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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Entertainment
Sophie McLaughlin

Six Northern Irish spots named in the UK's Top 100 Restaurants for 2023

A number of Northern Irish restaurants have been named as some of the best in the UK by industry food bible SquareMeal.

SquareMeal is one of the UK's best-known restaurant, bar and venue websites and offers independent and unbiased restaurant reviews and everything you need to eat, meet or celebrate across the country.

Their 'Top 100 Restaurants 2023' list names top eateries in every corner of the UK and shouts about the best-of-the-best in terms of emerging talent and dining institutions, bringing together a host of the best new openings and classics.

Read more: New bars, restaurants and cafes in Belfast to check out in 2023

Six NI spots were recognised this year - highlighting the talent and skill present in our busting local hospitality industry.

Featured on the Top 100 Restaurants in the UK list were:

  • The Muddlers Club - 12th
  • OX Belfast - 37th
  • Blank - 70th
  • Home - 84th
  • Balloo House - 88th
  • Roam - 95th

Here is what SquareMeal had to say about each venue -

12. The Muddlers Club

(Facebook Muddlers Club)

This Michelin-starred spot in Belfast centres around an open kitchen, providing diners with an element of theatre as they watch the chefs prepare their food. Focused on relaxed fine dining, head chef and owner Gareth McCaughey uses the best local ingredients to create his inspired tasting menus.

37. OX Belfast

Ox, Belfast (Kasia Wandycz/Paris Match via Getty Images)

Owners Stephen Toman (chef) and Alain Kerloc'h (sommelier) opened OX in 2013 to put into practice their hard-earned skills working in restaurants. The result is an artistic display of seasonal Irish ingredients served alongside an extensive wine list.

70. Blank

Proudly Irish, Blank celebrates its people and produce through its unique storytelling style. Plating is stylish, flavours are impactful and service is impeccable, while the pre-theatre offers an accessible way-in if the nine-course tasting menu proves too punchy.

84. Home Belfast

Home Belfast (Google)

What started life as a pop-up now has a Home (see what we did there?). This Belfast-based restaurant is headed up by Chef Ben Arnold who you may just recognise from Great British Menu.

88. Balloo House

Balloo House (Google)

This cosy pub nestled in Northern Ireland’s countryside has - impressively - been serving its guests for more than 400 years. Its menu of pared-back punchy classics offers diners exquisite flavours teamed with cosy and familiar comfort food.

95. Roam

Roam Restaurant. (Justin Kernoghan)

What started as a pop-up concept now has a permanent home in the heart of Belfast. Roam serves a locally sourced, seasonal a la carte menu in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

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