Local Food Heroes

Thanks to the pioneering work of local food heroes Michael Deane, Paul Rankin and Nick Price amongst others, Northern Ireland has a vibrant restaurant scene relishing more sophisticated and adventurous choices.

Michael Deane
The proprietor's dream has always been to run good busy restaurants and at Michael Deane's restaurants, the food is straight forward, but inspired, just like the man himself!

• Deanes Brasserie Belfast
• Deanes Deli, Belfast

• Deanes at Queen's Belfast

• Simply Deanes,  Banbridge

Paul Rankin
Well known celebrity chef Paul Rankin, who was recipient of the first Michelin star in the history of Northern Ireland and the brain behind Rankin Selection, Ireland’s first celebrity chef brand.

• Cayenne, Belfast

Nick Price
With foresight and mutterings of madness, local chef Nick Price opened Nick’s Warehouse in 1989 and soon established a reputation for excellent food, attention to detail and efficient informed staff.

• Nick’s Warehouse, Belfast

Noel McMeel
Head chef at the Lough Erne Golf Resort in County Fermanagh, Noel has earned critical acclaim for his use of carefully sourced ingredients and his modern Irish cooking style. Noel cooked for the wedding of Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills, and appeared in the 2008 series of the Great British Menu, representing Northern Ireland.

• Catalina Restaurant, Lough Erne Golf Resort, Co. Fermanagh

Danny Millar
Currently head chef of Balloo House in Killinchy (winner of the Hospitality Award at the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards 2007), Danny spent the previous four years as head chef at Paul Rankin’s Cayenne. Danny describes the food at Balloo House as a modern interpretation of classic European cooking and uses only the finest, locally sourced ingredients and organic produce where possible.

• Balloo House, Killinchy, Co. Down