Book now for James St Belfast’s irresistible Christmas menu

Nothing says “holiday spirit” like a little sparkle, and James St’s Cranberry Sparkler is a bright, festive way to start the evening. This zesty blend of cranberry juice, triple sec, and sugar is topped with effervescent Prosecco, adding just the right amount of holiday fizz to get the evening started. At £15, it’s a delicious toast to the festive season.

Moving into the starters, James St has crafted a selection that captures a comforting yet refined Christmas spirit. For a bit of warmth, the Curried Parsnip, Apple & Lentil Soup is an inspired choice, bringing together the sweetness of apple with a subtle spice that lingers on the palate — a satisfying option for vegans.

The Ecclesgreen Ham Hock Terrine brings rich textures and savoury depth, served with creamy egg mayonnaise and a side of tangy pickles that perfectly balance the terrine’s richness. This dish is a nod to traditional holiday flavours, with a refined twist.

Vegetarian diners will love the Fennel, Butter Bean & Cais na Tire starter, accompanied by crunchy crudités and crostini. The Irish cheese adds a delicious creaminess, while fennel brings a refreshing lift to this plant-forward dish.

For seafood lovers, the Portavogie Prawns & Strangford Mussels served with hearty Guinness bread are a standout. The combination of fresh local shellfish, each bite bursting with natural sweetness, and the dark, malty bread create a beautiful harmony of flavours — a delightful tribute to Irish cuisine.

The holiday feast reaches its peak with James St’s main courses. A classic choice, the Turkey with Smoked Bacon Sprouts and Sausage Stuffing celebrates tradition with flair, featuring savoury stuffing, crispy sprouts with smoky bacon, and succulent, tender turkey.

For a seafood delight, the Irish Cod with Beans, Onions & Pancetta in a Shellfish Cream is a luxurious option. The delicate cod paired with a shellfish cream sauce is both rich and satisfying, while the pancetta adds a salty crunch to the dish.

Vegetarian guests will be wowed by the Harissa Cauliflower with Black Garlic Yoghurt and a Date & Macadamia Salsa. This dish brings together a complex mix of flavours: harissa adds warmth, black garlic yoghurt lends depth, and the nutty sweetness of the date and macadamia salsa completes the dish — a true plant-based celebration of festive flavours.

For those craving a tender steak, the Co. Tyrone 10oz Sirloin is grilled to perfection, served with golden chips and a robust peppercorn sauce. This dish is a meaty indulgence, available with a small supplement of £7. The Jacobs Ladder — a slow-cooked beef rib — pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes, earthy mushrooms, and a rich brown butter sauce, delivering melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

No festive feast is complete without dessert, and James St’s options offer the perfect finale. The James St Trifle is a nostalgic nod to traditional Christmas fare, while the JS Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce delivers a warm, boozy sweetness that’s pure holiday indulgence.

The Pear Sorbet with Hazelnut & Miso Praline is a lighter choice, yet still decadent. The miso praline adds an umami twist to the refreshing sorbet, making it an unforgettable dessert.

For chocolate lovers, the 70% Chocolate & Blackcurrant Tart combines deep cocoa richness with a pop of tart berry flavour — a sophisticated, balanced dessert that pairs beautifully with a rich coffee to finish the meal. If you’re craving cheese, the Cheese Plate with handmade crackers and beetroot chutney (a £4 supplement) is an artisanal option to satisfy savoury cravings.

James St also offers an array of sides that are perfect for sharing. From classic Chips to Roast Potatoes and the unique Carrots with Lemon, Feta & Sage, these dishes complement the mains beautifully. For a touch of luxury, try the Chips with Truffle & Parmesan or the earthy Grilled Portobello Mushrooms.