Where to go for Michelin food in Belfast

Who says eating Michelin grade food needs to be excessively expensive? Deanes EIPIC is the perfect example of delivering luxury at all price points. Arguably the finest establishment in Michael Deane’s family of restaurants, Deanes EIPIC has been awarded the highest accolade in the industry year after year. With experience in Petrus and Clairdge’s by Gordon Ramsay, head chef Alex Greene is devoted to serving up the freshest and most seasonal ingredients, prepared to artful perfection. Deanes has a number of menus on offer starting with a lunch time special, allowing visitors to enjoy either two or three courses for under £35 per person. The main tasting menu for £85 showcases the best the city centre eatery has to offer with a number of delicate courses that incorporate subtle yet exquisite flavours, delivered with perfect precision. What’s most unique about this modern and exclusive venue is its “menu surprise”. From Thursday – Saturday, for lunch or dinner, the team at Deanes EIPIC will prepare what they describe as “wonderful moments of surprise”, incorporating the best local produce right from Belfast’s daily market. You’d struggle to find a much fresher dining experience anywhere else for only £55 per person. 

Located in the city centre around the corner from cultural landmarks such as the Grand Opera House and Europa Hotel, Ginger Bistro is where Michelin dining meets a cosy and relaxed atmosphere. With a menu of “modern Anglo-European fare”, Ginger Bistro is now regarded as one of Belfast’s finest, multi award-winning restaurants. Since first opening in 2000, Ginger Bistro has built a strong handpicked supply chain, enabling it to ensure it’s using the highest quality ingredients from wonderful local suppliers. Although Michelin standard, this central eatery is incredibly reasonably priced with a delicious three course meal priced at just £39.75. If three courses seems too much to handle, you are spoiled for choice with the option of a main and dessert (£29.95), a starter and main (£31.50), a starter and dessert (£18.50) or even just a main for only (£21.50). Some stand out menu items include the Slow Cooked Featherblade, Pork Belly with Stir Fry Bak Choi, Asian Infused Duck Croquette or Celeriac, Parmesan and Truffle Oil Risotto, to name a few. This Belfast bistro has built a strong and loyal customer base over the years, which along with its many accolades, has enabled Ginger Bistro to go from strength to strength.

Located on the trendy Lisburn Road, Shu is South Belfast’s answer to Michelin star dining. Hidden behind a dark exterior is the glamorous and chic interior of this Michelin star restaurant and cocktail bar. Since first opening in 2000, Shu has gone from strength to strength, accumulating a lengthy list of awards which is easy to understand with its sensibly priced seasonal dishes and warming atmosphere. Made up of three unique design-led spaces, each area of Shu offers a completely unique experience. The Main Room, Shu’s primary restaurant, has a simple mission – focusing on quality and the reinterpretation of iconic recipes. Visitors can enjoy the delights of Shu’s Main Room, whether for dinner, lunch or Sunday special, which offers three delicious courses for just £33. The menus in Shu’s Main Room​ are inspired by French, Mediterranean and Oriental cooking styles, combined to create a varied menu of modern European cuisine. The Upper House at Shu is dedicated to private events, whereas Juls, the laid back cocktail bar and restaurant offers a selection of small plates, snacks and main menu items allowing everyone to sample the great flavours of the restaurant.

Not only holding a Michelin star since 2016, OX has been awarded the best restaurant in Northern Ireland by the National Restaurant Awards for 2022. It’s hard to ignore OX’s lengthy list of accolades, something that isn’t surprising when you consider its outstanding and exciting menus. Starting with lunch, guests can enjoy a two course meal for only £35 or three courses for £40. Guests can expect the same quality and care during their lunch visit as they would from an evening booking. For the main event at dinner, head chef Stephen Toman has skillfully prepared a sophisticated tasting menu that incorporates the best available seasonal produce. As well as the brilliant mix for flavours and textures, every menu item at OX is artfully designed so every element on the plate has an integral role in showcasing that season’s specific larder. As well as the £75 tasting menu, guests can indulge in the £55 wine pairing, each glass specifically chosen to compliment the flavours of specific dishes. If stopping for a quick visit, the OX cave located next door is the perfect opportunity to sample nibbles, snack boards and the restaurant’s outstanding selection of wines.