Having opened around eight years ago, Made in Belfast is one of those restaurants I frequently walked past, gazed into, and thought well that looks nice, yet I had never quite made it in for something to eat. Until recently, that is. And if I’m honest, I’m a bit miffed that I’ve been missing out for so long.

Located on Wellington Street, just behind City Hall, Made in Belfast’s flagship restaurant is tucked away in a prime location, making it an ideal spot to dine in before heading on a night out. The restaurant has a truly unique look, its shabby chic décor and eclectic array of antiques have all the hallmarks of an idiosyncratic design. The super cool décor is matched by a laid back atmosphere that manages to feel classy without being pretentious, making Made in Belfast perfect for any occasion.

The á la carte menu features something for everyone, a mix of dishes as all-embracing as the design of the restaurant. Owner Emma Bricknell has frequently stated her commitment to serving locally, environmentally, and ethically sourced produce, and the use of high quality produce is certainly vindicated by the flavoursome food.

For mains, I had the Greek Briam with Focaccia, which was a tasty alternative to the typical vegetarian-fare of goats-cheese tarts. My friend had the Chicken Supreme, and assured me it was delectable. Despite the hefty size of the mains, we managed to squeeze in a dessert, and the Pannacotta with Blackpepper Shortbread was the perfect way to round off a beautiful meal. To accompany, we had a bottle of La Grill Rose D’anjou, a rosé wine that was perhaps a little bit pricey, but perfect (and very easy to drink) for anyone with a bit of a sweet tooth. An extensive cocktail menu was also on offer, including a good mix of stalwart classics and some more experimental blends.

For a Thursday night, the restaurant was fairly busy, but the staff certainly didn’t compromise on service. Our server was friendly, helpful, very informative, and not at all thrown by various dietary requirements and allergies. Our food arrived quickly, although it did take a while to flag down a member of staff to get the bill. We were, however, pleasantly surprised when it did arrive. Our food was very reasonably priced given the quality and hearty portions, but expensive drinks did bump up the total bill.

All in all, Made in Belfast offers a truly enjoyable dining experience. The quirky décor, gorgeous food, and relaxed atmosphere make it a perfect choice for all demographics.

 

Emma Patterson

Author: Emma Patterson

Hi, I'm Emma, a recent graduate in Modern Languages. I'm a former resident of both England and Spain, and now based in Belfast. I like 80’s music, Netflix binges, and four-legged fur balls. I'm a long-term sufferer of wanderlust with a penchant for American Football.