BELFAST is back on the culinary map after two of the city's restaurants were awarded coveted Michelin stars.
Ox on Oxford Street and Eipic on Howard Street both won the prestigious accolade after being named in the latest Michelin Guide as worthy recipients.
Five other restaurants in Northern Ireland feature amongst Michelin's Bib Gourmand listings, which recognise establishments offering good food at affordable prices of £28 or less for a three-course meal.
It marks a return for Belfast onto the Michelin star status after a four-year hiatus.
Deanes in Belfast lost its star in 2011 and left the north as the only part of the UK without one.
Michael Deane, chef and owner of Eipic - regarded as the most sophisticated restaurant in his portfolio - said he was thrilled his new venture had gained such early success just 18 months after opening.
"It is an absolute joy to be awarded the much coveted Michelin star so soon after opening our doors," he said.
"It’s no secret that my vision is for Eipic to be amongst the finest restaurant on these islands and it is a fantastic reward to know that we have been delivering to such high expectations right from the outset."
Mr Deane, whose restaurant Deanes at Queens also won a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, said "now the city has two stars again we are undoubtedly on the up".
Head chef Danni Barry said: "There are some really exciting things happening in food in Belfast and I'm so thrilled to be a part of putting the city back on the Michelin map".
Ox is the brainchild of chef Stephen Toman and Alain Kerloc'h, who were celebrating their success last night.
Mr Kerloc'h said: "It is an amazing feeling, we have been open for two and a half years so it is absolutely amazing.
"I would like to thank The Irish News as you did the first review after we opened and it was fantastic and inspired us with confidence.
"This is amazing news for the restaurant industry in Belfast, it lifts everything and to be part of it, we are just over the moon."
The Michelin Bib Gourmand awards went to Belfast restaurants Deanes at Queens, Bar + Grill at James Street South and Home and Old Schoolhouse Inn, Lisbane and Fontana, Holywood.
Rebecca Burr, editor of the Michelin Guide, said: "Each year we seek out new candidates and reassess our existing award restaurants.
"Consistency is a key part of our selection process and it is important for our readers that the standard of cooking is maintained."
In the Republic, two restaurants - The Greenhouse, Dublin and Loam on Fairgreen Road, Galway - were awarded Michelin stars, bringing nine the total number of Michelin star restaurants in Ireland.
But for Dublin restaurants Thornton's and Bon Appétit, it was bad news after they both had their star removed.
