NEWCOMER Six by Nico has joined some well established favourites in the prestigious Good Food Guide, which has announced its top eateries in Northern Ireland.
Once again Ox in Belfast was the top scoring restaurant with Deanes Eipic, also in the city, a close rival.
Both hold Michelin stars and are considered at the pinnacle of fine dining in the north.
The guide, owned by Waitrose, also recognised Wine & Brine in Moira as having consistently high standards.
The ever popular James Street in Belfast and Hadskis, both owned by renowned chef Niall McKenna, remain high on the list.
Husband and wife team Andrea and Tony O'Neill's acclaimed Il Pirata in east Belfast also featured on the prestigious guide for another year.
A total of 14 eateries across the north made the sought-after guide, with Belfast dominating.
Editor Elizabeth Carter said Ox, owned by chef proprietor Stephen Toman "occupies snug but stylish premises overlooking the river Lagan, with Andy Scott’s Beacon of Hope sculpture just outside".
"A little creative redesign has exposed the kitchen to public view, but otherwise Ox is in a powerfully steady state, producing seasonally informed, imaginative tasting menus that concentrate on seducing the palate as well as the eye.
"Here, seasons aren’t defined as quarterly but weekly, emphasising the care that goes into sourcing."
The only new entry from Northern Ireland is Six by Nico, which opened in Waring Street in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter earlier this year and has quickly become one of the busiest restaurants in the city.
Owned by Glasgow chef Nico Simeone with a six-course tasting menu that changes every six weeks, Ms Carter said it has "an open kitchen overseeing proceedings, forming the setting for themes such as Childhood or The Chippie".
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The 14 Northern Ireland restaurants in this year's Good Food Guide:
Ox, Belfast
Deanes Eipic, Belfast
James St, Belfast
Shu, Belfast
Yügo, Belfast
Wine & Brine, Moira
Il Pirata, Belfast
The Muddlers Club, Belfast
Hadskis, Belfast
Six by Nico, Belfast
Mourne Seafood Bar, Belfast
Harry's Shack, Portstewart
The Ginger Bistro, Belfast
The Bay Tree, Holywood
