Harden's survey result
Summary
“A great vibe makes up for the ordinary-looking space” at Stephen Toman’s waterside venue, whose “fun” style is fueled by “lots of staff milling about to help you have a good time”; and the “exciting wine list from his attached wine bar” (OxCave). But it’s far more than just a good-time place – renowned as one of the island of Ireland’s top kitchens – and it serves an “exceptional”, “well thought-out” and “good value” tasting menu (10 courses for £75).
Summary
Chef Stephen Toman receives exceptional ratings for his seasonal cuisine at this pared-down waterside venture, in line with its renown as one of the top kitchens on the island of Ireland. But by the standards of the mainland in particular it’s not a hugely expensive place, delivering a six-course tasting menu for £65. Also worth a look, his next-door wine bar, Ox Cave, offering “interesting wines from around the world including fine wines by the glass and exceptional Irish cheese and charcuterie”.
Summary
“The heavenly tasting menu is the way to go” at chef Stephen Toman’s understated riverside operation, which focuses on seasonal food, and which in March 2019 the Irish Times hailed as the best on the island of Ireland. The adjacent Ox Cave is also “a thoroughly genuine wine bar”, combining “excellent charcuterie and cheeses and a full selection of wine by the glass”.
Summary
“The heavenly tasting menu is the way to go” at chef Stephen Toman’s understated riverside operation, which focuses on seasonal food, and which in March 2019 the Irish Times hailed as the best on the island of Ireland. The adjacent Ox Cave is also “a thoroughly genuine wine bar”, combining “excellent charcuterie and cheeses and a full selection of wine by the glass”.
For 32 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Ox?
Owner's description
The riverside setting offers an excellent backdrop to this Oscar & Oscar designed 40 seat restaurant, while an intimate mezzanine area provides for more secluded dining. With their fine dining heritage Stephen and Alain aim to provide the same quality of food and attentive service, but in a more relaxed, simple environment. Letting their creative side shine through in the menus and using their skill and expertise to highlight the best of local and seasonal produce.
Menu prince in the evening - 5 Course Tasting menu £55 per person, £85 with wine pairing.
Lunch - 2 courses £22 per person or 3 courses £28 per person.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £25.00 | £30.00 |  |
|
 |
| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 70.00 | Always available | 6 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £35.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.50 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
Ox Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Fun. Lots of it. A great vibe which makes up for the ordinary space. Lots of staff milling about to help you have a good time, but most of all a delicious, well thought out menu. The non-alcoholic wine flight was a fun idea, if somewhat overpriced and not as carefully curated as the wines - especially in comparison to the good value tasting menu."
1 Oxford St, Belfast, BT1 3LA
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
