Newtownards, Irish Restaurant Guide

“Quirky, original neighbourhood bistro serving some of Northern Ireland’s best local produce”, from chef Pearson Morris and FoH supremo Saul McConnell. There’s a “small intimate restaurant upstairs with a relatively new wine bar downstairs serving an interesting selection of wine”. Top Tip – “get there and back from Belfast on the bus for ‘Johnny the Jig’ (aka 502)”.

In the city centre, next to Deanes Meat Locker, this May 2024 newcomer from pioneering Belfast chef Michael Deane – who has had various restaurants on this site since 1997 – occupies the space of his former flagship Deanes Eipic and Love Fish, which he shuttered in late 2023 citing the rising cost of living, as customers opted for lower-priced options for eating out. Long regarded as one of the best restaurants in Northern Ireland, it was regularly rated highly in the annual Harden’s guides. The latest venture, he says, combines the best from the former Brasserie, Deli and Love Fish at the same address.