Home Restaurant Belfast — Restaurant in Belfast

Went to Home in Belfast on Mother’s Day – not because we expected an avant-garde deconstruction of cuisine as we knew it to be, but because we were in the mood for comfort, something warm, something relaxed and a bit like ‘home’.

Started with the cauliflower and cheese croquettes - which were nice. The subtle flavours of cauliflower and cheese don’t necessarily need the contrast presented by the big flavours of the truffle dressing - but I knew it was coming so went with it. We might be reaching peak Truffle soon, and I’ll be okay with seeing a bit less of it when it happens.

The smoked mackerel rillette was my favourite of the entrée - but I also enjoyed the flavours in the prawn entrée.

When it came to the mains, the parmesan risotto, topped with crispy mushrooms and black garlic, looked good on the menu. As a dish, it wasn’t good – the base risotto was too soft from being overcooked and was strangely plain. The bold flavours of the added components were disconnected and didn’t save it. The person who ordered it loves risotto, and despite my best efforts to find a redeeming feature and reason to finish it, we couldn’t.

The burger was good – no complaints, the person eating it enjoyed it - but there are better burgers elsewhere. If you’re here and feel like a burger it definitely does the job.

I had the Irish duck breast roast – and shared it with the person who ordered the risotto. The roast was the winner for mains. The duck was cooked nicely, the red wine jus worked well, the veggies were good. The Yorkshire pudding had a burnt taste. Possibly oil too hot, possibly just a misstep on the day. Either way we forgave it - but it is what drew me to order a roast in the first place.

We had a few glasses of Rosé and Pinot Noir and had good chats. We joked that sometimes it is the not perfect meals that make good memories. I liked the feel of the restaurant, and the staff were friendly and it was the relaxed vibe we wanted. Sure - not all the dishes were great, but that happens. The risotto needs re-thinking, it’s a good list of ingredients - but was a bad dish. As a talking point, it was good to learn what it is we all love and want when we order a risotto, or that I’m not the only person who orders a roast for the Yorkshire puddings.

I got the “home dark chocolate tiramisu” - it didn’t have any coffee, nor did it have dark chocolate soaked sponge. It was like a dark chocolate mousse with some cream in a wine glass. I get it was a “dark chocolate tiramisu”, but it was definitely nothing like a tiramisu. I love tiramisu, I didn’t love this interpretation.

Often times the best part of the meal won’t be the food, it’s the laughs, learnings and the company of those we love. That was the case here, but I’d go again and try...

On Belfast’s Wellington Place, close to the City Hall, Home serves feel good food, traditional favourites, seasonal dishes and specials. Vibrant and bold, yet familiar and comforting, the dishes use ingredients sourced from local, artisan food producers. There are lots of healthy dishes on offer, making great use of grains and pulses, and there’s a large veggie and vegan menu alongside everyday staples: a great ribeye with chips or a truly indulgent beef burger, and a wide selection of fresh seafood brought in from the local ports around Northern Ireland.

Head chef Ben Arnold has been at the helm from day one and has received numerous accolades for his food. The award-winning restaurant has also acquired the coveted Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide.

We visited recently with family and chose from the Sunday Set Menu. The starters were excellent, from the Potted Duck Confit, to the Tandoori Spiced Crispy Tofu with Curry Cous Cous, but the Grilled King Scampi was an exceptional dish: plump, juicy prawns sizzling in a chilli & garlic oil with toasted sourdough.

Sunday Roasts are always a popular choice, and Home’s Roast Chicken with seasonal veg, roasties, Yorkshire pudding and red wine jus was simply delicious home-style cooking, and the Pan-Fried Hake on Truffle Mash was served with a sweet & earthy Madeira & Mushroom Velouté.

For dessert, we couldn’t resist the Dark Chocolate & Coconut Pot, and the Duo of Irish Cheeses which featured two of our favourites, Durrus & Young Buck Blue.

And cocktail fans will love the “Maple Old Fashioned” with Bourbon, Maple Syrup & Chocolate Bitters. We’ll be ‘Home’ward Bound again in the very near future for more terrific food,...

“Came for the spice, stayed for the risotto, left slightly unsatisfied but still blushing.”

Let’s set the scene: low lighting, smooth jazz, menus in hand. I felt like I was about to be wined, dined, and possibly romanced on a table for four. Spoiler: I was seduced by starters, but ghosted by the mains.

2x Katsu Curries They strutted out hot and golden, covered in sauce like they’d just stepped out of a sexy food calendar. First bite? Pure foreplay — crispy, saucy, a little naughty. But then… it plateaued. The rice lay there like it forgot the safe word, and the sauce got clingier than an ex who "just wants closure." It had promise, but I needed more depth — maybe a little spice talk.

Risotto Oh baby. That risotto knew what it was doing. Creamy, smooth, and just the right kind of needy. Every bite said, “You deserve better.” It was the only dish that looked deep into my soul and said, “Tell me your dreams.” I would 100% let it whisper in my ear again.

Free Range Chicken Looked the part — tall, golden, and free-range? Yes please. But then it got dry mid-date. Not in a “let’s Netflix and chill” way, but in a “forgot the lube” kind of way. Seasoning tried to save the moment, bless it, but I was already mentally messaging the risotto again.

The Verdict: Home Belfast flirted hard but didn’t quite seal the deal. Great atmosphere, decent moves, but left me wanting a hot dessert and a stronger finish. Three stars for effort, lighting, and that emotionally available risotto.

Would I go back? Maybe. With lower expectations and...