One of the most exciting restaurants in Belfast has entered its second year just as strongly as it started. Head Chef Stephen Toman together with Front of House Alain Kerloc’h continue to wow even the most jaded food critic with their impeccable food and wine pairings.
Stephen is a true believer in seasonality and has the imagination and creativity to bring seemingly mundane ingredients to Technicolor life.What appears to be a simple combination of wild mushroom, broccoli and egg leaves your taste buds craving more, while a dish of hay baked celeriac, black garlic, burnt onion and sorrel blew us away and the desserts are quite simply the epitome of delicate yet decadent delights.
There are no tablecloths. The style is relaxed, the décor is paired back and the space buzzes with energy from the open kitchen, but make no mistake, this is fine dining at its absolute best and having just been awarded a 2016 Michelin star, the experts clearly agree.
If you want to eat stunning local seafood at an affordable price, then look no further than this city centre eaterie. It combines a fish and shellfish bar at the entrance with a two floor restaurant and Oyster Bar behind. You can even have your wedding reception at the Oyster Bar. Most people just come for lunch or dinner though. This place and its sister restaurant in Dundrum are unique in that all of the shellfish comes from their own beds. Everything else comes direct daily from the ports of Annalong and Kilkeel.
That all makes for consistently brilliant quality but it’s also cooked to perfection. We’re talking pan fried crab claws with chilli butter and whole mackerel with a puttanesca sauce. The seafood casserole is a Mediterranean inspired delight and we’re addicted to the hake with saffron baked red peppers.
They do a mean ribeye for meat-eaters but things piscatorial remain supreme. That said, the desserts are hard to say no to, especially the panna cotta. Look out for their pre-theatre deals and other special offers. They’re amazing value and scrummy.
Private hire room upstairs. Belfast reservations by phone only. Weekends must be booked a few weeks in advance.
At the heart of the Queen’s Quarter, this boutique hotel is just a 10 minute stroll from the city centre. It’s pretty much a one-stop shop for food, drink, entertainment and accommodation. The décor is earthy and contemporary and so is the menu.
Think European with a traditional Irish influence. Naturally the ingredients are local and seasonal where possible. Crossgar supplies the beef, Yellow Door send in the bread and we just love the Crispy Cherry Valley Duck Breast with cinnamon scented red cabbage and red wine Jus.
If you haven’t been down Botanic way in a while, make the trip. You will be back for more, we guarantee it!
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
SD Bell & Co Ltd. have been roasting coffee and blending fine teas in Belfast since 1887! So, where better to sample them than in the very place where they are roasted, blended and packed?
The “Leaf & Berry Coffee Bar” was established in 1978, Now affectionately Nicknamed ‘The East Belfast Stock Exchange’, it has grown to over 110 covers today.
You can drink your way around the world. All coffees are roasted on the premises, and the choice is breathtaking: exclusive Blue Mountain Jamaica shares the podium with Great Taste Award-winning mild Colombian San Agustin or espresso-strength Barista 1887” roasts . It’s the same for the tea. They’re absolutely at the top of their game here. More Great Taste Awards adorn their classic like Natural Leaf Breakfast Tea and Directors’ Brew teas, alongside trendier White, Green and Red teas, both in loose-leaf and tea-bag format. They serve light, Continental & Full Breakfasts, delicious scones, light lunches, home-made soups and afternoon teas. It has an extremely broad-based and loyal customer base of business people, young families, tea aficionados and those who wistfully remember the aroma of roasting coffee in Ann Street, Belfast.
Check out their live music, or contact them to hire their stylish and intimate venue for your private function.
Hours of opening:
Monday to Friday – 8:30am to 5pm
Saturday – 8:30am to 4pm
Sunday – 11am to 3pm
at the Stormont Hotel
With an enviable location just across the road from the stunning Northern Ireland Government Buildings, La Scala is perfect for light bites and more substantial fayre. As with all of the hotels in the Hastings group, the restaurant is big on food provenance and championing local produce.
The menu changes frequently but you can expect the likes of a hearty seafood chowder and a delicious Leggygowan goat’s cheese parfait- made from locally produced artisanal cheese and served with crunchy granola and divine golden beetroot. Don’t go past their uniquely yummy Belfast Rarebit. Their version is made with Irwin’s Stout Wheaten topped with Fivemiletown cheddar cheese sauce and Moyallon dry cured bacon.
Peter Hannan of the Meat Merchant fame, has his amazing steaks on the main course menu – you can really taste the difference with the Himalayan Salt cured beef. Stormont’s chefs have also had a great time coming up with new dishes to showcase local produce and be sure to try the Glenarm Salmon fillet or Duo of County Down Pork – Traditional Breed Pork Loin and Slow Roasted Belly of Pork on a bed of Savoy Cabbage, with homemade Champ Croquettes and an Armagh Cider Apple Sauce. See what we mean about championing local produce?
Make the trip out from the city centre. There’s plenty of parking, the food is wonderful and you can always walk it off in Stormont Park if you overindulge.
11am-10pm daily
The Mill Restaurant at La Mon is named after the historic Mill foundations at La Mon dating back to 1794. The Mill was built by James Lamon on the banks of the Gransha River and its walls still remain today within La Mon’s 10 acre grounds.
The stylish design reflects the contemporary modern dining at The Mill and is complimented by soft lighting and ambient surroundings. Dining at The Mill offers modern Irish cuisine and its menu is devised by our team of award winning chefs who compliment the best of the seasons.
This award winning team is proud to create the best of locally sourced produce both on land and sea and The Mill’s mature herb garden provides hand-picked seasonal herbs, edible flowers and fruit.
The Mill’s dedication to quality dining is denoted by the in-house Patisserie and all things sweet are hand-crafted. Dining is complimented by an extensive wine listed, selected by local wine experts to compliment The Mill dining experience.
Be welcomed by a professional & experienced team who will guide you through a unique taste experience. Perfect presentation is served delicately with the finest porcelain to enhance the dining experience.
The unique identity of The Mill is the perfect destination restaurant for intimate romantic dining, informal dining or a celebratory special moment.
