Cuisine And Restaurants

Original Official Site of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board

Recipe: An Ulster Fry

One of Ulster's most famous dishes embracing the best of local produce - bacon, sausages, eggs and breads. Primarily a breakfast dish but popular at any time of day with a few additions like chops, steak, kidneys, liver, tomatoes and mushrooms. (Serves 1):

Ingredients:
2 sausages
2 bacon rashers
2 slices black or white pudding
1/2 farl soda bread
potato cake
1-2 large eggs
oil for frying

The secret of a good fry is to cook the food in the right order, cooking that which takes the longest first.

Fry the sausages in a little oil until cooked, remove from the pan and keep warm. Fry the bacon until crisp, drain and keep warm. Fry the pudding for a few minutes to warm through, remove from the pan and keep warm. Slice the farl and potato cake and lightly brown in the remaining hot oil. Drain and keep warm.

Wipe the pan, add a little fresh oil and when hot crack in the eggs and cook until the white begins to set, spooning the oil over the yolk for an attractive milky appearance.

Arrange the fried ingredients on a hot plate and serve immediately with strong tea and wheaten bread. (Clare Connery 1994)

Vegetarians, no need to panic! Plenty of good fresh vegetables, seafood and vegetarian dishes also available.

As if the breathtaking scenery, the great golf and fishing, and the warm hospitality were not enough, N Ireland also has some of the finest, freshest food available in these islands. Renowned for its seafood generally and its salmon in particular, wonderful vegetables and prime beef and lamb, eating out in N Ireland is indeed one of the greater pleasures in life.

A taste of Ulster is an eating out initiative supported by NITB. Where you see the distinctive basalt hexagon you can be assured of quality traditional and modern recipes, using the finest local ingredients.

The following is an extract from the list of hotels and restaurants, pubs and coffee shops listed in A taste of Ulster guide which is available from NITB.

Also Where to eat in N Ireland is a guide which is published by NITB and on sale for 2.50 pounds UK.

Belfast

Hotels and restaurants

Roscoff
7 Lesley House, Shaftesbury Square, Belfast BT2
Tel (0232) 331532

N Ireland's only Michelin Star restaurant provides fine service and cuisine in a bright modern setting. Chef/proprietor Paul Rankin trained with Albert Roux at the internationally renowned Le Gavroche in London. Paul is continually searching out and working with local growers to ensure the finest ingredients in his dishes which combine the modern French style with healthy Californian influences. An extensive first class list of wines is available.

Pubs

Morning Star
17-19 Pottinger's Entry, Belfast BT1
Tel (0232) 323976
In the heart of Belfast is one of the city's most historic pubs. Dating back to the C19, the Morning Star retains its very special atmosphere while offering the best in food and service. Food is served in both the public bar and the more discreet upstairs restaurant/lounge. The best of local produce is featured on the menu and specialities include local seafood, home reared (free range) meat and poultry, and the best of Ulster vegetables. The special gourmet nights held on the last Saturday of each month are not to be missed.

Coffee shops

Bewley's Oriental Cafe Donegall Arcade, Rosemary Street, Belfast BT1
Tel (0232) 234955

In the heart of Belfast's pedestrianised shopping district, this is a branch of the famous traditional Irish cafe company which is a favourite among the natives and in operation for over 150 years. Bewley's offers a wide range of their own excellently blended and roasted coffees, blended teas and splendid home baked pastries and savouries.

County Antrim

Hotels and restaurants

The Bushmills Inn Hotel
25 Main Street, Bushmills BT57 8QA
Tel (02657) 32339

In the village that is home to the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, this faithfully restored coaching inn , complete with gas lighting and peat fires, serves meals and snacks all day. Dinner specialities regularly feature the famous local products - River Bush salmon and Bushmills whiskey. In summer and at weekends the Victorian style bar is open for simpler fare.

Pubs

Sweeny's Wine Bar
6B Seaport Avenue, Portballintrea, Bushmills, BT57
Tel (02657) 32404

Sweeny's has a magnificent location on a sweeping bay at Portballintrea on the North coast and its glass conservatory allows the maximum opportunity to enjoy the view. This is a converted C17 stables and much of the original character has been retained. The quality of food lives up to the surroundings.

Coffee shops

Morelli's of Portstewart/Nino's
53-58 The Promenade, Portstewart, BT55
Tel (0265) 832150

Set on the seafront in the popular seaside town of Portstewart, this bright and cheerful cafe offers clear views to the sea. As well as a full range of hot dishes, Morelli's is a long established and famous ice cream parlour with an exciting array of exotically named ices.

County Armagh

Hotels and restaurants

The Famous Grouse
Country Inn, Ballyhagan Road, Loughgall
Tel (0762) 891778

A country restaurant with a traditional theme, it is situated in the heart of the orchard county eqidistant from Armagh and Portadown, and 2 miles from the picturesque village of Loughgall. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and the combination of quality local produce and good cooking guarantee a mouthwatering experience. Choices from the a la carte menu include traditional steaks, king prawns and oriental kebabs. An excellent snack menu is available in the bar.

Coffee shops

Gilberry Fayre
92 Banbridge Road, Gilford, BT63
Tel (0762) 832098

A tastefully converted old schoolhouse with a country pine interior. Local produce is used in the home cooked food where the emphasis is on healthy eating. Nevertheless, there is still a mouthwatering array of sweets (desserts) to choose from.

County Down

Hotels and restaurants

Adelboden Lodge
38 Donaghadee Road, Groomport, BT19
Tel (0247) 464288

This country house restaurant with splendid seaviews offers some of the finest simple home cooking available. A full vegetarian menu is available in addition to the regular menu and special dietary needs are catered to. The house speciality is the Adelboden wholemeal wheaten bread baked with a light hand by chef/proprietor Margaret Waterworth.

Pubs

Dufferin Arms
35 High Street, Killyleagh BT 30
Tel (0396) 828229

This is a real Irish traditional pub with a cellar bar/restaurant in a country kitchen style. A wonderful relaxed atmosphere and music accompany the delicious suppers served throughout the week, finishing with piano accompanied Sunday brunch and Sunday newspapers.

Coffee shops

Castle Espie Coffee Room
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Ballydrain Road, Comber BT23
Tel (0247) 872517

The perfect setting for a coffee shop in the midst of a nature reserve offering unparalleled views of Strangford Lough and the lakes that are home to Ireland's largest collection of ducks, geese and swans. This is a splendid backdrop for the fine food available at Castle Espie.

County Fermanagh

The Hollander
5 Main Street, Irvinestown
Tel (03656) 21231

Enjoy the atmosphere and home cooking at this family owned and managed restaurant. Popular house specialities include beef wellington and salmon en croute. Vegetarian dishes also a speciality and fresh local seafood available nightly.

Coffee shops

Le Bistro
Erneside Shopping Centre, Enniskillen
Tel (0365) 326954

Situated in the Erneside shopping centre in Enniskillen on the shore of Lough Erne in the heart of Ulster's lakeland. Family owned and managed, this is the perfect place to relax during a shopping trip or if passing through Enniskillen and enjoy the home cooked local produce.

County Derry

Hotels and restaurants

Macduff's Restaurant
Blackheath House, 112 Killeague Road, Blackhill, Coleraine
Tel (0265) 868433

This is both a restaurant and a country guesthouse. The building is a Georgian rectory and the restaurant is situated in the cellar of the house. The chef/proprietor combines the best of country house cooking with today's lighter influences. Specialities include local game and the traditional Ulster dessert, Carageen Moss.

Pubs

The Salmon Leap
Castleroe Road, Coleraine
Tel (0265) 42992

The Salmon Leap on the River Bann is one of the oldest and most charming inns in the country. Home of the legendary 'Kitty of Coleraine', the Salmon Leap is a must when visiting other tourist attractions in the Portrush, Portstewart and Giant's Causeway area. Specialising in local produce, this restaurant has a wonderful reputation for salmon. Extensive wine list available.

Coffee shops
Ditty's Home Bakery
33 Rainey Street, Magherafelt
Tel (0648) 33944

This small 20 seat coffee shop is situated within Ditty's renowned home bakery. Not surprisingly a wide range of breads and confectionery is available as well as a good choice of home cooked meals.

County Tyrone

Hotels and restaurants

Greenvale Hotel
57 Drum Road, Cookstown
Tel (06487) 62243/65196

Formerly a C19 gentleman's residence, the Greenvale Hotel is set in its own extensive grounds on the outskirts of Cookstown. A homely and cosy atmosphere pervades both the hotel restaurant and the more informal Orchard Room, popular for Sunday lunch.

Coffee Shops

Rosamund's Coffee Shop
Station House, Augher
Tel (06625) 48601

These premises are set in a converted Clougher Valley railway station house and are full of character. The cooking is simple and good and a number of dishes feature the excellent local Clougher Valley cheddar cheese. Local crafts and linen for sale in the shop.