Best restaurants in Hillsborough

OX

★ Michelin££££Modern British

From the terrific buzz in the air to each element of the carefully constructed tasting menu, dining at this understated restaurant is such a pleasant experience. The starting point for the cooking is always the ingredients, with only the very best selected – and in some cases grown – by the kitchen team. This top-notch produce is elevated by the refined, expertly balanced accompaniments – an approach which is clear in dishes like superb Orkney scallop paired with a curry oil that is beautifully judged in both aroma and flavour.

The Muddlers Club

★ Michelin££££Modern Cuisine

Hidden away down the narrow lanes of the Cathedral Quarter is this urban, industrial-style restaurant named after a 200-year-old secret society. It’s full of energy, both from happy diners and the infectiously enthusiastic team. Chef Gareth McCaughey’s philosophy revolves around letting superb ingredients do the talking, from wild halibut to lamb loin, in dishes filled to the brim with bold, complementary flavours. The wine list offers an interesting selection of low-intervention, natural, organic and biodynamic wines, all available by the glass.

Noble

Bib Gourmand££Modern Cuisine

Hidden away in the centre of town is this compact little restaurant where the service is warm and genuine, and a happy buzz fills the air. Snacks are served in the bar downstairs, while the upstairs is home to the full à la carte of excellent value dishes. Boldly flavoured elements like confit garlic pepperonata enliven the unfussy cooking, whose visual simplicity belies its delicious intensity. Be sure to check out the daily specials on the blackboard and, for dessert, don’t miss the chocolate délice.

Deanes at Queens

Bib Gourmand££Modern British

The 'Deane' is Belfast's renowned culinary champion Michael Deane; the 'Queens' is Queen's University Belfast, which provides a great backdrop for this bustling brasserie and its large covered terrace. The Mibrasa charcoal grill is a feature across the extensive selection of refined, good value dishes, with produce like Mourne lamb rump getting the chargrilled treatment. The kitchen's ability to finely execute classic dishes is exemplified by the terrific desserts, from panna cotta to a freshly baked jam and coconut sponge.

mrDeanes

Bib Gourmand££Modern Cuisine

Its full name, ‘mrDeanes Bistro, Bar and Social’, paints a perfect picture of this spacious addition to Michael Deane’s ever-evolving Belfast empire. Grab a cocktail at the bar before taking your seat in a restaurant that’s bursting with vitality. The eminently appealing menu offers well-executed takes on dishes from all over the world, be it Gaeng Phed red curry or ‘entrecôte au poivre’. There's a palpable generosity to the place too, with the food and wine both offering great value for money.

Beau

Bib Gourmand££Modern Cuisine

Coming from the team behind EDŌ, this buzzy younger sibling is named after Chef Lottie Noren’s daughter. The space has been smartly converted with a contemporary bistro look and an open kitchen with the focused team all on display. They craft a concise menu of produce-led dishes designed for sharing, such as a tempura-like langoustine scampi with their take on a sauce gribiche. While pared-back in style, the cooking never lacks in flavour and there’s a welcome generosity to the portions and pricing too. Super-friendly service only adds to an already delightful all-round experience.

Home

Bib Gourmand££Modern Cuisine, Mediterranean Cuisine

Bright colours, greenery and local art decorate this spacious, upbeat restaurant with a semi-industrial touch. The cooking focuses on semi-rustic versions of British and Mediterranean dishes, packing in plenty of punchy flavours and top-quality produce – such as in the terrific fish casserole. As an added bonus, it all comes with a sensible price tag – especially considering the prime city centre location. The friendly team make the whole experience enjoyable, from the warm welcome to the fond farewell.

EDŌ

Bib Gourmand££European Contemporary

‘I eat’ is a smart, buzzing and well-run brasserie in the heart of the city, with rustic-meets-faux-industrial styling and seats at the long kitchen counter for those who want to get in on the action. The great value sharing dishes take an international outlook, with traditional Spanish tapas getting a good showing – from pan con tomate to pil pil prawns – and the Bertha oven used for dishes like hanger steak with chimichurri. Don't over-order, as you'll need to save room for the terrific orange, almond and olive oil sponge.

The Bucks Head

£££Modern Cuisine

Chef Alex Greene’s first job was at this historic pub and now he has returned to his hometown to run the lovely village inn with his partner Bronagh McCormick. He arrives back in Dundrum with plenty of experience, borne out in pared-back, accessible and hugely enjoyable dishes based on a bounty of Northern Irish produce, from Kilkeel crab to Mourne Spring lamb – the seafood chowder is a particular highlight. The pub itself is charming, as is the service led by Bronagh.

Stove Bistro

£££Modern Cuisine

Tucked away on the first floor, there's a subtle retro look to this friendly restaurant a little outside the city centre. The chefs don't try to reinvent the wheel but instead focus on using quality local produce in well-executed versions of tried-and-tested dishes, available from a concise à la carte, a well-priced midweek set menu and some specials chalked up on the blackboard. Beef is a feature, with the likes of flat iron steak and Tournedos Rossini, but the kitchen is equally adept at fish cookery in dishes such as cod with chorizo, white beans and chive cream sauce.

James St

££Modern British

A cheery team help add to the vibrant buzz at this long-standing modern bistro. It’s a simple place, with exposed brick walls, a high ceiling and warehouse-style windows – and the classic brasserie menus suit it perfectly. The cooking is unfussy and generous, with the grill dishes always a hit; the succulent steaks are cooked on the Josper, served on boards and come with a choice of sauces – go for the tomahawk or Chateaubriand if you fancy sharing. Keep an eye out for their great value set menu.

🕐 Mo,We,Th 17:00-21:30; Fr,Sa 13:00-21:30; Su 13:00-20:00

Yugo

££Asian, Fusion

Behind an unassuming façade is this buzzy, industrial-style restaurant, where powerful music plays and a super-friendly team bring the dishes as and when they’re ready. The core of the sharing-inclined menu is flavours from around Asia, so expect to enjoy the likes of tiger prawn Panang curry, tempura broccoli or tuna sashimi. Occasional Mediterranean influences appear too, in interesting dishes like cured cod with Iberian chorizo, truffled ponzu and fennel. There are plenty of Asian-influenced cocktails on hand to accompany, along with a lively atmosphere.

Waterman

£European Contemporary

Nothing beats the buzz of a big bistro and, judging by the numbers who flock here, the locals heartily agree. Its menu of unfussy, appealing dishes takes inspiration from across Europe, with Italy playing a particularly large role from arancini to gnocchi via burrata – this is the kind of food you want to eat every day. The city centre location is another draw, as is the set menu, where you'll find the best value. The period building also houses a cookery school and event space.