Foodie Finds: Kaffe O, Fat Sals, Bootleggers and Ji Chickens

DINE IN

Mourne Seafood Bar – Belfast

Serving up hand selected shellfish from their independently run shellfish bed, Mourne Seafood is the oldest restaurant in the family that owner Bob McCoubrey has created. Other venues include Home and La Taqueria which have built their success on dishes that are faithful to their origin. Mourne is no exception having been praised by both diners and critics.

The menu has a variety of different dishes from a traditional prawn cocktail to a more inventive scallop and mixed seafood spaghetti. Alternatively, you could attempt the dishes at home by buying from Mourne’s online fish shop.

Bootleggers – Belfast

What Bootleggers’ aesthetic is actually supposed to emulate appears to be up for debate. Personally, it reminds me of a the type of bar you see in American movie with big neon signs, unique décor and shelves stacked with different types of liquor. However, others have simply described it as a “fun pirate themed bar” so each to their own.

Either way it is a relaxed environment which offers hearty and delicious food and drinks. Their burger is meaty, cheesy and packed with flavour, their tacos melt in your mouth and if you have not tried their Bye bye Miss Apple Pie cocktail you are missing out.

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Would recommend if you’re hungry – no other reason is needed.

The Bowery – Belfast

The Bowery is south Belfast’s newest neighbourhood pub for fantastic food, classic cocktails, live sport and entertainment.

All the classics are on the menu with a few new potential favourites. It’s ideal for a special occasion or date night.

Fat Sal’s – Belfast

If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, then Fat Sal’s is the place for you. Originally setting up shop in Trademarket they have recently moved round the corner to 16 Dublin Road. Along with the usual pizzas and pasta the restaurant has also revolutionised lasagne by cutting it up into bite sized pieces and deep frying it – it shouldn’t work… but it does.

BRUNCH

Kaffe O – Belfast

Inspired by Copenhagen. Made in Belfast. This Nordic coffee makes any day instantly better.

Their approach to coffee is simple - a pure espresso bar serving up double shots of hand roasted coffee in all their coffees from macchiato and long blacks to flat whites, lattes and all variations in between. Hand roasted in Copenhagen and shipped straight from roast to Belfast, the beans are never more than three weeks from roast.

Ginger + Berry – Bangor

Serving breakfast, brunch and lunch alongside their specialty coffee and fresh baked treats Ginger + Berry is a busy spot on Bangor High Street. It is also dog friendly so your furry friend can enjoy the stunning aesthetic just as much as you.

Café Smart – Belfast

This multi award winning family-run business is passionate about using the best local ingredients to make the most delicious homemade bakes which are made on site every day in their Bakehouse.

In 2020 owners Simon and Victoria carried out an extensive refurbishment and rebrand to mark the café's 10-year anniversary. It is bright, warm and the mezzanine really adds to the already buzzing atmosphere. Open seven days a week customers can sit in, takeaway or order straight to their door.

Short & Sweet Home Bakery – Belfast

South African home bakery Short & Sweet are making the most incredible collection of sweets and desserts that are not only delicious but unique. Far from your traditional cherry bakewell or iced finger this place is serving things like malva pudding, milk tart, koeksisters, peppermint crisp and cheesecakes. All their bakes can be adapted to be gluten free and/or vegan.

TAKEAWAY

Herd – Comber

Using grass fed beef reared on their family farm the team at Herd are on a mission to produce the best burgers in Northern Ireland.

Standouts on the menu include the Blue Bull which is a double beef burger with blue cheese, bacon, salad, tomato and red onion marmalade or the Herd Burger which is a double beef burger, cheese, salad, bacon, an onion ring and pepper sauce.

They also do some excellent loaded fries including ones topped with chilli brisket or crispy fried chicken.

Ji Chickens – Belfast

Delicious Taiwanese fried chicken but on the Lisburn Road. Ji Chickens is the creation of Roger Jen who after moving to the UK began to miss the traditional flavours of his home in Taiwan this got him thinking about how to bring the island’s best food to more people and so Ji Chickens was born.

Now with 18 existing branches including the franchise has thousands of loyal customers and for good reason. By adopting the most traditional frying techniques the restaurant is able to deliver fresh, succulent, chicken with a gold crispy outside seasoned with secret spices.

Low & Slow – Belfast

Using bread from Bakari Bakery (which is located just across the road) and doing all the meat prep and smoking from scratch, Low & Slow is producing some seriously tasty sandwiches.