La Scala Bistro

01 The Arrival

La Scala has a polished hotel-restaurant feel but manages to stay relaxed. The surroundings are smart without being intimidating, and the Stormont location gives it a feeling of being slightly removed from the city centre.

02 The Food

I had Glenarm organic salmon with seasonal vegetables and a lemon butter sauce, sharing salt and chilli squid to start and finishing with pistachio creme brulee. The salmon was beautifully cooked, flaky and delicate, while the squid starter was crisp, lightly spicy and full of flavour.

03 The Experience

Excellent service - polished, attentive and friendly without making the meal feel overly formal. The atmosphere is quietly elegant, a lovely choice if you want somewhere calm enough to actually have a conversation.

04 Was It Worth It?

Good. It feels like a treat, but the quality and service make the price reasonable.

05 The Verdict

Excellent service, beautiful presentation, local ingredients and elegant surroundings, though a little formal compared with some of Belfast's more casual restaurants. Ideal for a special lunch or occasion.

Location — Stormont Hotel, 587 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3LP, Northern Ireland