What's on

Discover unique dining experiences, themed evenings, guest events and seasonal celebrations at the Academy Restaurant.

November

Seasonal Favourites with JN Wine

27 November 18:30 – 21:00

Come along and experience festive flavours and fine wines. The perfect pairing of an evening of fine wines and seasonal dishes - with a nod to festive wine recommendations in collaboration with JN wines.

Academy staff showcasing wine
Every Friday 16:00 - 18:00

Sip and Share

Introducing our new Sip and Share experience.

Settle in, slow down, and share something worth talking about.

Our new £25pp Sip and Share menu is designed for people to come together, share great food and wine, and enjoy quality time with friends – a curated selection of small plates paired perfectly with a 375ml carafe of house wine each.

£25 per person

Available every Friday 4-6pm

Book your table today and experience it for yourself.

Sip and Share
The Academy Restaurant Welcomed

The Dead Rabbit's Jack McGarry

A  special collaboration between Ulster University, The Dead Rabbit, and Academy Restaurant took place across two nights with an Industry Networking Event for culinary and hospitality professionals to get first-hand insight into innovation, storytelling, guest experience and building a globally recognised brand.

The Culinary Salon consisted of a specially curated Culinary Salon dinner with menus designed by Jack and the Dead Rabbit team in collaboration with Ulster University culinary and hospitality students, featuring influences from The Dead Rabbit, a venue known for its Guinness, Irish coffee, and world-class cocktails.

Throughout the events, students got the opportunity to work closely with Jack and gain an insight into world-class cocktail craftsmanship and the importance of innovation and storytelling to build a successful, world-renowned brand.

Culinary Salon Dinner 22 October 2026 

Industry Networking Event 21 October 2026 

THe Dead Rabbit NYC exterior signage
Irish Coffee
Jack McGarry Co-founder of the dead Rabbit mixing cocktails
Join us

At the Academy we encourage fresh thinking, curiosity, and experimentation.

Our menus, events, and approach are always evolving, driven by the energy of our new talent. This is where the future of Northern Ireland’s food scene is happening, and you can experience it.

The Academy Restaurant creates a unique space where the future of hospitality is shaped and where guests can experience it first-hand.

The Academy is a high quality, student-led restaurant and educational hub at the heart of Belfast, delivering exceptional food and service while training the next generation of hospitality professionals.

The Academy offers a live dining experience where every service supports student development through events, culinary salons, menu tasting and dining experiences.

The Academy is proud to have a strong sustainability and local sourcing ethos, including Green Key accreditation.

The Academy has deep food and drink industry connections, positioning it as a respected part of Northern Ireland’s food ecosystem.

Visit the Academy Restaurant to discover new and emerging culinary talent and experience creativity, innovation, and changing menus.

Handcrafted citrus cocktail with dried lemon garnish served at Academy Restaurant Belfast.
Gourmet savoury tart canapé with creamy filling and fresh herbs at Academy Restaurant Belfast.
Premium red wine bottle presented by Academy Restaurant hospitality team.
Herb risotto with edible flowers and microgreens served at Academy Restaurant Belfast.
Culinary Highlights

Global Culinary Excellence at the Academy

Since opening, the Academy Restaurant has welcomed an array of leading culinary, hospitality and industry experts through a programme of events, culinary salons and tasting sessions. Featuring renowned names including Valentine Warner, Ching-He Huang, Ken Hom, Mark Hix, Andi Oliver and Yasmin Khan, these events have inspired learning, creativity and connection across the food and drinks community.

Ching Guest speaker presenting at a special dining event at Academy Restaurant Belfast.
Mark Hix speaking at a special hospitality event at Academy Restaurant Belfast.
Danilo Guest chef presentation and hospitality event at Academy Restaurant Belfast.
Slow-cooked beef dish with seasonal vegetables and rich sauce at Academy Restaurant Belfast.

Culinary Greats Inspiring the Next Generation

Our past events with some of the most influential names in food, hospitality and industry have educated our students highlighted expert insights and provided unforgettable experiences for guest and student alike.

  • Jack McGarry - The Dead Rabbit 21 and 22 October 2026
  • Valentine Warner 23 March 2026
  • Georgine Hayden Culinary Salon 06 February 2025
  • Mark Hix 04 March 2025
  • Danilo Cortellini 02 April 2025
  • Ching-He Huang 20 February 2024
  • Marc Millon 30 February 2024
  • Ken Hom 30 September 2024
  • Chris McClurg 14 November 2024
  • Conor Spacey 26 October 2023
  • Honey & Co 07 November 2023
  • Felicity Cloake 30 January 2023
  • Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala 8 February 2023
  • Robin Gill 23 March 2023
  • Andi Oliver 03 May 2023
  • Romy Gill MBE 15 February 2022
  • Jeremy Lee 01 March 2022
  • Yasmin Khan 15 March 2022
  • Akwasi Brenya-Mensa 12 April 2022
Past Events

Jawbox 10th Anniversary Dinner

7 October 18:30 – 21:00

Join us to celebrate Jawbox's 10th Birthday. A night of exceptional local flavour and dishes prepared by future talent. 

Award Winning

Dining Experience

Proud winners of Taste of Ulster awards, celebrating exceptional local produce, culinary excellence, and outstanding dining experiences. The Academy was the first restaurant in the UK and Ireland to win the Green Key Sustainability certification. The industry experience gained by Ulster University students at the Academy Restaurant have contributed to Ulster University’s ranking as 2nd in the UK for Hospitality, Event Management and Tourism (Guardian University Guide 2026.)

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