Central Belfast Restaurant

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we took 2 kids into victoria square for something to eat a couple of weeks ago, went into spurs because of the xbox etc. to keep the kids entertained while waiting for the food. WE were seated beside the play area, the kids went in and came straight back out again as none of them were working. We then sat for 20 minutes waiting for someone to take our order, despite there being only 2 other tables in use. Staff walked past us several times without even asking if we wanted drinks.
We eventually got up and left and went to TGI's were we were seated straight away, our server appeared within seconds and introduced himself, took an order for drinks and appeared as soon as we were ready to order food.
As we'd ordered starters for us he asked if we wanted the kids meals out at the same time as the starters.
As soon as our glasses were looking empty he was straight over to get us refills.
Food was lovely as well
I took one of the kids to the toilet as our dessert arrived and when i returned the manager was chatting away to the wife as if she'd known her forever.
Second time we'd been to tgi's and both times were thoroughly impressed.

Phoolgrrrl

I would def say Spur with kids. Nice food too! Pizza express also good. F and B bad!

2gorgeousgirls

I had lunch in TGI's on Friday past and couldn't fault it. The service was great and the food was delicious. Second time I've eaten there and no complaints either time.

Been to the Gourmet Burger Bar a few times as hubby loves it. Even though I don't really like burgers, I have to say theirs are great.

Ate in the Spur in Newry (now closed) and it was fantastic so was delighted to hear it was in Belfast as well but ate there once and would definitely not return. Service mediocre and chicken overcooked.

chocpud74

I love Victoria Sq for shopping but I really do not think the family friendly restaurants are great in here.
I have tried Frankie and Benny's, Nando's and Spurs and would never go back because of the poor service and sub standard food. If you like overpriced, frozen, ready made type food then you will love these places. Personally I like to eat something that's fresh and at least with Pizza Express the pizzas are freshly made as are the salads. We were in Victoria Sq acouple of Sundays ago to see Santa and xmas lights and had planned to eat in Pizza Express but they were very busy (you can't pre book a table unfortunately) so we decided to go elsewhere. Unfortunately I picked Spurs and it was a big mistake - one of the worse meals I ever had - had to send mine bad as it was raw and even with it being taken off the bill the price for the crap frozen stuff we got was extortionate.
I can't speak for TFI's but I have been in one in England. Again overpriced frozen food - I actually didn't finish my meal in here as it was disgusting. In my opinion chain restaurants all serve up the same kind of stuff. But with kids you can't go wrong with Pizza Express and like the others say, try and get some online vouchers to keep your bill down as it can be pricey aswell.
And yes, Little Wing around the corner is also good but small. Hope this helps :0)

chocpud74

Sorry BOBS, I just read that one of your kids don't like pizza. They do pasta aswell if that's any good.
I really do think this part of Belfast is lacking in child friendly 'good' restaurants. Plenty of good ones for us adults though :0)

Mr_Bun

Have to agree about the lack of decent family friendly restaurants.
Myself and the OH are foodies,but our daughter is just a typical kid,if it comes in breadcrumbs and with beans, she is happy:)
Having worked in the catering industry all my life,it really p****s me off when we go to these chain type places and as said,serve up overpriced, frozen,processed,deep fried rubbish!!!

Willyk

chocpud74. You can book for Pizza express on their website. Works very well. I have avoided a few queues using it and I think you book just minutes ahead of the current time, then turn up with your booking ref.

belfastmagpie

I've always found service and food in Spur to be very good. There are special deals on most nights of the week and free refills on drinks. My 9yo son loves that he can get a steak on the kids menu.

I've never understood why you get an option of regular or large drinks when the refills are free; I just order the less expensive smaller one and top it up when it's empty. :rotfl: