Three Northern Ireland restaurants have been added to the Michelin guide for January 2023.

The Michelin Inspectors’ Favorite New Restaurants list recognizes the best up-and-coming restaurants in the UK and Ireland, offering a wide variety and styles, but all united by one thing: great food.

Of the 24 new additions to the guide this month, three places in Northern Ireland have earned a place on the prestigious recommended list.

Blank Belfast, Fontana Holywood and Artis by Phelim O’Hagan in Derry are the country’s three newest restaurants to be included in the Guide.

Here’s what they had to say for each restaurant:

White

The restaurant is owned and run by the same team as Shed Bistro on Ormeau Road – husband and wife team Jonny and Christina Taylor.

There is no menu, hence the name; Instead, the kitchen prepares dishes using seasonal Irish produce, delivered that day by their suppliers. And that means primary ingredients – including fantastic game or delicious fish and shellfish.

Simply select the number of courses – as well as the wine pairing – and sit back and relax. Ask for a table near the kitchen if you want to feel closer to the action.

Fontana

Fontana, Hollywood

A cheerful reception from the chefs in the open kitchen greets everyone in this old but new energetic restaurant on the first floor.

The menus on offer offer an attractive flexibility with fresh, modern and effective cuisine – and it’s almost impossible not to find a dessert you like. The room is nicely decorated and lit with contemporary art.

Artist by Phelim O’Hagan

Chef Phelim O’Hagan teams up with Ray Moran to create works of art at Derry’s Craft Village

Located in the city’s Craft Village area, Artis, which is Latin for “craft,” is essentially a celebration of local produce and trusted local suppliers.

The two-room restaurant exudes calm, both in atmosphere and decor, thanks to the warm service and neutral color scheme. The dishes are elegant, contemporary and technically advanced, and the desserts are always a highlight.

Vacancy owner Christina Taylor said she was delighted to be included on the prestigious list.

She said: “When we opened in October 2021, we knew there was a demand in Belfast for a quality food offering based solely on island ingredients.

“The concept really caught on, our range of local dishes, carefully curated and presented with pride, proved a hit with our customers from Belfast and beyond.

“Being included in the Michelin guide is a real validation of the Blank concept and we are confident that our restaurant will continue to gain prestige at home and abroad.

“Northern Ireland is making a name for itself around the world as a high-end dining destination and I also congratulate Fontana and Artis on achieving the Michelin Guide.”

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