The seasons are set as nature intended, imagination and creativity help bring them to life. With an enthusiastic approach to seasonality, OX works every day to bring you the best possible dining experience. In March 2013 two long-standing friends, each passionate about their craft, each with a desire to bring something new to the Belfast restaurant scene combined forces and opened OX overlooking the River Lagan. Belfast-born Stephen and Brittany native Alain met in Paris. Working in various influential and inspirational restaurants they have honed their skills, developed their talents and percolated ideas to put into practice against the backdrop of their own relaxed riverside restaurant. With experience gained in the Michelin starred kitchens of Paris including the 3-star Taillevent and an enthusiastic and unique approach to seasonal produce, chef-owner Stephen uses imagination and creativity to help bring fresh ingredients to life on your plate. Too long have vegetables played the part of a mere garnish; OX guarantees menus that feature top-quality meat and sustainably sourced fish, while also giving careful attention to seasonal vegetables and fruit.
OX is committed to developing close relationships with local suppliers, menus are designed around the best available seasonal produce. As a result, each dish leaving the kitchen is thoughtfully designed so every element on the plate has an integral role in showcasing the best quality products. Alain uses his extensive experience as a sommelier and restaurant manager, gained through years in leading Michelin restaurants in Paris and Ireland including the renowned L'Arpège and Mirazur, to develop a diverse drinks selection and carefully compiled wine list featuring local microbreweries and exciting winemakers. Designed to ensure that OX drinks selection offers the perfect accompaniment to your dish by the glass or bottle. Alain also leads the front of house team to deliver a top-class yet relaxed dining experience.
The riverside setting offers an excellent backdrop to this Oscar & Oscar designed 40 seat restaurant, while an intimate mezzanine area provides for more secluded dining. With their fine-dining heritage, Stephen and Alain aim to provide the same quality of food and attentive service, but in a more relaxed, simple environment. Letting their creative side shine through in the menus and using their skill and expertise to highlight the best of local and seasonal produce.
Sublime eating experience with the 6 course tasting menu. Each course has a distinct taste and style and blend very well throughout the meal. Even for some foods that I don't usually like (e.g.beetroot) they are cooked brilliantly and I very much enjoyed eating them. Worthy of a visit for any one visiting Belfast.
Rachel
August 2021
Absolutely fantastic tasting menu and wine pairing! Staff all superb and attentive! Nothing was too much trouble as I don't eat seafood and there was 2 included in this particular menu but were able to swap this out no problem! Honestly one of the best meals I've ever had! Thank you so much!
IF104Law
May 2021
Perfect Lunch My partner and I were dying to return to OX where we had availed of the Valentines Night Menu last February (2020). It is a very special place for the two of us - so what better place to go following the easing of COVID restrictions.
We were very tempted to avail of the 4-6 course tasting menu - but as we had dinner booked in a separate establishment that evening, we stuck with the three course lunch menu (around £30 without alcohol).
Nick was our host and his attention to detail was truly excellent. He knew everything about each specific dish and his cocktail recommendations were excellent.
Dishes were packed full of flavour - ranging from Jersey Royal & Asparagus; Halibut & Kohlrabi; Lamb & Misso; Rhubarb & White Chocolate; and Toffee Sable.
We will definitely be back again - and can't recommend this gem enough! We were also sorry to hear that Phoebe (our host from last visit) has since left - but safe to say the service is still excellent!
Michael G
June 2020
One of the best meals I’ve ever had. A great experience from start to finish. The staff were extremely friendly and explained each dish. We had the wine pairing and as expected each of the wines were fantastic. I would highly recommend OX.
LisburnChris
March 2020
Every time you visit the staff are always welcoming . The food is sublime with every mouthful an experience . Alain is a first class raconteur and host. The chefs change the food regularly and we never had a mela that wasn’t wonderful.We have booked after lockdown and cannot wait .
greg_buck5UK
June - 2018
"Great Meal" Went here for my anniversary and must say everything from the decor, taster menu, wine pairing, local gins and service were what you would expect from a Michelin Star restaurant. Well recommended.
Gian MUK
June - 2018
"Amazing!" We had the tasting menu with the wine paring. It was amazing from start to finish. The service was very good and each course was some of the best food we have tasted along with some very nice wines. Loved the fact that the restaurant was relaxed as hated stuffy pretentious places. Would definitely eat here again.
BelfastSmilyUK
June - 2018
"Wonderful experience" Ox is a fantastic experience if you’re a food lover! We did tasting menu at dinner, paired with wine. Exceptional flavours and superb presentation. Staff are attentive and friendly without being overbearing. They were also able to work around some dietary requirements which was appreciated greatly. It’s a pricey dinner but for the quality you get, absolutely worth it!
winnieex0USA
June - 2018
"Best meal of our trip!" Everything was perfect at Ox! Amazing food and service. Every dish was beautifully executed and the wine pairing was beautifully complimentary. The ambiance was great as well as it is not to stuffy nor casual. We will definitely come back whenever we are in Belfast again!
stewart162
May - 2018
"Fabulous lunch" Just had an excellent lunch at ox. 3 course meal for £28 was excellent value. Starter of rose veal then main of lamb with a black garlic jus that was so delicious I’m going to pester the chef by email until I get the recipe. Lovely matching wines to go with starter and main course. Desert was a delicious rhubarb and ginger concoction-(no wine with this as I wanted to walk out.) Service was warm and friendly and food truly outstanding. Next time I visit Belfast I’ll be sure to come back!
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