Fine Dining & Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Belfast
Belfast has seen a flurry of new and top-quality restaurants opening in recent years. You'll find them serving fresh, local meat and fish dishes and utterly divine desserts like rhubarb pavlova and chocolate mousse. OX and The Muddler's Club fly the flag when it comes to those highly coveted Michelin stars and if it’s the finest of fine dining you’re after, then look no further.
Fresh Seafood and Rustic Dining Gems in County Down
In County Down, fish fans will love the simple fresh dishes at Mourne Seafood Bar in Dundrum - langoustines, spicy fried whole bream and smoked haddock risotto are among the favourites here and all with a fresh sea breeze. In nearby Newtownards, Balloo House is a top-quality bistro in an old country pub that serves good value tasty meals with mains like monkfish and sticky-glazed ox cheek. It has an interesting kids’ menu too by the way.
Discover Shortcross Gin at Rademon Estate Distillery
You might want to leave the kids behind if you’re visiting the Rademon Estate Distillery. This is the home of Shortcross Gin, distilled using locally picked wild botanicals and fresh well water. Pre-book a tour and head distiller, David Boyd-Armstrong, will take you through the process and of course let you taste his gin.
Taste Authentic Fermanagh Flavours at O’Doherty’s Fine Meats
Whilst in Enniskillen, you must pop into the marvellous O’Doherty’s Fine Meats. This is the home of Fermanagh Black Bacon, cured from pigs allowed to roam free on their own private island on Lower Lough Erne. Those pigs were probably too busy feasting on fresh herbs and apples to realise that the leaders of the world had gathered nearby for the 2013 G8 Summit. Lough Erne Resort (5*) played host that year and you can rest assured that the world’s presidents and prime ministers enjoyed their meal. The culinary team here have created a collection of menus which showcase modern Irish cuisine at its finest, using the very best of local, seasonal ingredients.
Award-Winning Wild Sika Venison from Baronscourt Estate, County Tyrone
In County Tyrone, the wild sika venison of the Baronscourt Estate takes pride of place. This produce has won several awards both in Ireland and the UK.
Unique Brews, Local Flavours & Artisanal Delights in Derry-Londonderry and Limavady
If you’re willing to taste great beer with a strange twist then the Walled City Brewery’s Derry Milk beer might just be the cream for you. Hand-crafted from chocolate stout and organic cow’s milk, this smooth alcohol experience is one you’re unlikely to forget.
Right inside the walled city sits The Exchange Restaurant - good spot for a family meal and the right place to try out the aforementioned Tobacco Onions.
After all the fine fresh food, sweet treats and alcoholic beverages, you might find it difficult to go any further.
But if there is one place we really think you should visit it’s Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil on Broglasco Farm in Limavady, County Londonderry. This working Économusée is run by Leona and Richard Kane. Richard’s family has tended this land for over 100 years. They have worked tirelessly to promote this homegrown cooking oil and the story of how it all came to be is one of the many you’re likely to hear on your journey through Northern Ireland’s flourishing food trade.
Your ultimate guide to Food and Drink in Northern Ireland
Embark on a culinary journey through Northern Ireland, where you can savour traditional dishes and contemporary creations, paired with local drinks and produce. Enhance your experience by enjoying food tours, farm-to-table dining, and immersive cooking classes that bring you closer to the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.
