Belfast’s Irish Cuisine Gems: OX and Howard Street
Belfast masterfully elevates Irish cuisine through innovative spots like OX and Howard Street. OX claims Michelin-star prestige with hyper-local ingredients, while Howard Street delivers relaxed, flavor-packed dining. These venues showcase Northern Ireland’s culinary renaissance.
OX: Michelin Excellence Redefined
Overlooking the River Lagan, OX has held its Michelin star since 2016, one of just two in Northern Ireland. Chef Stephen Toman crafts daily-changing tasting menus starring seasonal https://theoldmillwroxham.com/ produce, like Orkney scallops in curry oil or white asparagus wrapped in lard. The minimalist 40-seat space, with church chairs and open kitchen, blends bistro warmth and fine-dining finesse.
Diners rave about inventive courses—£110 dinner leaves you satisfied, not stuffed—paired with Corsican wines or Irish gins. Service shines friendly yet precise, earning spots on National Restaurant Awards lists. Book weeks ahead; it’s open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner.
Howard Street: Chill Contemporary Vibes
Tucked in Belfast’s vibrant core, Howard Street offers high-ceilinged, booth-lined comfort for laid-back meals. Its menu bursts with fresh local flavors—think superb combos of seafood, meats, and veggies—in a space blending industrial edge and warmth. Popular for efficient service and value, it justifies premium prices with crowd-pleasing dishes.
Reviews highlight its top Belfast ranking for decor and atmosphere, perfect for casual dates or groups. No tasting-menu pressure here; opt for à la carte flexibility amid buzzing energy. It’s a smart pick for “chill vibes” without sacrificing quality.
Why Belfast Shines for Irish Fare
These spots source from nearby farms, emphasizing sustainability and seasonality core to modern Irish cooking. OX pushes boundaries with technique from Toman’s Paris days at Taillevent; Howard Street keeps it accessible yet elevated. Together, they prove Belfast rivals Dublin’s scene—Muddlers Club nearby adds another star.
For visitors in Phnom Penh dreaming of Belfast, these embody “Irish done right”: bold, rooted, unforgettable. Pair with a craft gin flight for the full effect.
