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The Bank Gallery @ The Edge

Right on the Lagan and just a short stroll along a walkway from the Waterfront (and only 10 minutes walk from Royal Avenue), this popular establishment known as The Edge operates on three levels, with the smart Port Bar at lower ground level, a gently contemporary restaurant The Bank Gallery above it, and a function/hospitality area on the top floor; food is served at all levels and, at busy times in summer, people tend to migrate from one to another and there are tables set up outside, and even in the car park in good weather.

With views of the famous Harland & Wolf cranes, Samson & Goliath, and doors opening onto a small outside seating area on both bar and restaurant levels it a pleasant spot which, thanks to consistently good cooking, has earned a following. The decor is appealing: portholes in the double doors are repeated on chair backs and, with lightwood everywhere, recessed wall lights and dusky pinks and beiges used in voile curtains and upholstery, there's a softness that offsets the industrial exterior.

Tables are set up smartly with black rubber mats and simply folded damask napkins, and professional black-aproned servers move speedily to bring delicious warm breads with tapenade (£2.50). Scottish head chef Duncan Millar (formerly of Cayenne and Rain City) and, although wide ranging, there is a little more in the way of Asian and Fusion touches, and less emphasis on fish and shellfish than formerly.

Menus offered include snacks and light lunches in the Port Bar and, in the Bank Gallery, an individually priced lunch menu, a midweek Meal Deal (3 course dinner for two with a bottle of wine for £35), a Saturday Fixed Price Menu (pre-theatre) which is also excellent value at £13/£16 per person for 2/3 courses.

There are also more expensive set dinner (á la carte on Saturday) menus, and some dishes appear on several different menus, with prices varying according to time and day of the week rather than the dish itself; overall the value is very keen although side orders charged extra can be annoying.

Dishes attracting praise on recent visits included a truly delicious sweet potato soup with coriander & sesame seeds and a succulent and aromatic dish of coconut chicken with Asian salad & lime leaf, offered as either a (generous) starter or main course portion (£5.50/ £7.50).

Other appealing dishes may include wild Irish venison with Clonakilty black pudding, creamed celeriac & caramelised red onion, or roast cod with mash, confit of tomato & saffron.

This is a super place, where good food combines with caring service and value for money - a great combination by any standards.

Parking (8). Disabled access; lift. Open Mon-Sat 11-'late'. L Mon-Fri 12-2.30; D Mon-Sat, 5.30-9.30; early D 5.30-6.45. D reservations advised. Pianist - baby grand (Fri & Sat from 9pm). Closed Sun. MasterCard, Visa.

Directions:

Laganside