Ably assisted by his partner Yvonne and a smart international staff, leading chef Jason More has run this cool and keenly priced Belfast restaurant for over a decade. Situated on the city's ‘fine dining strip’ behind City Hall (and close to TenSquare Hotel), it may not always be on the must-do lists for visitors but is long established as a favourite destination for discerning diners in the city.
From the moment you enter CoCo, you know that you are in safe hands. The décor strikes a perfect balance between cool and classic fine dining. With its colourful, whimsical art, large booths and leather chairs, white tablecloths and a dining room bathed in golden-syrupy, soft lighting, it all adds up to a very relaxing dining experience.
The staff are fantastic: from the moment you are shown you to your table to the moment you ask for the bill, each step of the experience is warm and professional.
Then there is the food...The menu changes frequently but ever-popular dishes like saffron risotto with seared scallops and chorizo, or salt and chilli squid are likely choices, and perfectly executed by a well-trained team.
Each dish takes the best of what’s good and in season and adds excitement to it, with well-judged flavours, beautiful sauces and memorable little touches. The potato gratin, for example, may seem a small item to highlight, but it is one of the finest in the country.
Exquisite desserts ensure a happy ending to a meal at CoCo - if the chocolate pavé is among the choices on offer, don't miss it.
The reasonably priced wine list includes some interesting wines by the glass and there is a full bar here too, so there are some craft beer options as well as some delicious cocktails.
When you're looking for a reasonably priced fine dining experience in the city centre that’s a little more relaxed, think of CoCo - it could be just the spot.
