Deanes at Queens — Restaurant in Belfast

Dreadful experience

We are a big fan of Deans Love Fish - so had high expectations for Deans at Queens. What a disappointment.

Arrived early to get a drink at the bar before going to the table. From the moment we walked in it felt like we were "fighting" with the restaurant.

Two waiters pushed past us as we entered rather than welcoming us in, we were pointed at two seats in front of the bar rather than being shown to the seats, we had coats piled up around us, sat waiting, had to ask for a drink, had to ask again for a drink, had to ask for someone to check up on the drinks.

Two uninspiring cocktails arrived after 15mins. We took a sip and just as we did another waiter came over to tell us the table was ready. Allowing us a moment to swallow, we were taken to our table - with us carrying our drinks, bags and coats. We were advised to leave the coats and they would be dealt with.

Sat and browsed the menu. Menu looked good. Ordered another cocktail along with food and wine. Wine arrived straight away, then some time later cocktails and starters both arrived at same time. Not what we had in mind

I asked that we be allowed some time to enjoy the drinks and that the starters were taken away. Waiter started to argue but in the end took them away. All went (further) downhill from there.

Mains arrived. Brill overcooked, Rigatoni vile.

Spoke to the manager at the end and asked that 10% service was removed from the £135 bill. He asked if I would explain why - but didn't let me explain - he jumped in after the first comment and told me that I was wrong and that they were busy. At which point I couldn't get out fast enough

If you want average food and average service for a high price - sure - come and enjoy.

If you want great food and a memorable evening, go to Deans Love Fish...

Arrived with high expectations having been highly recommended by others only to end up being disappointed by the ambiance, the food and the customer service. The restaurant felt canteen like. No tablecloths. Noisy tables and chairs and poor acoustics. Asked waitress about the size of the meat courses (there was no info on the menu). Were told size was 10-12 oz for all. Starters arrived and were fine. Haddock fishcake and chicken parfait. The main courses arrived almost immediately after (no gap). Meat size was nearer 6-8 oz in size (25-40% smaller) and simply inadequate (see photo). Both steaks arrived not rested with blood leaking out onto the plates. Food presented on a small white plate with a stainless steel cup of oversized potato chips and a coffee cup containing selected sauces. My sauce was so thick and refused to leave the cup without spooning it out. It just looked bad. 20% of the steak was pure fat (I have no problem with some degree on meat). Tried to order spirits and coffee only to find out that those on the menu were no longer being sold (not available). Asked for bill only to be confronted with a 10% service charge appearance on the bill. After challenging it turns out that the tip is discretional. Felt bad about asking for it to be removed. Left feeling ripped off and made to feel bad as a customer. Most likely will not be back unless they improve on a very dated...

Was expecting great things but unfortunately it missed the mark on many levels. To begin with the service was poor, our wine arrived after our starter after asking for it a second time. We ordered espresso martinis at the end of our meal but gave up after a 15 minute delay, zero apology was given instead we were accused of being pushy in what was a relatively empty restaurant. I would hate to be here on a busy night of service. My squid starter was hit and miss between soft delicious squid and the unpalatable chewy offering. My partner had a beautiful chicken liver paté with apricot jam served with white crusty bread. We both opted for the lamb which was soft and tender but nowhere near the promised pink our waiter had "warned". Strangely we were given a caprese salad with pesto to one side with lamb swimming in gravy to other, separately delicious but this combination has no place on a plate. It was a beautiful setting but the poor service and substandard food were a real let down. This was supposed to be a treat but other than it being a relatively expensive meal we did not receive quality service or the level of food we expected. Disappointed. Would...