Belfast small Bunkbed cabin-own access & ensuite

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.