Good restaurants/eateries

D.A.

And another for the list - The Stables in Groomsport. What The Tidy Doffer used to be like before it went completely downhill.

Pink.

Tonight we (mr pw and I) went to the Ganges in Newtownards.

One (1/4 bottle) of wine, one beer.

Complimentary popadoms with dips.

From past experience we know to avoid starters because I gorge so much on the popadoms that I just can't manage the main course.....

So we just ordered two main courses.......

Along came 4 complimentary onion bagees to keep the complimentary popadoms comany.

Thoroughly enjoyed main courses.......even though we couldn't finish them......

Two coffees.....with complimentary top ups.

Followed by two complimentary sambucca's.

Total bill £28.00 ish......good service and a relaxing night out.

PInk

master_blaster_2

i just have to give a BIG thumbs up for cafe millano opp the city hospital ... never had a bad meal in there, excelent service and it seems to suit every ocassion ... if you want to get suited and booted you'll fit right in ... but if you just want a quick pizza after shopping its the place for you also. We've been quite a few times with the kids and nothing seems to much trouble for the staff ( but started to get worried when 10 yr old daughter fancied the waiter ) ... its my kids fav place too .... cant reccomend high enough

Jon_C

Have the staff in Caffe' Milano learned what the things on the menu mean yet? The last time I went (many months ago) the dishes were listed in Italian first with English underneath, but when I ordered using the former they had no idea what I was asking for - pretty sloppy when the restaurant is marketing itself as something classy.

And are the waiting times still ridiculously long, given the huge size of the place? I used to like eating at Caffe' Milano but got sick of having to wait an hour or more for the privilege of spending my evening and hard-earned cash there.

Anyway, back to the positive. I had forgotten about Spuds as possibly the best takeaway in Belfast (or the whole of Northern Ireland possibly).

I would agree that the Stables in Bangor is excellent (had a lovely meal there yesterday).

But here's one you might not know - Union Street in Belfast city centre. It's just off Donegall Street (at the corner of Library Street at the back of the Tele) and has only been open about six months I think.

It markets itself as a 'gay-friendly' pub (which is unsurprising as it's in the gay quarter) but I'd say that probably only comes into it on Friday and Saturday nights.

I've eaten there loads of times with people from work, including our Christmas dinner upstairs on Saturday night, and the food and service have been top notch every time. It's not too pricey either. I would recommend it without question.

laughingsheep

Have to agree with Jon C about Cafe Milano - I've been there a couple of times and the waiting times have been silly, the staff are unhelpful and unpleasant (tipping a glass of coke round me at the start of the meal and just about squeezing a 'sorry' out) and the front of house staff have a very 'we can take you or leave you' attitude to customers.

On the positive side, Tedfords at Donegal Quay is v nice - at the more expensive end of the market but does a pre theatre menu until about 7:30pm (check out https://www.5pm.co.uk)

I also like Pier 36 in Donaghadee (https://www.pier36.co.uk) which specialises in sea food and Sullivans in Holywood (https://www.sullivansrestaurant.co.uk), along with Tedfords they are v good if you want something a bit fancier.

Finally, for a quick and easy meal midweek Benedicts in Belfast is great as it has a 'Beat the clock' promotion on - from 5:30 to 7:30 - ordering at 6 makes your main course £6, at 6:30 £6.50. The offer doesn't include the whole menu, but there are chicken, ribeye, fish and veggie options.

aidsy

i shall agree with laughingsheep on the Pier36 i forgot to say before but this is another of my favs i do the service repairs in their kitchen and i find the kitchen professionally run with professional chefs . I have ate there many times and find the food and service alway v.good...

unlike wetherspoons (they dont have chefs just people that know how to use a microwave)


aidsy

arkonite_babe

I also like Pier 36 in Donaghadee (https://www.pier36.co.uk) which specialises in sea food .

I think this is the restaurant my other half was thinking of, off for a perusal at the website. Thanks!

Pink.

Pier 36.......in my opinion the food and service are excellent!

BUT......

They allow you to smoke, and they allow you to bring children........They just won't allow you to do both at the same table.

I am a smoker (not particularly proud of it) , but when we went there for a family celebration, I was told in no uncertain terms that if I wanted a smokers table, the children couldn't sit with me. If I chose a non-smoking table the children could sit with me, but I couldn't smoke.

Non-smokers out there will be sympathising with the restaurant and the kids, but it (unfortunately) is an addiction, and Pier 36 ruined a night out for me.

Pink

Jon_C

I'm with the restaurant on this one, I'm afraid, Pink.

Why didn't you nip to the bar when you wanted a quick feg? If it was a family celebration, presumably there would have been someone there to keep an eye on the kids while you stood/sat at the bar for a couple of minutes if you needed a smoke that badly. Did you want to chain smoke all night and have the kids exposed to it?

My girlfriend smokes and it doesn't bother me one bit. She is very considerate towards other people, respects non-smoking areas, doesn't smoke in anyone's house unless they say it's OK etc... so I know that most smokers are nice people who just enjoy a cigarette from time to time.

In other words, I'm not having a go at you but I hardly think that the restaurant's policy on smoking is to blame for ruining your night. They've got to have some sort of rule and at least they made it clear from the outset to avoid the embarrassing situation of having to tell you as you lit up (at least I hope that's the way they approached it).

Look at it from the other side - most people wouldn't want cigarette smoke in the area set aside for families with children.

avoniel

Just come back from lunch at Istana Restauraunt in Great Vic St Belfast. Chinese business mans lunch for only £4.50. Chicken Curry was as nice as I have ever had and believe me I have had quite a few. They do Beat the clock menu 5-7:30 Monday to Friday. This was my first visit but certainly wont be my last.
Thourgaghly recommend