Dine for the count
Respected food writers and chefs share their favourite places to enjoy a meal in Northern Ireland.
RESTAURANT REVIEWER:
JORIS MINNE
Stock Kitchen and Bar, St George’s Market, Belfast
Is Stock Kitchen in St George’s Market one of the most consistent restaurants in Belfast? With Danny Millar at the helm, things rarely if ever go wrong. Even when he’s not there, the place storms along at pace with big brasserie dishes of fresh Dover sole, halibut and turbot. Stock’s langoustines are always on point and the signature nibbles of deep-fried courgette strips must never be missed. Staff here have the confident swagger of friendly aiders and abetters, ensuring you have a magnificent time every time.
Il Pirata, 279-281 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast
It’s too easy to overlook and yet Il Pirata has delivered ever since it opened all those years ago. This industrial canteen takes its cues from Italian culture of simplicity and good ingredients. I’ve been back a few times after years of absence and scratch my head each time now wondering why it doesn’t achieve the accolades it deserves. Cicchetti, small plates, pizzettas, pastas and risottos are every working Italian’s staple and this hits the spot. Great wines too.
Umi,
57 Strand Road, Derry
Derry has much more than Umi but this one nails down the street food sinfulness in the comfort of a warm dining room with a bar and its own brewery. The city has a rich portfolio of great places including El Tapas Grá, Artis and Browns, yet Umi captures a bit of the best of all of these with its informality, its impressive mackerel and seafood dishes and its tributes to the Far East. The staff have all swallowed the Derry book of charms and you won’t want to leave.
EXECUTIVE CHEF AT FAITHLEGG, CO WATERFORD:
JENNY FLYNN
Belfast is a city where I go for culinary inspiration. I try to stay for a couple of nights so I can get the best of casual and fine dining experiences. I always tend to arrive in Belfast early in the morning so I can get a brunch or coffee in Output Espresso on the Lisburn Road.
We recently did a wine tasting in the
Crafty Vintner which was paired with roast cauliflower wings and baked camembert, which was really enjoyable.
I also like the Belfast Woodfire Pizza company. Their malt and Guinness beef brisket with my favourite blue cheese of young buck – a Belfast cheese that is stilton-like in look, but in flavour it has the richness of creamy cheese – is a real treat!
In the afternoon, I go to Margot for an afternoon snack before sipping on cocktails in the Merchant hotel. I love the OX
Cave for pre-dinner snacks, and then head to The Muddlers Club where I love the friendly, casual service. One thing about Belfast, you will be guaranteed to get a great food experience.
FOUNDER OF
GRÁ CHOCOLATES:
GRÁINNE MULLINS
Belfast holds a special place in my heart after having worked there for two years. In my opinion, it’s one of the best foodie cities in all of Ireland. While I was there, I had the pleasure of working at OX, which naturally has to be at the top of my Belfast dining recommendations! Their focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients truly allows them to shine. Chef Stevie Toman creates dishes that leave a lasting impression – I still dream about his asparagus, truffle and
bacon dish. The lunch menu offers fantastic value, but if you can swing it, the full tasting menu is an unforgettable experience. It changes daily, showcasing Stevie’s creativity and seasonal ingredients. Another Belfast favourite of mine is
Yugo. Their green beans have been a menu staple since day one, and for good reason – they’re a must-order! I always enjoy their tapas-style dining, allowing you to try a variety of their delicious small plates.
The atmosphere at Yugo is fantastic, with a perfect blend of trendy vibes and delicious food.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss the Observatory Bar in the Grand Central Hotel. Time your visit for sunset to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Belfast, transitioning from day to night. And to top it off, their cocktails are phenomenal!
CHEF, WRITER AND RESTAURATEUR: JP MCMAHON
OX Restaurant & Cave, Belfast: I have enjoyed many meals in OX; Stephen and Alain have created a wonderful restaurant. Most recently after my meal in OX I moved next door to their wine bar, Cave, and happily continued the evening with a cheeseboard and a couple of glasses of pinot noir.
Waterman House, Belfast: Niall and Joanne Mckenna have been to the fore of the hospitality business in Belfast for many years, and the newest string to their bow is Waterman House. As well as a restaurant, the space hosts a cooking school and events space.
Harry’s Shack, Portstewart: I love the location of this Harry’s and, coupled with the amazing fish and seafood cooked and presented simply but with care, it really is worth the trip.
Established Coffee, Belfast: Everyone who knows me knows I love a double espresso and Established Coffee in the Cathedral Quarter is a great spot.
Wine & Brine, Moira: This restaurant is a superb example of contemporary cooking in the North of Ireland, I love the use of local, seasonal ingredients, particularly game, with traditional techniques like piemaking presented in a modern way.
While in Moira, take the opportunity to stop at ‘The Meat Merchant’ Peter Hannon’s Butchers & Speciality Food Store and stock up on some wonderfully aged beef.
Ursa Minor Bakery, Ballycastle, has been on my visit list for quite a while. They are great proponents of the Real Bread movement and I’m hoping to make it there this year.
WEEKEND RESIDENT CHEF AND FOOD WRITER: PAULA MCINTYRE
Asking me to recommend my favourite two restaurants is a hard task. We have so many in Northern Ireland and a top 20 would be easier. For me a great restaurant should be about ambience, service and food. Niall Mckenna, the chef patron of James St in Belfast, said to me a few years ago it should be in that order too. My 30-year-old self would say food, service, ambience but I agree with him 100% now. You should be able to build up a relationship with a restaurant, where they know you and are glad to see you.
Square Bistro, Lisburn: When I lived in Lisburn I visited this restaurant at least
Yugo’s green beans have been a menu staple since day one, and for good reason – they’re a must-order!