Michelin-starred chef Stephen Toman, owner of Ox restaurant in Belfast, shares his top picks for affordable dining in Northern Ireland as part of our Cheap Eats series in the Money blog.
When asked for his favorite places in Northern Ireland where one can enjoy a meal for two at less than £40, Toman recommends a local pub called Robert Stewart’s (known as Bob Stewart’s to locals) for its delicious pub grub and renowned Guinness. His top dish choice is the peppered steak, paired with a pint of the black stuff.
For those in the city center, Toman suggests trying Ora, a perfect spot for small plates and wines by the glass. He also notes their impressive selection of cocktails. Toman’s go-to dishes at Ora are the bang bang chicken or the pork fritters, which never disappoint.
When cooking at home, Toman prefers to keep things simple. He enjoys making Mexican food with his daughter, who has a particular love for fish tacos. Their usual accompaniments include guacamole, salsa, spiced rice, and coriander mayo.
On other occasions, Toman’s go-to home-cooked meal is a classic Sunday roast, even if it falls on a weeknight. His favorite roast is a high-quality ham, glazed with maple, orange, and clove, served with fondant potatoes and spring greens. For the perfect sauce, Toman suggests using a bit of the ham stock to deglaze the roasting tray and thickening it with a few knobs of butter.