Since opening its doors James Street South has been a welcome addition to Belfast’s restaurant scene. The restaurant has earned critical acclaim by winning a clutch of awards and receiving favourable feedback from many respected publications:

  • Niall McKenna won a coveted dish on the 5th series of Great British Menu after competing against his peers Brian Mc Cann and Derek Creagh in the Northern Ireland heat. Niall's dish of Rhubarb and Strawberry jelly with lavendar ice cream and yellowman once a place on the coveted banquet menu for 100 small producers in Great Britain and The Price of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at the Assembly Rooms in Bath in June 2010. Niall was delighted to represent the producers of Northern Ireland at the banquet.

  • Votes Best Restaurant and Best Chef at the Irish Restaurant Awards for Co. Antrim 2010

  • Voted best restaurant in Northern Ireland by Observer in 2009

  • Voted best restaurant in Northern Ireland by Good Food Guide 2008

  • Voted best restaurant at Belfast Chamber of Commerce awards 2007

  • Winner of Most Stylish Restaurant in Northern Ireland at NI Style Awards 2007

  • Voted Best restaurant in Northern Ireland by Observer Good Food Awards 2007

  • Winner Best Pasta in the UK at Restaurant Magazine Awards 2006

  • Voted Best restaurant in Northern Ireland by Observer Good Food Awards 2006

What the guidebooks have to say:

Bridgestone 100 Best Restaurants in Ireland
"Niall McKenna’s ultra stylish restaurant is the epitomisation of the new Belfast Cool School. His cooking is clean, precise and classy"

Hardens UK
“a dash of metropolitan sophistication".

The Which Good Food Guide
"A relative newcomer to Belfast's urban dining scene, this French inspired
restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and ‘exquisitely light’ modern cuisine
in stark white surroundings"

Georgina Campbell's Ireland - the best of the best
"A cool modern restaurant which is well located and well appointed in a beautifully understated style with white walls, crisp white linen, relieved by fresh flowers and effective lighting"

Irish Times Magazine - Tom Doorley’s Restaurant Guide
“At this very cool restaurant….lunch is a steal”