Tasty food but tiny portions even the coffee cups are almost espresso sized. Was charged £4 for an extra slice of toast after Shakshuka only came with a half slice, maybe I should have asked where the other half went.
David Robinson
Woeful food, slow service , no atmosphere, astronomical prices..avoidI cant really do justice to how poor this place is, but I'll give it a go. Our party in for lunch had 2 people order soup, 2 sandwiches with 2 kids meals, there was about 40 minutes between the soups being delivered and the other food, so one group were finished their lunch while the other hadnt started. The kids meal was especially poor, its pretty hard to mess up goujons but what was delivered was a stringy, dusty, overcooked pitiful offering that if I'd have cooked in my own oven I'd have binned. While the £17 fish finger sandwich was a burger and there was one small piece of fish drowned in tartar sauce. Waiters had to be reminded about ice creams, brought 1 tea when we ordered 2. They were at least very nice which is the only redeeming feature of the place. Almost £80 lighter after 2 sandwiches, 2 soups,2 kids meals and a few hot drinks (no alcohol) I couldnt have helped but think I'd have been better going literally anywhere else in Belfast
Gigi Noble
Nipped in here for a late lunch with my mother as she used to love coming here with my grandmother.We were seated quickly and our order was taken fast. However, my (hot) food came out faster than my mother's scone, tea and our drinks.We had 3 different waiters come to ask if everything was ok and each time we have to let them know what we were waiting on. No apologies on any of the times and all of them hurried over to the kitchen area. 1 waiter in particular was quite abrupt and just said "its coming" and wondered off to another table.While we waited 30 mintues for the scone (which was the wrong one) and our drinks we noticed how unclean everything seemed. We arrived after the lunch rush and there was approximately 4 members of wait staff wondering around. There was one table which didn't get cleaned away until we were getting ready to leave, and it was only done by a new waitress who seemed to have just started her shift and she seemed quite confused why her colleagues hadn't cleaned it way or reset any of the tables.There were squished pieces of food and crumbs all over the floor and dust on any surface that wasn't a table. I understand that going around with a mop or vaccum at this time wouldn't be possible - but you would expect any side-work for staff to include running a broom or dustpan and brush around to keep things looking presentable.
Sean M
Ranks with one of the worst experiences I have ever for Sunday lunch. Totally overpriced, no atmosphere and great disappointment
Ashley N
Super disappointed in what ended up being a lack lustre Christmas brunch. Arrived around 11.00 and it took around 30 mins to get a table - we were happy to wait for a low table rather than the high bar style stools however staff seemed totally confused. We asked for the menu while we waited and were brought a wine list then the table we were told we could have and were in the process of being directed over to was given away by another staff member. When finally seated it took 15 mins and a request from us to get the breakfast menu and some cutlery. Staff were not rude but didn’t seem to grasp their role, the manager was clearly stressed even though the cage was only around 25-30% capacity. We ordered food and a mini Prosecco - the glass arrived wet from the dishwasher and the food took around 20 mins to arrive. We decided to head elsewhere and struggled to initially get the bill but when we did the waiter couldn’t operate the card machine. On a positive note the breakfast bap was lovely and surroundings nice but the service was nowhere near the standard you would expect from a five star hotel. Very disappointing for Belfast's flagship 5 star. I have American colleagues planning a trip to Belfast with this hotel on their shortlist - after our experience I can guarantee the American market would leave very underwhelmed.
Ciaràn McNally
Nice modern restaurant serving exceptional breakfast. Friendly service and value for money for a 4 star
Vincent
We had a lovely evening meal in the Grand Cafe Belfast. While the menus options were limited the food was delicious and served promptly.
xxxtmc
Sunday morning visit for breakfast. It wasn’t very busy but the service was chaotic. I dread to think what the service is like when it is busy for Sunday lunch. Cutlery arrived after the food, coffees a little later. Had to ask twice for butter for the toast. And then found a hair in the smoked salmon after eating half of it. The cost was removed from the bill. Had to ask twice for the bill and there was some delay in getting it. Staff were pleasant but the whole experience was very disappointing.
mary
We stayed at The Grand Central Hotel (separate review) on returning from our evening out, and we decided to have a drink in the residents' bar. Upon going into the hotel, we were told that the first floor bar was closed and we could get a drink in Cafe. We had to put payment on our room, not a bother. But the dust on the shelves was unbelievable ?, they display lovely pottery, etc, but the dust on them also was disgraceful, as I said in other review, they need to look at their house keeping ? ?
Best avocado toast in NI. If you don't like it spicy, you have to the staff before to not be surprised. The atmosphere was lovely and food better
Simon Agnew
Booked for Sunday lunch today with my family. I should have worn my stretchy pants! Food was amazing. Starters mains and desserts were fantastic. Staff were lovely and bo one rushed us, plenty of time to sit and enjoy the experience. There also was a lady singing which really added to the atmosphere. We will certainly be back!
749claireh
Perfectly adequate food but trying to leave is an effort. This is the 2nd time it’s taken me 45 mins to eat and 20 mins to get the bill. This time I gave up in the end and registered my exit with reception. Zero adult non alcoholic drinks or cocktails; water or kids drinks only.
Colin M
We were staying at the Grand Central Hotel to celebrate our 29th Wedding Anniversary. The decor and surroundings were fabulous. I wish I could say the same for our meal. It was crap. My wife started with cauliflower which was a fairly tasteless affair. I had crispy korean wings. They were basically chicken wings with Saracha sauce that I could easily make better at home. The piece de la resistance was the main course. My wife had seabass. Whilst the seabass was nicely cooked it lacked seasoning and all the accompaniments were cold. My sirloin steak was bland and had a lot of gristle that hadn't een rendered down properly and the pepper sauce was bland. The onion rings had a thick coating of batter that in parts was raw. The triple cooked chips were fried in oil that was going off and too hot. The result was a chip that although crispy had a burnt rancid taste. The salad that came with it had been made up in advance and was limp. When we complained to the restaurant manager he apologised and offered us a free dessert. Given the slop we had eaten for main course, we said we wouldn't risk it. The restaurant manager beat a hasty retreat. Eventually we got 25% off the meal. For a 5 star hotel, this simply isn't good enough. I can't in all conscience recommend this to anyone!
Tasty food but tiny portions even the coffee cups are almost espresso sized. Was charged £4 for an extra slice of toast after Shakshuka only came with a half slice, maybe I should have asked where the other half went.
Woeful food, slow service , no atmosphere, astronomical prices..avoidI cant really do justice to how poor this place is, but I'll give it a go. Our party in for lunch had 2 people order soup, 2 sandwiches with 2 kids meals, there was about 40 minutes between the soups being delivered and the other food, so one group were finished their lunch while the other hadnt started. The kids meal was especially poor, its pretty hard to mess up goujons but what was delivered was a stringy, dusty, overcooked pitiful offering that if I'd have cooked in my own oven I'd have binned. While the £17 fish finger sandwich was a burger and there was one small piece of fish drowned in tartar sauce. Waiters had to be reminded about ice creams, brought 1 tea when we ordered 2. They were at least very nice which is the only redeeming feature of the place. Almost £80 lighter after 2 sandwiches, 2 soups,2 kids meals and a few hot drinks (no alcohol) I couldnt have helped but think I'd have been better going literally anywhere else in Belfast
Nipped in here for a late lunch with my mother as she used to love coming here with my grandmother.We were seated quickly and our order was taken fast. However, my (hot) food came out faster than my mother's scone, tea and our drinks.We had 3 different waiters come to ask if everything was ok and each time we have to let them know what we were waiting on. No apologies on any of the times and all of them hurried over to the kitchen area. 1 waiter in particular was quite abrupt and just said "its coming" and wondered off to another table.While we waited 30 mintues for the scone (which was the wrong one) and our drinks we noticed how unclean everything seemed. We arrived after the lunch rush and there was approximately 4 members of wait staff wondering around. There was one table which didn't get cleaned away until we were getting ready to leave, and it was only done by a new waitress who seemed to have just started her shift and she seemed quite confused why her colleagues hadn't cleaned it way or reset any of the tables.There were squished pieces of food and crumbs all over the floor and dust on any surface that wasn't a table. I understand that going around with a mop or vaccum at this time wouldn't be possible - but you would expect any side-work for staff to include running a broom or dustpan and brush around to keep things looking presentable.
Ranks with one of the worst experiences I have ever for Sunday lunch. Totally overpriced, no atmosphere and great disappointment
Super disappointed in what ended up being a lack lustre Christmas brunch. Arrived around 11.00 and it took around 30 mins to get a table - we were happy to wait for a low table rather than the high bar style stools however staff seemed totally confused. We asked for the menu while we waited and were brought a wine list then the table we were told we could have and were in the process of being directed over to was given away by another staff member. When finally seated it took 15 mins and a request from us to get the breakfast menu and some cutlery. Staff were not rude but didn’t seem to grasp their role, the manager was clearly stressed even though the cage was only around 25-30% capacity. We ordered food and a mini Prosecco - the glass arrived wet from the dishwasher and the food took around 20 mins to arrive. We decided to head elsewhere and struggled to initially get the bill but when we did the waiter couldn’t operate the card machine. On a positive note the breakfast bap was lovely and surroundings nice but the service was nowhere near the standard you would expect from a five star hotel. Very disappointing for Belfast's flagship 5 star. I have American colleagues planning a trip to Belfast with this hotel on their shortlist - after our experience I can guarantee the American market would leave very underwhelmed.
Nice modern restaurant serving exceptional breakfast. Friendly service and value for money for a 4 star
We had a lovely evening meal in the Grand Cafe Belfast. While the menus options were limited the food was delicious and served promptly.
Sunday morning visit for breakfast. It wasn’t very busy but the service was chaotic. I dread to think what the service is like when it is busy for Sunday lunch. Cutlery arrived after the food, coffees a little later. Had to ask twice for butter for the toast. And then found a hair in the smoked salmon after eating half of it. The cost was removed from the bill. Had to ask twice for the bill and there was some delay in getting it. Staff were pleasant but the whole experience was very disappointing.
We stayed at The Grand Central Hotel (separate review) on returning from our evening out, and we decided to have a drink in the residents' bar. Upon going into the hotel, we were told that the first floor bar was closed and we could get a drink in Cafe. We had to put payment on our room, not a bother. But the dust on the shelves was unbelievable ?, they display lovely pottery, etc, but the dust on them also was disgraceful, as I said in other review, they need to look at their house keeping ? ?
Pricy but nice, grand hotel ?
Restaurantji Recommends
Best avocado toast in NI. If you don't like it spicy, you have to the staff before to not be surprised. The atmosphere was lovely and food better
Booked for Sunday lunch today with my family. I should have worn my stretchy pants! Food was amazing. Starters mains and desserts were fantastic. Staff were lovely and bo one rushed us, plenty of time to sit and enjoy the experience. There also was a lady singing which really added to the atmosphere. We will certainly be back!
Perfectly adequate food but trying to leave is an effort. This is the 2nd time it’s taken me 45 mins to eat and 20 mins to get the bill. This time I gave up in the end and registered my exit with reception. Zero adult non alcoholic drinks or cocktails; water or kids drinks only.
We were staying at the Grand Central Hotel to celebrate our 29th Wedding Anniversary. The decor and surroundings were fabulous. I wish I could say the same for our meal. It was crap. My wife started with cauliflower which was a fairly tasteless affair. I had crispy korean wings. They were basically chicken wings with Saracha sauce that I could easily make better at home. The piece de la resistance was the main course. My wife had seabass. Whilst the seabass was nicely cooked it lacked seasoning and all the accompaniments were cold. My sirloin steak was bland and had a lot of gristle that hadn't een rendered down properly and the pepper sauce was bland. The onion rings had a thick coating of batter that in parts was raw. The triple cooked chips were fried in oil that was going off and too hot. The result was a chip that although crispy had a burnt rancid taste. The salad that came with it had been made up in advance and was limp. When we complained to the restaurant manager he apologised and offered us a free dessert. Given the slop we had eaten for main course, we said we wouldn't risk it. The restaurant manager beat a hasty retreat. Eventually we got 25% off the meal. For a 5 star hotel, this simply isn't good enough. I can't in all conscience recommend this to anyone!
100% I couldn't as for anymore