Foodie Finds: Kamakura, Noble, Hey Darlin’ and Bethel’s Kitchen

January is very much a month of new beginnings. Many of us take up new hobbies, make resolutions and attempt dry January, all aiming to try something different as the new year continues. However, shaking up your routine doesn’t always have to be dramatic, sometimes you can start small, like trying out a new restaurant - perhaps one in this week’s foodie finds…

DINE IN

Kamakura, 69 Donegall Pass, Belfast, Sunday-Thursday 12pm-9pm, Friday & Saturday 12pm-10pm

Kamakura sushi and ramen restaurant is named after a small city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, Kamakura.

The city is famous for its unique aesthetic and relaxed atmosphere which is emulated in the Belfast restaurant. Aiming to give ever diner a real Japanese experience the restaurant’s main Japanese sushi chef, Chef Shotaro Obana San has 35 years’ experience of making both delicious sushi and sashimi. If you’re already a sushi lover or you’re yet to try it this is the perfect place.

Overwood at Balloo, 1 Comber Road, Killinchy, Newtownards, Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 5pm-9pm

On the first floor, above one of the country’s best dining pubs, you’ll find the provenance and special flavour of Overwood. The restaurant uses the finest cuts and the freshest seafood cooked on a searing heat of charcoal and wood fire to create a unique aroma and taste. This same process has seduced man since food was first put to the flame, it is real cooking at its finest.

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Don’t just take my word for it, Overwood was also Michelin Guide Recommended in both 2020 and 2021 as well as named Ireland’s Most Atmospheric Restaurant in Georgina Campbell’s Ireland Guide.

The Bull & Claw, 18 Frances Street, Newtownards, Monday-Sunday 12pm-10pm

All the traditional pub favourites with a contemporary twist. The driving force behind The Bull & Claw is both quality and freshness with chefs treating carefully sourced ingredients with respect. With premises in Donaghadee, Newtownards and Portaferry it is an ethos that is clearly successful. Between the extensive menu selection and portion sizes this is excellent value for money.

Noble, 27 Church Road, Holywood, Thursday – Saturday 12pm-3pm, 5pm-10pm, Sunday 1pm-7.30pm

A bustling neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Holywood. With a changing seasonal menu and evolving wine list you can always expect something different from Noble.

Both the food and atmosphere is top quality but that is to be expected when the two masterminds behind the restaurant are chef Pearson Morris, who trained in a Michelin star kitchen and Saul McConnell, a best restaurant manager in Ireland winner.

BRUNCH & COFFEE

Hey Darlin’, 771a Antrim Road, Belfast, Wednesday-Friday, 8.30am-3pm, Saturday 10am-3pm and Sunday 10am-3pm

This hatch is a hidden gem just outside Belfast that serves up tasty toasties, tray bakes and coffee. Great place to stop off for refreshments or to meet for brunch (just make sure it’s a nice day as all seating is outside).

Bethel’s Kitchen, Church Street, Dromore, Thursday-Sunday 8am-3pm

Owned by Willetta Gabriel, she hopes to bring the taste of America to Dromore. Just 30 minutes outside Belfast, Bethel’s Kitchen specialises in hand rolled New York style bagels, most famously their Michigander which is a bagel filled to the brim with sundried tomato cream cheese, a mix of cold cut meats, pickled red onion, lettuce, tomato and cheese. Another must-try is ‘the Canadian’ which is a French toast bagel with cream cheese, crispy bacon drizzled with maple syrup and an egg on top.

Lynchpin, Unit B, High Street, Holywood, Wednesday-Saturday 8am-4pm (Thursdays 8am-4pm, 7pm-10pm)

Serving a completely plant-based menu, Lynchpin offers tasty food and drinks as well as a unique vibe. Some fan favourites are The Hash, which is deep fried hash served with hummus, onion jam, spiced roast tomatoes, chia seeds and vegan aioli and the Jerk Oyster Mushroom, which is slices of lightly battered mushroom covered with a sweet sticky and spicy glaze alongside rice and peas. However, my personal favourite is their tiramisu which is just the last word.

The restaurant has recently added some new additions to their menu for the New Year including Mushroom Wings and Cinnamon Monkey Bread.

TO GO

Seed, 613 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Monday-Sunday 8am-9pm

Seed is on a mission to bring healthier food to local communities serving up seasonal salads, burritos and breakfast bowls all of which are not only tasty but also good for you. Therefore, it is ideal for anyone who is looking for a quick and easy (but also healthy) food fix whether it’s on your way to work, on your lunch break or an alternative takeaway.

39 Gordon Street, Belfast, Monday-Sunday 2pm-1am (closed Tuesdays)

Although 39 Gordon Street is best known for being a buzzing Belfast bar they also serve street food and deliver. Mexican lovers will not be disappointed as their birria tacos with dipping broth are delicious as are their taquitos – guaranteed to warm you up in this winter weather.