Many of the names on this list will be familiar to those who have followed NI chefs and gone to their fabulous restaurants.
Here is our list of 10 renowned NI chefs and what they are known for. Which one would you like to cook for you?
5. Paula McIntyre
Paula McIntyre trained in Culinary Arts at the prestigious Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island, USA, returning to Northern Ireland in 1998, Paula working as Head Chef in several local establishments. In Autumn 2001 Paula was given her own TV series on BBC 2 NI called Taste for Adventure. As a regular contributor to Radio Ulster, Paula was asked to host her own series, McIntyre Magic, which was broadcast on Saturday Mornings. Since 2004 she has been hosting the cooking slot on Radio Ulster’s weekly “Saturday Magazine” show with John Toal. She has recently been appointed Director Northern Ireland to the Slow Food UK board. Photo: https://paulamcintyre.co.uk/about/
6. Jonny Stevenson
Jonny Stevenson was runner-up in BBC One’s Masterchef in 2008 and now owns his own restaurant in east Belfast. The Lisburn chef opened Urban Scullery in 2020 to bring a new style of food to the blossoming area. Inspired by French cuisine, Jonny’s menu includes Mexican and Asian options. His restaurant also hosts a gourmet supper club. Photo: Jonny Stevenson via Facebook
7. Clare Smyth
Clare Smyth, a Northern Irish born chef is the first British woman to win three Michelin stars for her work. Her London restaurant Core was open in 2017. Previously she ran the restaurant Gordon Ramsay. In 2018 she was chosen to cater the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Her London restaurant is an elegant fine dining experience with an emphasis on natural, sustainable food which is artisanally crafted. Photo: https://www.claresmyth.com
8. Niall McKenna
Niall McKenna is the owner of James Street South in Belfast.Niall spent 12 years training under Michelin-starred chefs in London before returning to Belfast. He opened James Street South in 2003. Since then Niall has gone on to open a number of other award-winning restaurants and appear on the BBC TV series Great British Menu in 2010. In 2014 he set up a Chef Apprenticeship Programme in his restaurant, which gives hospitality students the chance to learn their skills from some of the best chefs in Northern Ireland. Photo: https://www.waterman.house/pages/about-us