Robinsons Bar — Restaurant in Belfast

Visited on the 22nd February 2023, again based on a recommendation. The three stars are for the food, a massive thank you to the kitchen for the delicious food!

I have never been served white vinegar with fish and chips, normally malted vinegar?? A little odd?? We entered the restaurant and I can’t even say we were greeted by the chap (slim wearing glasses). He seemed disinterested!

We requested a table for two, seated without an acknowledgment, a hello or even a smile! He didn’t say a word. Ushered us to a two seater table which was perfectly fine. We got the feeling being there was too much trouble for him.

A young girl came to our table to take our drinks order and quickly asked “ready to order food?” As we had only just had a chance to pick up the menu’s we asked for a few moments. Same young girl returned and took our food order.

Food took about 20 mins to come out, I prefer this as it’s an indication the food has been freshly cooked. As I said earlier the food was delicious.

We asked for our bill and requested the bill be split, in Belfast on business, the young girl who took our order made two attempts to divide the bill correctly and still messed it up. We gave up trying to explain what we had for a third time and just accepted what was presented to us, paid the bills and left.

The front of house staff seemed to be totally disconnected from the customers. There was a distinct lack of personal presentation, waiting staff walking around the restaurant with their shirts hanging out.

There was a lack of customer facing staff, maybe this was the issue?? There were posters around the restaurant advertising for staff it was also apparent the “the no experience required” note on the job ad’s was evident as there was a distinct lack of experience among the staff during our visit!

Not a single smile! It costs nothing to acknowledge your...

The food was absolutely amazing! My husband had the ribeye and the bernaise was amazing. I had the pork and mashed potatoes and I was almost able to eat it all though I wanted to.

The service left much to be desired. We had a young server who somehow copped an attitude with us and basically ignored us the entire night. We ordered drinks and an appetizer, had to ask for plates to be removed. Our main entrees were delivered and still our dirty cocktail glasses remained on the table. We enjoyed our food with no service asking how our food or wine was. We had to ask for plates to be removed, still dirty glasses remained. Saw our server talking and laughing with bartender and another server. I had to wave her over for our bill. When we left I told her that her service was not good, sadly she didn’t care. I hope she learns at some point that service from a server is absolutely the key to success for a restaurant. You have amazing food but I’ll never return if this level of service is taught and acceptable. I’m not from your country but I’m glad I’ve been taught that how you treat people is...

Came to the bistro today for a late lunch and was disappointed. We ordered one of the haddock & chips and two of the southern fried chicken burgers. All of the dishes came with cold chips and the mushy peas with the fish were stone cold. We asked for fresh chips and the waiter walked off, leaving the plates behind and then went into the kitchen. He spoke to the manager who came over and took away the fish, leaving the two burgers behind. He then came back with a new fish and chips and we then had to explain again that the chips with the burgers were also cold. The burgers came back out with fresh chips but the burgers were then cold. I sent mine back and thankfully after the third time it was hot and edible. Staff were friendly and polite and apologised for the issues but ultimately the kitchen staff should not be sending out cold food that isn’t fresh. We visited here after a glowing recommendation from a family member and we won’t be returning or recommending it to...