This unassuming place on Belfast’s funky Ormeau Road opened in 2012 with the aim of providing the quintessential bistro experience.
Although it’s not very well signed, there are tables and attractive plants outside and it’s a welcoming space to come into - a long galley-type space all done in natural wood, it’s very casual with wooden tables and chairs and panelled mirrors on the walls in the front part.
The Ormeau Road has its fair share of ethnic night-time eateries and pub grub, but until Shed came along, there was nowhere that served excellent seasonal bistro food at lunchtime and at night.
That was owner Eithne Bradley’s aim and her choice of Head Chef in Gilles Willaume is inspired. He’s very French but, although there’s no mention of provenance on the menu, which is a pity; he changes menus monthly and loves using local, seasonal ingredients in quite rustic yet carefully prepared dishes such as classic Beef Bourguignon and scrummy salads like black pudding with bacon and poached egg.
Desserts are worth leaving space for and there’s an excellent French and Irish cheeseboard, all complemented by a small but good wine list - and service is terrific: professional and friendly, staff are chatty yet unobtrusive.
Expect plenty of innovation alongside the classic bistro fare - this is casual dining but they take their food very seriously. The portions are decent, everything tastes superfresh, prices are extremely reasonable for what you get
Most times you can just walk in off the street but you would need to book for weekend nights. It’s worth the short trip from the city centre if you’re up for the weekend.
