Northern Ireland has undergone something of a renaissance in recent years moving away from its troubled past to become a popular tourist attraction. When you look at the history and landmarks that the country has to offer it’s easy to see why Northern Ireland is a sought-after destination for people all over the world. There’s few areas that have grown and improved more than the local culinary industry with a whole host of fantastic restaurants cropping up all over the country. So many in fact that it’s hard to know which restaurants to for tourists to visit.
If you are struggling with this dilemma then fear not as we have put together a definitive list of Northern Ireland’s top restaurants.
Mourne Seafood Bar
Northern Ireland has a strange relationship with the sea and Belfast in particular had a notable lack of seafood restaurants for a long time. All that changed however when Mourne Seafood was established in Dundrum, not far from the city. If you are a seafood lover then this restaurant, run by head chef Andy Rea, is a must. You will find all of the highest quality seafood that you would expect to find in an island-based restaurant such as lobster, oyster and crabs. There is a Dexter steak option for those who don’t fancy a fishy meal, but you will be missing out, Mourne Seafood Bar is for those who love seafood and want to taste it at its best and reasonably priced.
James St. South
One of Belfast’s most renown restaurants, James St. South provides a high end culinary experience without breaking the bank. Head chef David Gillmore is regarded as one of the provinces very best cooks and his love of local produce will ensure that you taste the best Northern Ireland has to offer. Visitors to the Northern Ireland for the first time are advised to try to the 4 course Taste of Ulster menu, priced at a very reasonable £40.
Catalina, Lough Erne
Lough Erne Resort shares its name with the beautiful lough that it overlooks just outside the picturesque town of Enniskillen in the west of the country. A visit to Lough Erne, which is a 5-star hotel, spa and golf resort will offer you an experience you will never forget. With all the beautiful surroundings the resort needs a restaurant to match and it provides just that with its fine dining Catalina restaurant. It was the first 3 AA Rosette rated hotel restaurant in Northern Ireland offering a combination of classic and contemporary dishes in fantastic surroundings both inside and in terms of the loughside views.
House Of Zen
If you are after an Asian culinary experience while in Northern Ireland then you couldn’t do much better than House of Zen in Belfast. Located in St Anne’s Square in Belfast’s trendy Cathedral Quarter, House of Zen offers an excellent pre-theatre menu as it’s very close to the popular Mac Theatre. The modern menu with an Asian twist will both excite and delight Asian food lovers and newbies alike. There are lots of vegetarian and gluten free options available as well so there is something for everyone.
Deanes
Deanes restaurant located in the centre of Belfast, is the highest priced restaurant on the list but for those who really appreciate fine dining it’s worth the extra money. The head chef Chris Fearon is becoming well known in the mainstream UK media as one of the countries finest cooking talents. The restaurant has been rewarded with a Michelin Bib Gourmand so its sought after by foodies from all over the world. Once again there is a strong focus on using local produce and creating something spectacular from it. The Mourne blackface lamb rump is a particularly popular dish and featured on the popular BBC show Great British Menu.
Ramore
Travelling up to Northern Ireland’s popular North West Coast, the Ramore Restaurant is very much at the heart of this seaside tourist hotspot. Overlooking the scenic Portrush harbour the Ramore actually consists of 3 restaurants with the Coast Pizzeria, The Mermaid Restaurant and the Asian inspired Neptune and Prawn. If you like to dine in lively surroundings and are out for a good time, then the Ramore is the perfect spot for you. You can only book the Mermaid ahead of time and this is the place to go for foodies who are after a great dining experience with the Pizzeria being particularly popular with families.
