Restaurant Review

Kellie Chambers experiences the delights on offer at Belfast’s Two Rooms restaurant.

Two for One

On a cold Wednesday night, my partner and I braved the bitter winds and icy roads to make our way to Two Rooms. The restaurant, which has replaced Zio in the trendy university area, has created much curiosity amongst the general public. Its predecessor offered a vast variety of Italian dishes and I was intrigued to see what Two Room’s menu would be like.
When we arrived we were warmly welcomed by the waiting staff. As we were shown to our seats, we soaked up the atmosphere of the dining area. The newly revamped space brings the restaurant right up-to-date. Consisting of two floors, the décor is modern yet intimate. Bare brick walls add a minimalist feel, while floor to roof glass windows provide a unique view of the bustling streets of Belfast. We were seated in the lower floor, which contained a rich wooden bar area complemented by the quirky addition of a gorgeous piano and guitar nestled in the rear corner.

As we browsed the menu, we ordered a bottle of wine from the extensive wine list. After much deliberation we opted for the Penfolds; Private Release Chardonnay from Australia. The light and fruity aroma was the perfect tonic to banish those winter chills. We were also offered a complimentary selection of breads for us to nibble on, while we made our decision.
The menu offered a variety of dishes and I was in particularly impressed with the vast array of seafood options; chilli prawns, mussels, seafood chowder, salmon and seabass were all on offer. Two Rooms also offered a variety of specials. During our visit I was tempted by the banger and mash option as well as the rich venison casserole. However, I eventually settled for the brushcetta of tomato, goat’s cheese, oregano and sweet balsamic vinegar for my starter. The bruschetta was expertly prepared with the tomatoes being sweet, without being overpowering. The goat’s cheese was rich and creamy, without being too heavy. The dish worked well together, whetting my appetite for my main course. My partner however did not have such a difficult time making his selection for starter, immediately focusing on a firm favourite, vegetable broth. The Two Rooms veg broth, which was accompanied by wheaten bread, was a rich, creamy texture, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

While we waited for our main courses, we listened to the pleasant backdrop of music which ranged from Rhian Grundy to lively jazz tunes, the haunting Eva Cassidy and the always enjoyable melodic rock; a real mix which would appeal to a crowd of all ages and musical persuasions.After an ideal length of time our main courses arrived. I often opt for the duck, when it is available, however I thought I would expand my palette and opt for the lamb shank. After my first bite I knew I had not made a mistake. The lamb was accompanied by delicious parsnip puree and mouth-watering buttered spinach. The meat was tender and just fell off the bone. My partner however chose the ribeye of beef, with hand-cut chips and peppered sauce. The steak was requested to be cooked medium and when it arrived it was succulent and just oozed with taste.

After such a filling dish I had to pass on a dessert, opting for an Irish coffee to complete my meal. When it arrived, it was expertly presented and did not disappoint. My partner however could not resist the ice cream and cookies, which he assured me were the perfect conclusion to his dining experience.
When we left Two Rooms, we were both glad we had ventured out in the cold, as the exceptional meal we experienced was more than worth it. The fresh, superbly prepared food, more than reasonable prices and attentive service from the staff ensure that a visit is both pleasurable and memorable. Two Rooms’ enviable location ensures they attract a wide variety of customers, ranging from students and couples to young families. And I must say they might find themselves with two new regulars as well!