Where to eat in Belfast?

[OwlMother]

I am heading to Belfast next weekend with DS (17). We are there for one night but our rerun flight is late in the evening so we will need to eat out for two evening meals.

We are staying in south Belfast nearish to the botanics. I used to like in Belfat but that was 20 years ago so while I can find my way around ok, I have no idea where to go to eat!

I'd rather avoid big chains, otherwise open to suggestions, not crazily expensive but willing to splash out a bit. Any advice would be really welcome. Areas would preferably be between the city centre and the botanics, Lisburn road etc too. Happy to be in the city centre but not too far north given where we are staying. We will be walking everywhere so not too far!

He may apply, but there are several other options as good without such a big question mark over them. But he did really like Belfast and other than this issue it ticks a lot of boxes, good course, great city, not a terrible journey.

I don't think he'd want to come home lots, as all of his friends will be away and he'd just get to hang out with us!

He swims and goes to the gym but my understanding from the PEC tour was that training and matches tended to be in the week for clubs- someone mentioned Wednesdays? And the pool is fine but not a great draw against unis with full length competitive pools.

Dd has a friend at QUB currently so he's going to give her a call and ask and get a bit more direct experience.

As an example of this issue, Dan is starting at QUB this year. He's not going into halls, he's moving into a house with 5 boys he went to school with. All of whom will go home at the weekend , and work part time at home at the weekend and are unlikely to really make friends in their classes as they are still effectively living at home, albeit in Belfast!

Just reread the last paragraph- should have read DN; nephew.