get the time to pop down to the shop which is located right at the heart of Ballyholme, on the Groomsport which means it is easy to get to by car and there is plenty of good parking right outside the shop. There are some other shops and an ATM right near by so its easy and convenient to get here and there is no real reason not to head to this wee shop.

Ballyholme local meats from the sign looks like a computer or technology shop, they have chosen a…read morerather strange font for their sign and this makes me associate the shop with something other than what it is. Despite its looks it is a great butchers, my sister lives just up the road and I have been sent down here on many occasions to get sausages for a fry or bacon for a carbonara. It is very reasonable in price and it is a great local service. The guys in Ballyholme local meats are really friendly, they even got to know my 3 year old nephew by name and if he wasn't with me would ask how he was getting on. It is this type of individuality that helps businesses sustain their customer base and I for one will certainly go back in for a favourable cut of meat.