Named after the lady whose home it once was, the dining area of this unusual restaurant begins in what would have been her front room and extends into adjoining areas towards the back, retaining something of the authentic lived-in feeling of a private period residence.
Although now furnished with white damask covered tables, it has a Victorian atmosphere with a small open fireplace and mantelpiece and a few books and leftover personal effects: softly-lit, atmospheric, intimate, it exudes an atmosphere of calm in which to enjoy proprietor-chef Jim McCarthy’s accomplished cooking.
Ingredients are carefully sourced, and you may find some unusual dishes here – starters of slow cooked duck tortellini with caramelised apples & shallots, perhaps, or seared foie gras on toasted malt loaf with five spiced apricots.
Mains may include ever-popular steak, but it will come with a twist – a chargrilled ribeye of beef may be served with marinated red peppers, cocotte potatoes, salsa verde & pea shoots, for example.
Desserts are very special, particularly the homemade icecreams (unlike many restaurants, the breads, desserts and ice creams are all home-made). Presentation is very special, especially the desserts, but the best thing about Beatrice Kennedy is that everything tastes as good as it looks.
An understandably popular early evening menu offers excellent choices at a reasonable price, and Sunday lunch will also see the throngs arriving as the cost of a three-course meal is realistic.
Staff are constantly friendly and helpful and this delightful place is very much itself, offering a welcome contrast to the mainly contemporary Belfast restaurants.
Seats 80 (private room 30). D Tue-Sun, 5-10.15 (Sun to 8.30pm); L Sun only 12.30-2.15. Early D (5-7) £13.95, Set Sun L £18.50. Children welcome. Closed Mon, 24-26 Dec. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Switch.
