The Seahorse Restaurant at Grand Central Hotel has received a rare and perfect 100% score in the 2026 Taste of Ulster inspection, underpinning the skill and commitment of the culinary team, and a recognition which has been thoroughly deserved.
Taste of Ulster, run by Food NI, is one of the most rigorous quality programmes in local hospitality. The award provides recognition of outstanding commitment to local food and drink, exceptional hospitality, sustainability, and guest experience. Inspections are conducted on a mystery-visitor basis by Food NI, the local food and drink promotion and marketing body. There are no rehearsals, just the standard of excellence every guest can expect to receive during their evening at the Seahorse.
The Food NI inspector praised the Seahorse restaurant for its exceptional service, knowledgeable team, elegant setting and deep commitment to Northern Irish produce, calling it “a truly memorable evening” and noting that the food was “phenomenal” with a “delightful” ambience. The meal was described overall as “a memorable culinary experience”.
Executive Head Chef, Damian Tumilty, said of the recognition, “Receiving 100% in our Taste of Ulster inspection is a very proud moment for the entire team. This recognition reflects the dedication of our chefs, front-of-house team and suppliers, who work together every day to deliver an exceptional food offering and create memorable guest experiences.“
At the heart of this achievement is Hastings unwavering commitment to Northern Ireland’s incredible local produce. Dishes highlighted in the inspection included Ballycastle Lobster & Salmon Ravioli, Rockvale Farm Chicken with Wild Garlic and Asparagus, and a Lemon and Pine Nut Parfait with Clandeboye Yoghurt, however the menus across the Hastings group are all proud to name and celebrate local suppliers, from Ewing’s Seafood and Annaghmore mushrooms to Lisdergan Beef, and Waggle Dance Honey, alongside local spirits including Bushmills, Jawbox and Shortcross Gin.
While the formal recognition from Taste of Ulster is an honour, our guests have long felt the same way about the Seahorse Restaurant. Visitors on TripAdvisor have called dinner at the Seahorse “a great dining experience” with “every dish cooked to perfection,” while others have ranked the menu among the very best in Belfast. One diner noted that every dish showcased local Northern Irish produce with an impeccable level of precision.
The perfect score comes at an exciting time for the Seahorse, which has just launched a new pre-theatre menu offering the perfect first act to an evening in Belfast city centre. Pre-theatre dining runs from 5pm until 6.30pm Wednesday to Friday, and from 1pm on Saturdays, giving you ample time to enjoy a beautifully crafted two-course menu before the curtain rises. For those with a longer evening in mind, the full à la carte menu is where Chef Damian Tumilty truly gets to showcase the best of the island, with seasonal dishes rooted in local provenance and crafted with careful precision. The Seahorse is open from 5pm Wednesday to Friday and from 1pm on Saturday, and with a perfect Taste of Ulster award now to its name, there’s never been a better time to book a table.