There’s no doubt that Northern Ireland has put itself on the culinary map in recent years. It’s a fact that’s been recognised in the growing number of Michelin star or Bib Gourmand restaurants now on the scene. And it means you know you’re in for a gastronomic delight – whether you’re pushing the boat out for a special occasion or having a more modest night out. So, who are the stars?
The Muddlers Club, Belfast, one Michelin star
Down a quiet street in Belfast’s bustling Cathedral Quarter, this little gem is a worthy winner of a Michelin star, featuring once again in the 2022 guide. Fresh, local ingredients are at the heart of its menu, while an open kitchen means all the cooking theatrics are on full view to the diners. So, for entertainment value too, The Muddlers Club is a go-to spot for foodie visitors.
Eipic, Belfast, one Michelin star
Eipic is Irish for epic and this restaurant is certainly that. Part of Michael Deane’s empire in Belfast, Eipic has three key menus to choose from and offers exceptional wine pairing. Local produce takes precedence, as does seasonality, and Executive Chef Michael Deane's approach is unfailingly progressive. The elegant and inviting Howard Street dining room suits the delicate, innovative and beautifully presented food just perfectly.
OX, Belfast, one Michelin star
It’s all industrial lighting, salvaged seating and an open kitchen at the Michelin starred OX on Belfast’s Oxford Street. The bare brick whitewashed walls are intentionally devoid of decoration, as the real artwork is presented on each plate. With an enthusiastic approach to seasonality, OX’s modern Irish cuisine uses the best locally sourced ingredients and each dish is designed to ensure that every element has a role in showcasing them. A carefully compiled wine list features local microbreweries and exciting wine makers.
Michelin Bib Gourmand awards
Wine & Brine, County Down, Michelin Bib Gourmand
Great British Menu fans might recognise regional champion, Chris McGowan. After 20 years in London, McGowan opened the doors to his first solo venture in Moira just before Christmas 2015. Less than a year later, Wine & Brine captured a Michelin Bib Gourmand – proof that the London inspired elegance of the menu is paired with affordability.
Local is everything here. The restaurant’s butcher is a stone’s throw away. The greens and grains are picked from the surrounding soils and the beers are brewed locally too. Make sure to try McGowan’s famous ‘tongue ’n’ cheek’ pie.
Home, Belfast, Michelin Bib Gourmand
With exposed columns and cool industrial fittings, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped into a hipster New York deli at Home. This Belfast eatery is a bustling hub of wholesome, locally sourced, quality ingredients and has retained its Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2013. With Ben Arnold at the helm, the food is vibrant and bold, yet familiar and comforting. It’s famed for long standing menu favourites from its previous life as a pop-up, such as whipped goat’s cheese with candied walnuts or hot and sour Asian chicken broth.
Deanes at Queens, Belfast, Michelin Bib Gourmand
A bustling and informal bar and grill, Bib Gourmand holder Deanes at Queens provides the perfect platform for head chef Chris Fearon, a Great British Menu national finals winner. Fearon’s dishes are inspired and characterised by the seasons, resulting in an adventurous, but approachable, uplifting and earthy menu. Simplicity is key, yet there are deceptively complex innovations in his dishes, all prepared to perfection. The dining room space, the former Queen's University common room, is flooded with light and surrounded by great views.
Noble, Holywood, Michelin Bib Gourmand
Good quality and great value food are the perfect combination in this compact restaurant in Holywood, County Down. Local ingredients are at the forefront of the unfussy menu which changes on a seasonal basis, as well as a warm friendly welcome and great service all combining to provide the perfect dining experience.
Ready to make your dinner reservation? Or is there too much choice? Well, it’s a wonderful problem to have. And, of course, nobody ever said you had to pick just one. Bon appétit!
Tucked away between Waring Street & Exchange Place in the historic back streets of Cathedral Quarter, The Muddlers Club has been named after the secret society that met there over 200 years ago.
EIPIC is the most recently opened and most sophisticated of the restaurants in the Deanes portfolio, serving top quality local ingredients cooked to the highest standard. The menu is seasonal and therefore changes weekly.
OX is a Michelin starred restaurant that most recently won best restaurant (in Northern Ireland) at the National Restaurant Awards 2022. It offers relaxed dining overlooking the River Lagan, and is within walking distance of the Belfast Waterfront, Titanic Belfast, St Georges Market and Odyssey Arena.
Local chef Chris McGowan and his wife Davina have transformed this fine Georgian house into a bright modern restaurant.
The food at home is vibrant and bold yet familiar and comforting making our customers happy and our team proud. Made fresh every day, free from preservatives and colourings, we always try to source our foods locally from Northern Ireland.
With it's glorious Terrace, Deanes at Queens is taking full advantage of its enviable leafy location overlooking the superb architecture of Methodist College. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner 6 days a week and is open for Sunday Lunch.
