Six by Nico – Belfast

Did I love the food at Six by Nico? Yes!

Was I worried I might not like the food? Yes.

Did I trust that this obviously very talented chef knew what he was doing? Yes.

Did I eat everything? Yes, of course I did!

Would I go back? Again yes!! 

And most importantly, would I drive 55miles from Omagh and pay £28 for to experience this innovative dining experience? Yes  100% yes!!!

Six by Nico opened the doors to its brand new Belfast restaurant on Waring Street this month and I was lucky enough to be invited to try the first of many menus that will be rolled out over the coming months. 

This fantastic new restaurant is worlds apart from my usual dining experience. Here, diners get to enjoy a set tasting menu of 6 dishes based on different themes or memories. The menu itself changes every 6 weeks (ah I see what you did there Nico!!) and although it is a set menu there are vegetarian options available and they look absolutely amazing too. 

As someone who has a habit of sticking with the same dish even when I eat in different places i was a bit worried, but I’d heard about (and saw) some of the mouth-watering dishes Chef Nico had previously served in his Glasgow and Edinburgh premises so I suppose I was was more intrigued that anything else. Plus, foooooooddd!!!!!

Belfast’s first menu is “the Chippie” (until 14 April) which is inspired by “Belfast’s love for traditional fish and chips, the city’s Maritime heritage and Donegall Quay’s “Big Fish” art piece” or so the website says. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good ole fish supper, a cheeky battered sausage or my personal favourite, a cheesy chip (with gravy if you’re feeling adventurous!). So bearing this in mind I  did feel that I was more or less qualified  to critique this impressive eatery and let you know what I thought. 

The location was easy to get to, even for someone with limited geographical skills all the way from Omagh 🤦‍♀️, and there are  a selection of car parks  available within walking distance (even in heels!)

The restaurant front itself was easy to spot and looked impressive and new and I’ll admit o was more than a little excited when I saw it. 

One of the first things I noticed when we went in was the TV on the wall (I wouldn’t have been expecting this only my research had gave me a heads up so I was able to make sure we were sitting so we had a great view of it.. it’s the simple things really , isn’t it!?!). This means you see the food staff plating up the food. Between this and the open kitchen no there was no way you could  to miss any of the theatrical preparations! (my personal favourite was the Smoked Sausage .  

But more on that later! 

The decor of the restaurant includes dark wood wall panelling and an impressive selection of wine on show. The table tops were  marble and there is a selection of  interesting and unusual accessories dotted throughout. The front seating area (where the tv screen was) was bright and airy owing to the large windows and the tables nearer the kitchen were more cosy with dimmer lighting. We were seated sort of in the middle which meant we could see the both TV and the kitchen. 

So, as I’ve previously said there are 6 courses on offer. The names of the dishes were deceptively simple and I was glad (and very impressed) that the server was able to describe, in detail, what each one entailed. (I’d also like to add that not once did she flinch when 4 bloggers stopped her mid sentence to ask random questions or basically screamed at her to not lift the cloche off the sausage before we could video it!)

A few of the courses really stood out for me, the first one being the starter of chips & cheese 

First thoughts of this were that it was like a kind of cheese soup (with a bit of a kick to it) poured over crunchy bits…

Second thoughts were “can I just have 5 more courses of this please!!!!!” 

It was THAT good. This dish of finely grated and crisped potatoes topped with parmesan espuma (basically a cheese foam) and dotted with curry oil was perfectly light, tasty and a delicious starter. 

Another course which I have continually raved about is the “Smoked Sausage”. (Believe me. I have whipped my phone out and shown people pictures of my meal so often lately that people have started to question my sanity!)

Although I can say with all honest that when every course came out there was silence at our table as well all enjoyed the dish, punctuated only by the odd “wow” and “oh my god”, I have to admit this course definitely had the WOW factor. 

I mean look at it. Served theatrically in it’s own smoke filled cloche which, when lifted, releases the most amazing smell (and it looks class as well!) that seems to permeate the dish itself This course featured a trio of  pork deep fried in filo pastry (I think) salt baked celeriac,  caramelised apple and black pudding. The contrasting rich  smokiness of sausage paired well with the sweet apple, and, even without the dramatic presentation I think this would still be one of my favourites from the Chippie menu. 

Scroll down to check out some of my photos of the other courses 

“Fish supper”

“Scampi”

“Steak pie”

“Battered mars bar”

Six courses may sound like a lot, although when served the portions may seem small. Although after eating everyone I spoke to seemed to agree that Six by Nico had got the portion sizes just right. 

Five of the courses are  paired with carefully selected wines and beer for which you can pay an additional £25. As I was driving I passed but I have heard that they really complement the dishes.

I will definitely be returning to Six by Nico to try some of their upcoming menus and if you’d like to book a table you can contact them using the details below (although at the time of writing they are already booked up to May so plan ahead!!). 

Details of what menu is currently being served and what dishes you can expect can also be found here too. 

Six by Nico Belfast

23 – 31 Waring St, Belfast BT1 2DX

028 9032 9467

https://www.sixbynico.co.uk/belfast/

Thanks for reading, if you’ve been lucky enough to eat in Six by Nico Belfast please feel free to let us all know what you think by leaving a comment below.