2024 Award Winners FINE DINING RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2024

OX, Belfast

Consistency is one of the main themes of this year’s awards and - when a respected reviewer comments that “We had dined here before and, with those excellent memories still fresh in my mind, I hoped we would not be disappointed” – the possible lack of it is clearly a problem at the moment. But in this case, happily, it ended on a high note: “…A restaurant cooking at the height of its powers.” And that restaurant was the wonderful OX. Opened by Stephen Toman and Alain Kerloc’h in 2013, the arrival of this ambitious yet relaxed Lagan-side restaurant marked a sea change in Belfast dining. Describing itself simply as ‘A restaurant with seasonal creativity’, it combines stylish modern ingredients-led food with a casual vibe; its immediate success inspired a lot of re-thinking – and yes, it remains one of the most consistently exciting dining experiences in the country. OX’s short (and reasonably priced) menus remain a model of pared-down promise and Stephen Toman’s cooking is invariably exquisite, with great attention to detail - a standard mirrored by faultless service. “From our initial greeting by smiling impeccably dressed staff, who seated us …we felt we were in safe hands. Menus and wine options were explained and each course was crafted expertly and explained in detail, without going over the top. Each dish brought new elements and combinations that highlighted the produce at its heart and the superb talent that Stephen has under his careful watch in the kitchen.” A wonderful, affordable restaurant - and with an atmospheric bar, Ox Cave , next door.