Belfast's latest Beau

The definition of 'beau' is 'a rich, fashionable young man: a dandy', and my first time eating in Belfast's latest restaurant, Beau, was certainly fine and dandy.

Beau is the little sister of Édo on Upper Queen Street, with Lottie Noren, as seen recently on Great British Menu, as head chef. Whilst Édo and Beau are siblings, they are perhaps better described as cousins. Both have a focus on small plates that really encourage sharing, but Édo is very much European inspired with a Spanish feel whereas Beau has a real focus on showcasing seasonal produce in a modern, fresh way.

Beau is tucked away on Warehouse Lane beside Muddler's Club at the edge of the Cathedral Quarter and is a modern, bright and open restaurant. It has an open kitchen and prep area so you can see all the work going to the dishes you're about to enjoy.

There are two things I do in every restaurant I visit.

1. Ask the server what they recommend

2. Over-order

You'll be glad to hear that I did both.

The Langoustine Ceviche arrived first with plenty of fresh red chilli and lime - it was such a refreshing palate cleanser and definitely set the tone for things to come. Manzanilla Olives were the salty goodness we all need in our lives.

When there are heirloom tomatoes on the menu they simply must be ordered. It's a rule. Beau served up Salted Heirloom Tomatoes & Whipped St. Tola Goats' Cheese with crunchy sour-dough bread through it. Simplicity, but with those ingredients it doesn't need to be complicated and it was stunning.

Growing up when we went out for dinner as a family it wasn't uncommon that three types of potato were ordered... a cliché I know. My dad would be shaking his head at the thought of me only ordering one. Forgive me, dad. We went for the Marjoram Potato & Parmesan, and I had expected spiced crispy potatoes of some kind... but actually these were nearly more like a gnocchi/potato bread hybrid and they were absolutely beaut.

My dish of the day? Lamb Rib & Hung Yogurt. The lamb rib was crispy, sticky, sweet - nearly reminded me of a super pimped up Hoi Sin Duck, and the creamy yogurt (Hung Yogurt is yogurt with the whey liquid removed) cut through the sweetness perfectly to make a seriously tasty plate of food.

The wine menu looked class, but on this occasion I didn't get to sample it as it was a "business lunch". Who even am I?

The service was relaxed and honestly I felt really comfortable and content as I worked my way through the menu.

Beau is a stunner and I will definitely be back.

Words by Phil Ervine.