Where to eat near The O2 Belfast (ex-SSE Arena) before a show

Titanic Quarter is not a neighbourhood of corner pubs. Before a show at The O2 Belfast, most people eat under the same roof, in the Odyssey Pavilion, then walk straight through to the arena. It works, as long as you book or beat the 6pm rush.

Places to eat around The O2 Belfast

Walking routes calculated with OpenStreetMap, for guidance only.

1. 1 Zizzi Restaurant · Pizza and pasta, bookable, until 10pm 1 min walk · 22 m
2. 2 Nando's Restaurant · Peri-peri chicken, no online bookings 5 min walk · 356 m
3. 3 Little Wing Sliced Restaurant · Big pizza slices, fast before doors 15 min walk · 1 098 m
4. 4 Five Guys Restaurant · Burgers, fries and shakes 15 min walk · 1 098 m

In the Pavilion: steaks, pasta, chicken

All at 2 Queen's Quay, a few steps from the arena doors:

• Char + Mash: grill house with steaks, sharing plates and a proper cocktail list, plus Guinness 0.0 on draught. The obvious sit-down choice for a pre-show pint and dinner.
• Zizzi: Italian chain, pizza and pasta, open daily 11.30am to 10pm. Bookable, which matters on gig nights.
• Nando's: peri-peri chicken, open until 10pm Sunday to Wednesday and 10.30pm Thursday to Saturday. It does not take online bookings for eating in, so arrive early.

Prices are standard chain level; Char + Mash is the one where the bill climbs.

Quick bites before doors

If you are queuing for the standing floor, you want something fast:

• Little Wing Sliced: Belfast pizzeria Little Wing's slice counter at The O2, with big slices and sides.
• Five Guys: burgers, fries and shakes.
• MB Chicken: fried chicken, sandwiches and tenders.
• Titanic Desserts: waffles, crêpes and sundaes, for after.

Inside the arena, food and drink counters open with the doors. The venue has a strict no outside food or drink policy, except what you need for a medical condition, so finish your slice before the security check. Plan your entry with our best seats at The O2 Belfast guide.

Across the road: Titanic Hotel

For a quieter dinner, cross to Titanic Hotel Belfast on Queen's Road. It sits in the old Harland and Wolff headquarters, where the Titanic was drawn up, and its Wolff Grill serves lunch and dinner. Its other dining room, Drawing Office Two, is the old shipyard drawing office itself, and serves afternoon tea and Sunday lunch as well. It is a short walk from the arena, towards Titanic Belfast.

Going back into town

After the show, write a review of the night.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I eat at the SSE Arena Belfast?

In the Odyssey Pavilion attached to the arena: Char + Mash, Zizzi, Nando's, Five Guys, MB Chicken and Little Wing Sliced. Inside the arena, food and drink counters open with the doors.

Can I bring food into the SSE Arena?

No. The venue has a strict no outside food or drink policy, with an exception for food or medicine needed for a medical condition. Tell the venue in advance if that applies.

Is there a pub near the SSE Arena Belfast?

The closest bar is Char + Mash in the Pavilion, and the Titanic Hotel is a short walk away on Queen's Road. For a traditional pub, walk back into the city centre.

What time do the restaurants at the Odyssey close?

Zizzi closes at 10pm daily; Nando's at 10pm early in the week and 10.30pm Thursday to Saturday. Most shows end later, so eat before rather than after.