Ursa Minor — Restaurant in Northern Ireland

Walk into Ursa Minor and it's like bijoux heaven. It has a certain vibe that sparks imagination, with an oldie worldie feel. We drove up from Belfast after I found it on Instagram and were very excited about every beautiful things the gram showed us. We were obviously unsure of the procedure and asked a staff member who looked perturbed at being asked a question. She told us to order food and have a seat. We decided to have food up the street first (best decision ever, Dolly's is amazing and we'll go back for that) and then returned for coffee and a pastry. I asked for a hazelnut latte, only to be told that they didn't keep syrups (like, how very common and the woman looking at me like, really, you want syrup in your coffee? How very droll) except Chai Tea, so I ordered that. My sister had the same and my son had an orange hot chocolate. We ordered a pain au chocolat, a Raspberry (and something) croissant and an éclair. My son took one drink of the hot chocolate and left it, he was so disappointed with the éclair so I gave him half of my pain au chocolat which he tasted then threw on the plate with disgust. It was burnt, call it twice baked or whatever you want but it was burnt, my sister sawed her way through the croissant to an ok middle. Our Chai lattes were coffee lattes with chai tea syrup, for the level of elitism I was getting for wanting a hazelnut latte I assumed they must have know that Chai Latte is steamed milk with the infused flavour or spices. We paid over £18 for the experience which we won't be repeating. I've given it 2 stars because it feels like a lovely space, if only they would remove the pretentiousness (everyone grimacing at each other and saying it's good because we think we're supposed to think it's good and if we say it's bad then we have no taste, even though it's burnt, tastless and in the case of the coffee tea, rotten) the aloof, uninterested, just plain rude staff (older lady and young girl) and fill it with food that not only looks good but tastes good too, (people seem to think the sandwiches are decent). Overall we are hugely disappointed but Dolly's did save the day! Go...

Went here in search of artisan bread. Definitely found that... And a whole lot more! Thought it would just be a bakery, but its actually a bakery and a great cafe. Owned by a lovely husband and wife team. All the sourdough is made by the owner, Dara, who I had the pleasure of speaking to about his process. He even showed me around his kitchen and let me handle some of the dough. He's spent the last 4 years perfecting his technique. As a sour dough maker, I was impressed with his knowledge and skill.

The menu is fantastic. Uncluttered and provides a great selection of wholesome food, mostly based on sourdough and fresh local produce. The soup in particular was the best I've had!

Great for kids with a play area full of wooden toys and lovely pictures. Full baby changing facilities available too.

Wasn't expecting the broad selection of delicious cakes. I had the cinnamon roll, which unlike its American origins, was not sickly sweet, but perfectly formed with a great cake like crumb and a delicate cinnamon flavour.

Staff were very friendly and helpful. Wifi was available, although I didn't use it... Spent too much time admiring the food and selection of books on sourdough available to buy.

Only minor criticism was that the coffee was good, but not great... Certainly very drinkable, but not as good as my favourite cafés.

Thanks for a lovely time today. We will be back!

Update March 2018

We did indeed return today to find Ursa Minor doing wonderful business. Warning: if you want some of their now award winning bread to take home, you need to get there early! They were sold out by 12:30!

Food just as good. We had the soup, toast (with rhubarb and vanilla jam), the 'Tartine', which is cheese and mushrooms in sourdough and a bed of greens and also the 'Bowl' which was a great fusion of noodles, Thai spice and fresh greens.

Pleased to report that the coffee was wonderful today. Best I've had in ages.

Also delighted to learn that Dara is now doing 'Sourdough for Beginners' classes to pass on his great skill to others! Bravo. Keep up the...

First time getting to really appreciate what these guys do in person and I am ever so impressed. As I walked through the door, I was quickly welcomed by friendly staff, the smell of freshly baked breads, pastries and coffee. A smell I can only associate with the aroma of the heavenly realm. I found a little unoccupied corner where I sat and enjoyed a cup of freshly brewed filter coffee. A washed Ethiopian from the Halo Beriti farm - roasted by my friends at Established coffee in Belfast. A full circle moment reminding me of days gone by mixed with the excitement of the now and unknown. Dialled in beautifully. It tasted like sweet peaches. Delightful. Even tho I was dining on my own - I felt like I was accompanied and being comforted by an old friend. After spending an hour or so reading and enjoying my brew - watching the people around me engage in intentional conversations and putting their world to right - i ordered a focaccia sandwich. Filled with beautiful apple chutney, “coconut bacon” and cheese. Every bite was an experience to be savoured. The sweet chutney against the sharp tangy cheese with the delicately spiced coconut shavings may not be the most common filling you’d see on a menu, But it was something to be savoured. Such a treat. However the real star of the show was the focaccia itself. Light. Fluffy. Everything and more you could possibly anticipate or expect. Not quite sure what sort of Witchcraft is going on in the bakery - but it certainly put a spell on me. This little bakery is nothing sort of magical. I even grabbed some of the bread to take home with me!

As I sit here writing this review - I feel full. Satisfied and rested.

Great job Ursa Minor. I’m a fan. See you...