Belfast, the vibrant capital of Northern Ireland, has emerged as an exciting culinary destination, boasting a growing number of Michelin eateries that elevate the city's food scene to new heights. From refined fine dining to inventive, modern menus, these prestigious establishments showcase the very best of local ingredients, global influences, and culinary artistry.
Sure, we love a good dive bar and casual
meal... but now and then, the same old stuff just won't cut it. If
you're really looking to push the boat out, then it's time to get
acquainted with the cream of Northern Ireland's dining crop. From
Bib Gourmands to established star status, this is your essential
guide to the top Michelin restaurants Belfast has
to offer.
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Michelin Star Restaurants In Belfast
The Muddler's Club
Taking its name from a historic secret society, The Muddler's Club is hidden behind a shroud of mystery. It was established in 2015 by head chef and owner Gareth McCaughey, who began his culinary career as a pastry chef.
Enter the dimly lit restaurant where dark colours and wooden accents pave the way for beautifully plated dishes and an impressive whiskey list. The seasonal tasting menu is £95 per person (an additional £65 for a wine pairing), and you can expect to devour the likes of hand-dived scallops with artichoke and grenobloise, and mourne lamb carpaccio with celeriac and pinenut.
Taste your way through one of the best Michelin star restaurants Belfast has up its sleeve.
OX
Also on our list of Michelin-starred eateries is OX; the Oxford Street hideaway led by chef Stephen Toman. It offers a relaxed yet refined dining environment, featuring a 40-seat space with a plate glass shop front overlooking the River Lagan. The interior boasts exposed brick and polished concrete details, complemented by an intimate mezzanine area for secluded dining.
Whether opting for the popular three courses for £55 lunch menu or the £90 seasonal tasting menu, diners can expect a thoughtfully curated selection that reflects the best of Northern Ireland's culinary offerings. Feast on scallops and steak before finishing off with a fabulous range of Irish drinks as you discover why this much-loved restaurant has been awarded a coveted star.
With a star to its name, OX is one of the top Michelin restaurants in Belfast city centre.
Bib Gourmand Restaurants In Belfast
Deanes at Queens
Serving modern British food in the heart of Belfast city centre, Deanes at Queens is a distinguished restaurant situated overlooking the historic Methodist College and adjacent to the Botanic Gardens. Founded by acclaimed chef Michael Deane, it boasts a menu that celebrates local, hearty dishes prepared with precision and has a Bib Gourmand to its name.
On the menu? Get a load of grilled salmon with pancetta, sautéed
greens, gratin potato, prawn and a Champagne velouté, or crispy
confit duck with a wild mushroom risotto, spinach, chestnut and
truffle. Oh, and the wild honey Pannacotta and lemon cake with
blackberries for dessert is to die for.
This University Quarter restaurant whips up great food and has a terrace for outdoor dining.
Home
Holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand, Home is a great choice if you're looking for places to eat on a special occasion. After starting as a successful pop-up in 2011, it found a permanent home on Wellington Place. It brings a fresh twist to classic dishes, and with its bright colours, greenery, and local art, the space exudes a welcoming and upbeat atmosphere.
Whether it's birthdays, date nights or celebratory meals, do it in style with two courses for £24.50 or three for £28.50 and delight in beef cheek ragu, crispy cauliflower with Bombay potatoes and sticky toffee pudding in an industrial setting.
Home Belfast: Michelin star restaurant status right here.
EDŌ
EDŌ is a vibrant bistro nestled in the heart of Belfast, offering a delightful fusion of European flavours in a relaxed and stylish setting. The name EDŌ, pronounced 'Aye-Doh', translates to 'I eat' in Latin, reflecting the restaurant's passion for exceptional cuisine, and rustic-meets-faux-industrial styling creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
You can expect to find an extensive variety of small plates on the menu, allowing guests to embark on a culinary journey across Europe. Many dishes are cooked over apple or pear wood in the Bertha oven, imparting a unique smoky flavour. Think charcuterie like jamón Ibérico de Bellota, ham croquettas, and paella.
This buzzing Bib Gourmand city spot is perfect for date night.
Waterman
Venture down to the Cathedral Quarter where you'll discover Waterman, an elegant Bib Gourmand bistro offering a delightful blend of classic European notes in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Housed in a charming period building, the restaurant exudes a warm ambience, with checkerboard flooring and spherical, soft light fixtures.
The menu features modern, unfussy dishes inspired by European cuisine, with a particular nod to Italian influences. Each plate is crafted with care, showcasing the rich flavours of quality local produce in the form of artichoke risotto and venison chops. It also offers an 'after dark' menu, available from 9.45pm to 10.30pm, featuring snacks like crispy squid or gingerbread ice cream.
High steaks: you'll find plenty of meaty eats on the menu.
Wine & Brine
Located in the charming town of Moira, just a 20-minute drive
from Belfast, Wine & Brine offers a dining
experience that seamlessly blends contemporary flair with
traditional techniques. Helmed by chef Chris McGowan, who brings
over 20 years of experience working with renowned chefs like Bruno
Loubet, Gary Rhodes, Pierre Koffmann, and Richard Corrigan, the
restaurant emphasises the use of local Northern Irish produce,
often incorporating age-old processes such as brining and
fermenting to enhance flavours.
The bright, modern interior features an open kitchen, allowing diners to witness the culinary artistry firsthand. With menus that change daily, guests can expect dishes that are both innovative and rooted in local tradition. Feast on pan-roasted halibut with mushroom XO, Indian spiced monkfish and more at this Bib Gourmand eatery.
Out with the wine and dining and in with the wine and brining.
Noble
Nestled in the heart of Holywood, just a short drive from Belfast, Noble is a charming neighbourhood restaurant that has garnered acclaim for its warm hospitality and vibrant atmosphere. Awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, it offers a seasonal menu that showcases the best of local produce.
Large windows let in floods of light and the gorgeous paintings paired with dangling lights make it a truly aesthetic spot for a romantic dinner. Look forward to plates of chicken breast with confit leg stuffing and kale, suckling pig with kohlrabi and pear, and sides of BBQ hispi cabbage. If you fancy a tipple with your fancy meal out then you'll be thrilled to find that the evolving wine list complements the menu perfectly.
Impeccable plates: these dishes sure are noble.
For more fancy feasting, head to our guide on the best restaurants in Belfast city centre.
