Shu Restaurant Belfast
A chic Belfast eatery blending French-inspired cuisine with global influences, offering a sophisticated dining experience with live music.
Highlights
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Shu Restaurant Belfast
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A chic Belfast eatery blending French-inspired cuisine with global influences, offering a sophisticated dining experience with live music.
"Consistently excellent food and service make Shu a top-tier dining experience in Belfast."
Reserve in Advance
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for special occasions or larger groups.
Consider Juls Bar
For a more relaxed vibe with live music, try Juls cocktail bar downstairs.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Modern French
Price
$$$
Phone
+44 28 9038 1655
Address
253 Lisburn Rd, Belfast, BT9 7EN, United Kingdom
Website
shu-restaurant.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fusion Flavors
Experience a culinary journey with French-inspired dishes and Asian influences.
Live Jazz at Jul's
Enjoy vibrant live jazz performances while savoring cocktails and food in a unique atmosphere.
Standout Dishes
Indulge in expertly prepared Korean fried chicken, yellowtail sashimi, and more.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve in Advance
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for special occasions or larger groups.
Consider Juls Bar
For a more relaxed vibe with live music, try Juls cocktail bar downstairs.
Vegan/Vegetarian Options
The menu evolves to accommodate vegan and vegetarian preferences.
Lunch Special
Enjoy a splendid two-course meal during lunch hours.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve in Advance
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for special occasions or larger groups.
Consider Juls Bar
For a more relaxed vibe with live music, try Juls cocktail bar downstairs.
Vegan/Vegetarian Options
The menu evolves to accommodate vegan and vegetarian preferences.
Lunch Special
Enjoy a splendid two-course meal during lunch hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about Shu Restaurant's consistently excellent food and attentive service, with many calling it a top-tier dining experience. While the ambiance and live music at Jul's are a draw, some find the main restaurant can be noisy. A few guests have encountered issues with specific policies, but the overall consensus highlights a commitment to quality and a memorable culinary journey.
"The food was really great, we had the monkfish, steak and lamb. As well as some delicious starters and desserts! The staff made sure we were well looked after even though there were a few really large groups!
We thought we had booked into SHU but were seated in the downstairs area "Juls". It had a slightly different atmosphere with music with quite a loud bass. Not sure if the music was turned down or we got used to it but wasn't noticeable after a while!"
Gemma Bleakney
"We chose Shu for my daughter’s wedding meal and booked a private dining room for 15 people. The food and service throughout the evening were very good, and I have no complaints in that regard.
However, I was left very disappointed by the way the corkage policy was handled. I fully understand that restaurants charge for corkage when guests bring their own alcohol, but the lack of empathy and professionalism shown by the staff member in charge that evening — and later by the general manager I spoke with — was disheartening.
My husband had bought a special bottle of champagne the year my daughter was born, and since he sadly passed away during COVID, I thought it would be a meaningful gesture to open it at her wedding meal. I was unaware that prior notice was required and asked what difference it would make — the staff member admitted “not a lot,” yet still insisted on the full £60 corkage fee.
I explained the sentimental value of the bottle and mentioned that we were spending significantly on the evening (our final bill, including drinks purchased from the restaurant, was £1,567). Despite this, I was met with a dismissive attitude and no flexibility. While I would have happily paid a reasonable corkage fee, such as £20, I felt the situation was handled in an unprofessional and insensitive manner.
This lack of understanding on what was such a personal and important occasion left a sour note on what should have been a wonderful celebration. While the food was excellent, I expected more compassion and professionalism from a restaurant of this standard..
I would advise the owner to perhaps send the manager and acting manger on a refresher course in customer service and use their discretion in certain situations. Whilst I enjoyed the food I unfortunately wouldn't return or suggest this place"
BC F
"Had a wonderful anniversary dinner at Jul’s in Shu. Special mention to Sara who went above and beyond with complimentary bubbly and special dessert! Service was outstanding all night, wonderful atmosphere with live jazz by accomplished performers. Food was out of this world with attention to detail, and a great wine selection. Can’t recommend enough, thank you for the memorable evening."
Ryan McMillan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Shu offers a sophisticated ambiance, with the main restaurant providing a refined dining experience and Jul's cocktail bar downstairs offering a more relaxed vibe with live music.
Yes, Shu has been noted for its evolving menu that caters to vegan and vegetarian preferences.
Reservations are recommended, particularly for special occasions or if you're dining with a large group.
Popular dishes include Korean fried chicken, yellowtail sashimi, steak tartare, and hanger steak.
Yes, Jul's cocktail bar, located downstairs, features live music performances.
If you prefer a quieter environment, it's advisable to inquire about seating options to avoid potential noise in Jul's.
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Lording it over fashionable Lisburn Rd since 2000, Shu is the granddaddy of Belfast chic, and is still winning plaudits for its French-influenced food:…
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Set on the Lisburn Road, Shu has been operating in the city since 2000 having become a local favourite among dining enthusiasts from all across Northern Ireland. Home to three rooms, each offering its own feel and atmosphere, diners can choose to sit down in the plush Main Room, where you’ll be served a seasonal menu of classic dishes, kick back and relax in Jul’s cocktail bar, where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while listening to live music played by DJs or musicians on the house piano, or even book an event at the elegant Upper House, a bright and airy space located on the first floor. When it comes to food, Shu boasts a range of global influences from French cuisine to Asian-inspired dishes, so you’re sure to find something that tickles your taste buds here.
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Shu has been around for as long as I can remember, recently they have undergone a huge renovation and with a chef behind the wheel that has worked in 2 Michelin Star – this is not one to miss. Immaculate, a flavour experience and artistically delicious. It did take Shu a while to catch on to the vegan/vegetarian bang wagon, but I must say that the caramelized onion puff pastry and exquisitely dressed salad with summer green vegetables I had the other night was outstanding.
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The Main Room at Shu Restaurant on the Lisburn Road is where French, Mediterranean and Oriental influences come together to form a stunning take on European cuisine. The first thing you’ll notice here is the interior – bottle green suede couches meet whitewashed brick, vibrant mosaic tiles and eclectic wall art. But on to the menu – the stand-out starter, for me, is the Korean fried chicken, but the yellowtail sashimi and the salt and chill squid are worth considering.
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Open since October 2000, Shu (the ancient Egyptian god of atmosphere) is set in a fine Victorian terrace on Belfast’s stylish Lisburn Road. Furnished in a contemporary style to create a bright space with lots of natural light, the 90-seater main restaurant interior is by the leading local designer Paul Horscroft. Shu incorporates a basement cocktail bar, the main ground Read more…
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Shu Restaurant and Juls Cocktail Bar is the sort of place you go for a special occasion. Serving a modern French-inspired menu, this upscale restaurant on the Lisburn Road is popular among those who enjoy a luxury dining experience. Split into three separate locations ‒ the Main Room, Jul’s, and the Upper Room ‒ there is something for all tastes here.
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You’ll also find some of the best eating around at Shu (253 Lisburn Road, T: 028 9038 1655). Like so many young chefs who’ve returned to the city, Brian McCann has done his apprenticeship in many world-class restaurants. He may have toned down his à la carte to appeal to simpler tastes, but he gives classic brasserie food a sophisticated edge.
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Iconic and multi-award winning Lisburn Road eatery, SHU is a local favourite and well worth a visit. SHU has won many accolades over the years, including Food and Wine Magazine’s Best Restaurant In Ulster Award and an AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence. SHU serve a modern, French-accented menu.
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Serving seasonal modern takes on classic dishes, SHU provides the finest food in Belfast accompanied by calm and informative customer service. This Belfast restaurant also has a connected cocktail bar called Jul’s, a great place to relax with friends while having a delicious drink or two.
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A warm brownie usually hits the spot and one of my favourites is served at Shu on the Lisburn Road. Anywhere that uses Valrhona chocolate in their desserts gets top marks from me and Shu’s Valrhona and hazelnut brownie, served with vanilla ice cream, is a dreamy moment indeed.
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Ox, Shu, Mourne Seafood, Kitch and the Barking dog are all worthy of your wallet!. For Asian cuisine, we love Sakura and Zen, and there are far too many fabulous Indian restaurants to name (but we must give honourable mention to the Archana)
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On the lower Lisburn Road, this perenially popular restaurant is a must-visit for a special occasion. You can expect not only great food and excellent service, but also great craic and a real buzz in the modern and stylish dining room.
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SHU, on the other hand, has a modern Irish menu that includes dry-aged lamb with globe artichokes. The contemporary setting is a wonderful place to sample the best of local Belfast ingredients and complex cocktails on the side.
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Based in a beautiful white-washed terrace on Lisburn Road, Shu’s broad menu is largely European-inspired and can be enjoyed in the bright, modern-furnished dining room. In the basement hides a cocktail bar for after your meal.
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Shu has won a number of accolades including the Best Restaurant in Northern Ireland 3 years in a row!. They're even listed in the Michelin guide. 253 Lisburn Rd, BT9 7EN
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With a cocktail bar and function room attached to the two-storey restaurant, Shu has remained one of the jewels in the Lisburn Road area.
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A must-try on the Lisburn Road (a hub for quality dining in Belfast), Shu offers a great menu of French-inspired dishes.
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