India Gate — Restaurant in Belfast

It’s my last night in town and I went for a musical at the local theatre. After, I wanted to grab a drink and a small snack; just unwind a bit before going home. I had smelled Indian Gate on my way to the show and found myself passing by after. I was going to be dinning alone. The restaurant was very empty and I came in right before 10 p.m., they close at 11 p.m. I sat and ordered a soft drink and water. I then choose a vegetarian option starter, an Indian dish I had never tried before, and a side of rice. When I handed the menu back I was informed that I could not enjoy my meal at my table. That if I only wanted a starter then I would have to take it to-go. I explained that I was alone and it was late (10 p.m.) and I had no interest in a full size meal. I explained I was coming for the theatre and just wanted a small bite, which would be perfect for me. I also offered to sit at the bar. He continued to explain that I couldn’t eat, what I would consider my late-night meal, at my table. I was frustrated and asked if he was upset that I came in an hour before closing or if he was upset that it was just me. I tried to understand why he was making such a big deal over me enjoying my time. I asked to speak to a manager. I was very disappointed to hear he was the “manager”. Mind you the restaurant was very empty, it was well within their open hours and nowhere was it listed that you had to order an entree to use a table. My choices, including my drink, would have totaled to be the price of an entree. In fact, I was eyeing a dessert and hoping for a cocktail after my Coke (just wanted some caffeine first). I tried to reason asking if he would rather me not buy anything and give a poor review rather than enjoy my food at his establishment...he still wasn’t willing to let me order. I even told him I would leave 20% tip or more. I wasn’t ordering a starter and sides because I am cheap, I’m ordering them because it’s 10 p.m. (there’s not a lot open), I wanted to taste something new and I’m alone. Plus the dish was veggie heavy and I like veggies and rice (I didn’t want a heavy big meal). He offered for my food to-go, but the whole reason I came in was to enjoy some time alone with some food and drink. He told me that it was not “worth it” for them to work my table or have me sitting in the restaurant, which was very empty. I have worked in customer service. I have had people ask for unreasonable things. I have said no to customers, I have also bent the rules if it wasn’t unreasonable. I thought it was in very poor taste for Sivh to not let me enjoy my meal. Not only was it embarrassing to him since my bill would have probably “been worth it”, especially because I’m a firm believer in tipping well, but it made me feel unwelcome. He was willing to argue with me and loose money over something so silly. I travel and eat out alone often. I have some stomach issues and am not a huge eater. I order whatever I want on a menu and drink and like sweets after and have never been told I wouldn’t be worth it or had had issues like this before. I’m very frustrated and I’m sure the food is great, but I will never know because Sivh was incredibly rude and pigheaded.

Note: nowhere on or in the restaurant is this “policy” listed and never have I been made to feel so bad or small over trying to give a small, local business my...

Classic Indian food is served here at this popular destination. Conveniently located halfway between Ulster Museum and City Hall if you’re on foot. As I entered, I asked the manager if the food was Bangladeshi or Indian. The reply was North Indian.

It was only 6 pm when I was seated right at the front of the restaurant adjacent to the main road. I barely had time to people watch till I was given a courtesy popadom and the traditional sauces to accompany it. I ordered a bottle of mineral water, mushroom rice and the hottest meal on the menu.

Ten to fifteen minutes later I am served a chicken vindaloo. I’ve had many over the years. Usually fluctuate between a nagga, chicken madras or a vindaloo. This was one of the hottest I’d ever tasted. I had to have two bottles of water!! The mushroom rice was the best I’ve ever had. Fantastic and I’ve been eating curries over forty years.

The staff are dressed in traditional black, whilst manager is smart casual. All are courteous, engaging and very professional. The waiter who collected my plate said I did very well to finish as most don’t seem to manage. I had kulfi pistachio ice cream for dessert to cool me down. Highly recommended and a well...

I regret to share my deeply disheartening experience at India Gate Restaurant. My friends and I were excited to have dinner there, but our expectations were shattered by the appalling treatment we received.

Upon arriving, we were shocked to encounter an unjust and disrespectful attitude from the restaurant staff. Not only were we denied entry without any valid reason, but we also noticed a clear distinction in the way they treated us as Indians and Irish individuals. This blatant racism left us not only embarrassed but also outraged.

I urge fellow Indians and everyone to reconsider supporting such establishments that display such blatant disregard for their own people. Discrimination in any form is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. It's unfortunate that a place with the potential to showcase the rich culture and cuisine of India tarnishes its reputation by engaging in such discriminatory behavior.

I hope that this review serves as a reminder to the management of India Gate Restaurant to reflect upon their actions and strive for a more inclusive and respectful environment for all patrons.

Remember, every customer deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of...