Northern Ireland has a growing number of Michelin star and Bib Gourmand award winners. 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 2023 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 Head Chef Alex Greene's approach is unfailingly progressive. The elegant and inviting Howard Street dining room suits the delicate, innovative and beautifully presented food just perfectly. Top tip - try Alex's Incredible Edible Book, his banquet winning dessert as featured on the Great British Menu 2020.
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
EDŌ, Belfast, Michelin Bib Gourmand
One of 2 new winners in Northern Ireland of a Bib Gourmand in 2023, EDŌ is a Spanish tapas restaurant, in the heart of Belfast city centre. Small tapas style sharing plates, steaks from their charcoal oven and delicious cocktails are the order of the day on their extensive menu. Whether you choose to dine at the open kitchen getting up close and personal with the cooking experience or seated in the stylish and modern restaurant setting, you are guaranteed a dining experience to remember.
Waterman Restaurant, Belfast, Michelin Bib Gourmand
The second winner from Northern Ireland of the Bib Gourmand awards in 2023 is the Waterman Restaurant, a no-frills dining experience in the bustling Cathedral Quarter of Belfast. Simple modern dishes are part of the local seasonal menu on offer here. The menu changes daily and food is paired with monthly changing local beers and gins and a compact wine list.
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.
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 Executive 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.
Opened in June 2022 by Niall Mckenna and his team, and awarded a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain & Ireland 2023, the Waterman restaurant offers a no-frills dining experience in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. Serving a local, seasonal menu, with accents and influences from Europe, the menu changes daily.
Local chef Chris McGowan and his wife Davina have transformed this fine Georgian house into a bright modern restaurant.
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.
