Many of the bar-restaurants that have opened in Belfast in recent years have tried to challenge the city's rather dour reputation through innovative design and menus but, in the attempt to be different, there's always the risk of being too cool for school, writes Robbie Meredith
Made in Belfast, in the shadow of City Hall, stays on just the right side of the line. In a space that's part-boudoir, part-New York loft and part-art student experiment, you drink and dine while reclining on cushions or perched on chairs and crates daubed with a variety of maxims ranging from the inspired to the inane.
The menu is varied and interesting, and while some of the options are just a little too ironic - fish finger sandwiches anyone? - try mushrooms and Parmesan on toast for lunch, or, if you're really famished, tackle the steak burger in a Belfast bap with Welsh rarebit topping and Ballymaloe relish. On weekend nights you can sip cocktails, amidst occasionally tasteful Belfast bling, to eclectic sounds from the resident DJ.
Made in Belfast, Wellington Street, off Donegall Square. Tel: 0044-2890246712.