Gosh, this place is stylish. It’s big and bold and brash and we love it. Those three massive granite statues were once kept at the Communist Headquarters in Prague and were rescued from certain destruction after the fall of communism there.
It’s not a case of style over substance, though. Head Chef Rick Orr and his team are very serious about food. The menus are carefully planned in accordance with the seasons and the ingredients are sourced locally. Think grilled salmon with chive, fennel and garlic potato cake and a lemon and butter sauce.
They take their drink as seriously as their food. The cocktails are designed and served by award winning staff. Just to thing to linger over as you look out those stunning floor to ceiling windows.
One of Belfast’s most historic pubs, the award-winning Morning Star dates back to 1854 and has been run by the McAlister family since 1989.
Housed in a listed building, in a narrow entry between Ann Street and High Street, The Morning Star is a must-see in Belfast. Serving traditional pub grub in the downstairs bar, the upstairs dining experience is for the more adventurous diner.
It’s safe to say it’s one of the most eclectic pub menus we’ve ever seen. You can eat pan-fried kangaroo and crocodile as well as emu, ostrich and bison.
But if you fancy something a little less exotic, fear not. Their in- house butcher makes the sausages. The seafood is fresh every day and the steaks are up to 24 oz!
It’s the only place we know where Oysters Kilpatrick are served and they are real champions of local brews. They’ve won bucket of awards. You’ll see why.
At The Culloden Estate
The Mitre Restaurant is one of the most prestigious dining rooms in Northern Ireland. Executive Chef, Paul McKnight is at the helm where he and his team have scoured the place for the best local produce for his à la carte and table d’hôte menus.
Sit in the newly renovated contemporary restaurant and sample Hannan’s meat from Moira, salmon from Glenarm and vegetables from local growers like Bob Colhoun and Willowbrook Farm.
Five star does not mean stuffy, the atmosphere is warm and friendly. They like to offer guests a taste of Northern Ireland, so look out for creative spins on classic favourites. Ask for their tasting menu when making a reservation, this gastronomic journey will be sure to please. Whatever you are having, the impeccably trained staff will make sure your glass never runs dry.
Dinner daily 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sunday Lunch 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
This enduringly popular spot on the Upper Lisburn Road ticks all the boxes. It’s a pub and restaurant that also has entertainment. What’s more, you can always get a space in the onsite car park and Balmoral Train halt is right on its doorstep.
Downstairs you can do the snacky thing with a ‘Bar & Beer Garden Menu’ in the cosy bar or spacious beer garden. Or go the whole hog upstairs in The Restaurant. They have a hard to beat offer of 2 Courses for £10 at lunchtime so there is every excuse to treat yourself to their signature dish of ‘The King’s Wings with blue cheese dipping sauce’ or a sumptuous dessert of bang on trend ‘Salted Caramel Cheesecake with honeycomb ice-cream’. They have various cuts of steak but they’re all Northern Ireland farm assured and have been hung for at least 28 days. You can rest easy knowing there’s a dish to suit all tastes at The King’s Head. Definitely worth a visit.
Set within the grounds of the five star Culloden Estate and Spa, the Cultra Inn is the more relaxed, easy-going little brother of the main hotel restaurant. We love the light and airy feel of this cozy restaurant. The Patio doors open out onto the terrace and beer garden. Great for alfresco dining and BBQs
Speaking of dining, you can always be guaranteed to eat fantastic local produce at any Hastings Hotel restaurant. Here too, the menu changes seasonally, but you will have choices like homemade crab cakes, Ballybrie wedges and a scrummy soup for starters.
Mains include curry, fish and chips, lamb shank and steak sandwiches. But there is much more besides. They always find a way to use Armagh apples in dessert also, so leave a little room for that and some of the delicious Glastry Farm ice cream.
All Day Dining Noon – 9:30 p.m. Monday – Saturday
Sunday Buffet Lunch 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sunday Dinner 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
At The Europa Hotel
The lobby at this world-famous hotel has seen more than its fair share of celebrities. The Causerie Restaurant is in a prime location for star-spotting but you’ll probably be far too interested in what’s on the plate to notice!
The vibe is relaxed and informal. The food is seriously good. They use locally sourced Salt aged Sirloin beef from Peter Hannan’s famous Himalayan Salt Chamber, which is slow to mature and rich in flavour. The chef’s also love using the award-winning Kearney Blue cheese. It’s great with Glenarm smoked salmon and also features on their Irish cheese slate.
The menus are updated according to what’s seasonably available (which it should be, of course), but think Rump of locally reared Mourne Irish Lamb, or pan fried Hake! Vegetarians won’t be disappointed either. Don’t wait too long to try this light, airy place. It’s a real room with a view.
Lunch 12.30-4pm Dinner 4-10pm
