Ardbrin Lodge

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.

‘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.

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.

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.

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.

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.