Howard Street — Restaurant in Belfast

We had a brilliant experience at Howard St! We were celebrating a 25th birthday so I was keen to eat somewhere that felt special. Initially my expectations sunk because the building works on Howard Street (as a whole) meant almost the entire front of the restaurant was obscured and didn’t appear like the photos. Not their fault and only temporary but worth noting if you’re anticipating a scenic/romantic entry to your dinner date! However, on entering the restaurant we were soon greeted by a friendly member of staff who showed us to our table. The interior of the restaurant was just what I had hoped and very much like the photos on their website. Swanky with moody lightning. In terms of service, I cannot fault the Howard St staff! We were quite absorbed in our conversation and weren’t very quick to order but the staff were very accommodating. We were even reminded at one point that our starter would go cold if we didn’t begin, but the manner in which it was done was friendly, making us laugh and I was appreciative not to miss my starter! My date is quite sensitive to spicy food and was concerned if the curry was spicy. She was reassured it was ver mild and this was an accurate reflection, which for her says a lot! The food itself was fantastic! Very delicious and balanced with nuanced flavours. As a student, I’m not used to fine dining but I like my food the quality was excellent. My duck was cooked to perfection. I would say that the portions are relatively small for someone who like me who enjoys eating. However, my date didn’t finish her curry despite enjoying it because she was full, so very much depends on the person! We stayed right until the end and never once badgered to vacate our table. We were the last to leave the restaurant and in keeping with the night, almost walked out without paying! The staff were friendly and we had a good joke about it so it only added to our good experience of the night! Ultimately, I got everything I wanted from Howard St and will always remember this very special evening! One piece of constructive criticism I would give the team, is that on entering the restaurant it can feel quite empty because the booths in view were not occupied and the desk/bar was only just in view. The entrance felt a the slightest bit deserted, which was not the case on entering the restaurant ‘proper’. I was glad that within a few seconds we were greeted by a member of staff and ushered into the lively back of...

While dinning at Howard Street, I found that the set up was beautiful but disappointed when a table was booked and when arriving my partner & i where put into a corner with 2 fire extinguisher right behind him and an electric box above his head. Could not even take a photo as it ruined what was actually a lovely sarounding. What really ruined our experience was when I asked the waitress about allergies with ingredients which says on the menu to ask about she said she would ask the chef's. Next thing starters come out and there is diary in all the sauce so I couldn't eat it and then mains came out and I asked did she ask about there being diary in it & she looked as if she never asked and started saying no until I mentioned about the potatoes and she said she would run and ask .There was and she just stood over my partner and I asking what I would like to happen to my meal. I said I would keep it and push it to the side but I had a bad intalurance, following up with; I did ask. She said ok. The bill came and not even a deduction off the price where I couldn't eat half of the meal because the waitress failed to ask and I had to order sides which where charged and also she took her tip which was not deserved in my opinion but was added into the bill. The food was lovely but service...

Last minute booking and we scored ourselves a table at Howard Street - super excited! Seafood chowder for my starter...I have no words, the chowder was ah-mazing! Lots of chunky bits of meat and a delicious soup, so so good. Main of steamed haddock also hit the spot, I couldn’t pick the flavor, but I didn’t want this piece of fish to end! It was so tasty!! That’s when things went a little pear shaped...dessert was ordered, I was so keen for this dish, after the deliciousness that was the rest of my meal...after waiting 15-20 mins we asked the passing waiter where our food might be and it turned out that unfortunately the waiter that had taken our order had forgotten to put it in the system. So, with places to be, we asked that our order was cancelled and the team happily obliged. Due to the mixup, the manager (I think) offered sincere apologies and a further discount to our meal. Have to say, this mix up was handled extremely well and the whole outcome - other than missing out on dessert - was a pleasant one rather than a disappointing one. Still giving 5 stars as the food and service prior to our dessert mishap was fantastic! Will definitely be recommending Howard St to friends, maybe with a comment of keep an eye on the timing of your food...just...