We had visited Academy Restaurant in the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast, for a number of evening events, including the amazing Culinary Salons, and were always very impressed, but to our shame, this was our first lunchtime experience. Needless to say, it was fantastic from start to finish.
Championing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to create exceptional flavourful dishes, the restaurant is the flagship of the Ulster University’s culinary school, beverage school, and conference and meeting facilities.
Here, Academy showcases the talents of students who are keen to learn about hospitality, whether as chefs, entrepreneurs or future leaders in the industry, which in turn encourages the growth of Northern Ireland as a top food and drink destination.
We chose from the Academy Lunch Menu-there’s also an Express Specials Menu for those in a rush. We started with an earthy Pearl Barley, Asparagus & Pea Risotto with herb oil & a Parmesan crisp, creamy Keenan’s Seafood Linguine with peas, spinach, and broad beans, and a vibrant Goat’s Cheese Salad with roast beetroot and balsamic dressing.
Our Main Courses were Chicken Escalope with rocket, sage, and lemon, in garlic butter with fries, chunky Belfast Lager Battered Monkfish Scampi with pea purée and Parmesan fries, and a hearty Spiced Chickpea Stew with couscous, yoghurt, and pomegranate.
And the desserts are not to be missed; the light Mixed Berry Pavlova with strawberry sorbet and Chantilly cream, the zingy Lemon Posset with poached rhubarb and granola, and the sinfully indulgent Caramelised Banana Bread, with Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream, toffee sauce, and golden honeycomb, were all sensationally good.
There’s also a comprehensive drinks menu and wine list; the organic Finca Fabian Verdejo from Spain was the perfect, tropical, mouth-watering white to sip on a sunny May lunchtime, relaxing with such wonderful food and service.
Restaurant website HERE
