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The Great Room Restaurant, Belfast,

The Great Room Restaurant

4.7
4.7
923 Reviews
£41 and over
Modern European

Make a booking

2 people
20:30
Booked 10 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Fancy
The Great Room Restaurant is undoubtedly one of Northern Ireland’s most extraordinary restaurants. Thanks to the remarkable original Victorian interior with its glass cupola, Ireland’s largest chandelier an array of plasterwork detailing, the space is second to none. Needless to say our chefs search tirelessly to bring the finest seasonal ingredients together in eloquent dishes in thoughtfully prepared menus, just one of the reasons The Great Room Restaurant was awarded 2 AA Rosettes. All this is complemented by expert service and a wine list to which all the superlatives apply!
Mid- week lunch is served Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.15

To book our iconic Afternoon Tea, please search for Afternoon Tea at The Merchant Hotel.

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    £41 and over
  • Cuisines
    Modern European
  • Hours of Operation
    Breakfast Daily 07:00–09:00 Afternoon Tea Mon–Fri 12:00–16:00 Sat 12:30–15:00 Sun 12:30–16:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00–14:15 Sundays Sun 12:30–20:30 Dinner Mon–Thu 18:00–21:30 Fri, Sat 18:00–22:00
  • Phone number
    028 9023 4888
  • Website
    http://www.themerchanthotel.com/the-great-room
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Johnny Leake
  • Private party facilities
    The Private Dining Room at The Merchant Hotel is an ideal location for hosting a dinner party, breakfast meeting, afternoon tea, or lunch. This beautiful room is located in a private annex adjacent to the stunning Great Room Restaurant and the hotel's award-winning Cocktail Bar.
  • Private party contact
    Merchant Events Team: 028 9026 2717
  • Location
    16 Skipper Street, Belfast, BT1 2DZ
  • Area
    Belfast
  • Parking details
    There are a number of Multi-story Car Parks within a few minutes walk of The Great Room. One is Hi-Park on High Street (1 min walk) and Q Park in St. Anne's Square (5 mins walk).
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Lunch Set Menu 2 Courses £36.50 - 3 Courses £42.50

    Multiple dates available
    Sample Menu Starters: Handmade cavatelli pasta, confit duck leg, baby onion Dressed Kilkeel crab, taramasalata, kohlrabi, lovage emulsion Seasonal game pâté en croute, Savora mustard, celeriac remoulade Twice baked Coolattin cheddar soufflé, quince and toasted hazelnut Mains Fish of the Day, toasted fregola, chorizo, smoked mussels Thornhill duck breast, Paimpol bean cassoulet, choucroute Irish venison haunch and faggot, creamed cabbage, artichoke Lisdergan beef fillet, salt baked celeriac, mushroom purée, truffle jus (£9.50 Supplement) Desserts: Profiterole swans, vanilla ice cream, warm chocolate sauce Caramelized apple and quince, yuzu crémeux Poached pear, cardamom crumble, lemon compote Selection of Irish and French cheese
    Lunch Set Menu 2 Courses £36.50 - 3 Courses £42.50 photo

  • Luxury Spring Tasting Menu £90

    Multiple dates available
    Our exquisite six course tasting menu in The Great Room Restaurant is a must try experience for any foodie Each course has been prepared using the finest local ingredients to showcase the best in season flavours. Enjoy a delectable add on £55pp wine pairing alongside each course which have been expertly chosen by our head sommelier. AMUSE SEASONAL GAME PÂTÉ EN CROUTE Savora mustard, celeriac remoulade GLENARM SMOKED SALMON Heritage beetroot, verjus, buttermilk SEARED LOCAL SCALLOPS Young leeks, autumn truffle emulsion, roe sauce LISDERGAN BEEF FILLET Salt baked celeriac, mushroom purée, truffle jus QUINCE, PEDRO XIMÉNEZ, LEMON Mascarpone, almond sponge, espresso GUANAJA CHOCOLATE CRÉMEUX PETIT FOURS
    Luxury Spring Tasting Menu £90 photo

  • Merchant Afternoon Tea From £44.50pp

    Multiple dates available
    When we first opened our doors at The Merchant Hotel, we were excited to reintroduce our sumptuous afternoon tea to the city of Belfast after decades of absence. Since then, our quintessential afternoon tea has garnered a reputation as a “must do” experience to enjoy when visiting the city. We don't claim to have invented afternoon tea, but we are proud to say we have perfected it. The breath-taking surroundings of The Great Room Restaurant boast a wealth of original Victorian features. This complements the refined and discreet service, welcoming atmosphere and decadently delicious afternoon tea. Merchant Afternoon Tea £44.50 Prosecco Afternoon Tea £51.50pp Cocktail Afternoon Tea £54.50pp Champagne Afternoon tea £57.0pp
    Merchant Afternoon Tea From £44.50pp photo

Private dining

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 923 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

  • Northern Ireland

    Best Overall

  • Northern Ireland

    Best Food

  • Northern Ireland

    Best Service

  • Northern Ireland

    Best Ambience

  • Northern Ireland

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Northern Ireland

    Great for fine wines

  • Northern Ireland

    Romantic

  • Northern Ireland

    Good for special occasions

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Best Overall

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Best Food

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Best Service

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Best Ambience

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Best Value

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Great for fine wines

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Romantic

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Great Room Restaurant in Belfast offers a "truly amazing" dining experience with "exceptional service" and "delicious food." Guests rave about the "opulent surroundings" and "attentive staff." It's perfect for special occasions, with standout menus like the tasting menu. While some find it pricey, the "ambiance makes dining there special."
923 Reviews

  1. Maria

    London2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This spot is one of our family’s favourite. Yesterday’s evening the service, as always, were efficient and friendly . Food was delicious as it always is. Fortunately this place, despite relatively opulent interior , has managed to avoid stiff atmosphere and is always warm, welcoming and relaxed.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Louise

    N. Ireland1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Outstanding service and surroundings. The food was clearly made from quality produce and expertly prepared. Memories we will never forget.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    N. Ireland1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Superb afternoon tea today at The Merchant Hotel. The serive was fantastic, the food was incredible and the additional gifts for Mothers Day was such a lovely touch. Will definitely go back and recommend it to everyone 👌 It was perfect. Thank you !

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  4. Niall

    Dublin1 review

    2.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The settings and service was let down by the food served

    Is this helpful?

  5. Niamh

    N. Ireland1 review

    3.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great service the staff couldn't have been more helpful. We had a voucher so it was nice however if we didn't, a cocktail afternoon tea would have cost £119 for the both of us and in our eyes it just wasn't worth it. 3 small pastries and 4 small slices of sandwich and one cocktail each just didn't feel worth the money it would have cost if we didn't have the voucher.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Gillian

    N. Ireland1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 20 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was amazing and the staff were welcoming, friendly and very attentive. Attention to detail throughout and some exceptional little touches making our dining experience memorable.

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  7. TashaB

    Charlotte7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 19 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely impeccable. Amazing food and the service is unmatched. We will always book a dinner here anytime we are in Belfast.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    N. Ireland1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 8 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was my wife’s birthday and the staff produced a cake with a candle which was much appreciated. The meal was excellent and we always love the great hall.

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  9. Darian

    N. Ireland2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 7 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The taste, the quality & the presentation of the tasting menu was excellent apart from the course before the petit fours. We felt that that particular course was a little disappointing & slightly spoiled the experience. In contrast the desert course before this was superb, as were all other courses. We will come again for another special occasion dinner. Thank you.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Dublin1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 27 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Lunch on a Thursday with old friends, 2 courses £36.50 and a 5* wine list. Food was excellent, staff polite and service excellent. Oh and then there’s the dining room itself, what a treat.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Great Room Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 923 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. Northern Ireland
  4. Belfast/Antrim
  5. Belfast

Make a booking

2 people
20:30
Booked 10 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Great Room Restaurant

16 Skipper Street, Belfast, BT1 2DZ

Additional information

  • Area
    Belfast
  • Hours of Operation
    Breakfast Daily 07:00–09:00 Afternoon Tea Mon–Fri 12:00–16:00 Sat 12:30–15:00 Sun 12:30–16:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00–14:15 Sundays Sun 12:30–20:30 Dinner Mon–Thu 18:00–21:30 Fri, Sat 18:00–22:00
  • Price
    £41 and over
  • Cuisines
    Modern European
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    There are a number of Multi-story Car Parks within a few minutes walk of The Great Room. One is Hi-Park on High Street (1 min walk) and Q Park in St. Anne's Square (5 mins walk).
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Johnny Leake
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.themerchanthotel.com/the-great-room
  • Phone number
    028 9023 4888
  • Private party facilities
    The Private Dining Room at The Merchant Hotel is an ideal location for hosting a dinner party, breakfast meeting, afternoon tea, or lunch. This beautiful room is located in a private annex adjacent to the stunning Great Room Restaurant and the hotel's award-winning Cocktail Bar.
  • Private party contact
    Merchant Events Team: 028 9026 2717
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