- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee |
- All
- Price Range:
-
£££
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Children:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
3 reviews for Balloo House
All Reviews
Balloo has struggled under different owners over the years and has been very hit and miss with chefs. Today it is a completely different matter with a chef that could be great.( as long as he stops being lured away to TV and focuses on his business )
A friendly country house charm in the bistro downstairs restaurant and an elegant, affordable fine dining restaurant upstairs
Booking ahead is recommended
Balloo House is a bit of a County Down institution. Been in business for decades. I've eaten there numerous times, under different managers. Pleased to say that current management has got the place running very well: polite service, top-notch menu and delicious food.
Balloo House is divided into two sections: gatropub/bistro downstairs, and cloth fine dining upstairs (with menu items priced about twice that of downstairs). For the upstairs restaurant, bookings/reservations essential, and they're pretty much essential (but not required) downstairs too.
Latest experience was a Sunday lunch with wife and in-laws.
For starters, I had chicken liver parfait (pate). Very smooth texture. Served with thick cut lightly toasted fresh white bread (nice) and a red onion marmalade (not so nice; I wasn't expecting the vinegar).
For mains, my companions had lamb roast (typical Ulster fare) and pork belly (not so typical), which, served with sweet potato puree, was a good choice.
Mine was Strangford crab, sweetcorn and scallion risotto with lobster basil butter. Gorgeous, and washed down well with a clean draft pint of Smithwicks. Was pleasantly surprised what appeared to be a small portion filled me up rightly.
Two courses with drinks total cost £80 (for four of us). On Sundays, there is a set menu for £23 each.
Balloo House deserves the high praise. With its locally sourced food and efficient service, it is the type of restaurant that I expect de rigeur Stateside but harder to find this side of the pond.
Location not public transport friendly, but is possible (Translink Ulterbus 511 from Belfast Laganside). Worth a car journey.
Brilliant food in a gorgeous cottage in the pretty drumlin country around Strangford Lough. Fancy restaurant upstairs, gastropub down. Definitely worth a visit if you have a car during your Belfast stay.
