If there were just one dish that sums up the ethos and style of Niall McKenna's Hadskis, then it might be their cheesy Parmesan truffle chips.
It’s not just the crispy, cheesy spuds themselves, but also the cheery way in which this little saucepan of deliciousness is served - along with witty cracks about how they’re ready to call the ambulance when you’ve got through it. It’s mighty.
The other thing to know about Hadskis is that their bar seats offer a fab experience. If this were a sushi kaiseki restaurant, people would be fighting for these tables, fighting for the chance to be right up where the action happens.
As it is, the staff offer them in an almost apologetic way, as if they’re your only alternative because all the tables are full. But these stools at the kitchen are actually the best seats in the house. Sit yourself down, and be ready to be entertained for the whole evening.
The Hadskis menu style loves up the great brasserie classics: sole on the bone with scallops; slow-cooked pork; chateaubriand; Portavogie crab; Shorthorn burger and chips. This is food that requires a lot of care to make it sing, and rest assured that care is given, and Hadskis is the epitome of a restaurant experience, in all ways. The food is stupendous, and the kitchen extracts every element of flavour from the ingredients, and piles it into every bite.
The staff are warm, informed and helpful. The room buzzes with excitement and energy and, all in all, Hadskis is about as perfect as a restaurant experience can be. This is truly Belfast at its best. Just magic.
Hadskis, 33 Donegal Street, Belfast
