Stove Bistro — Restaurant in Belfast

I'm a strong believer in if the restaurant is terrible, tell the owner, if the restaurant is great, tell everyone else. So, having sent a personal email to the owner about our experience they responded by... ignoring it. Which only further reinforced the view that this restaurant is rather awful. We received a voucher for this restaurant as a Christmas gift and were so looking forward to going. We booked and also reserved a hotel room as we live some distance away. We arrived at the restaurant to be greeted very warmly by a male server, who directed us towards a wonderful corner window spot and presented us with our menus. He served us water and we began to inspect the food choices. All was going swimmingly. However, about five minutes later a lady arrived at our table. took our menus off us, told us that we had been incorrectly placed at the table and that it had, in fact, been reserved for regular customers. She marched off with the menus and indicated we sit at a table in the middle of the restaurant. I was in shock as I put down my water glass, picked up my bag and actually walked past the said 'regular customers' as they were ushered to our hastily vacated table. It was like being on 'Bullseye' and being shown 'what we could have had'. We sat dumbfounded as customers and waiters hurtled past our table in what was a busy part of the restaurant and tried to process what had just happened. To be frank, I don't think I've ever been as rudely treated in any establishment anywhere in the world in all my life. After being treated so shabbily, we left and went to the Indian downstairs who didn't shove us off our table for 'regular customers' and treated us with respect, courtesy and warmth. Exactly the way new customers should be treated. So, in short, we didn't get to try the food and never will because if this is the way they treat new customers they really don't deserve any customers at all. Word of advice. If there is a hierarchy of clientele, and the treatment they receive, maybe you should advise them upon booking so they know what to expect and how they will be made to feel. And maybe answer your emails, particularly when someone is actually trying to do the...

I remember this place from when it was a little cafe called the 3 bears. Last night, going back to it as Stove, first impressions weren't brilliant. Having to access the restaurant from the street up a flight of stairs for some reason gave an impression that this was going to be a second rate establishment in a place not designed for fine dining. Then on arrival on time, our table wasn't ready and we had to crowd into the tiny 3 seat waiting area at the door where we were told there was no cloakroom. We had the choice to wear our coats, hang them on the back of our chair or leave them in a heap by the door. But there was a good vibe going on, plenty of noise, and happy customers at tables. There did seem at first to be a smell of old cooling oil, but when we were shown to our table that quickly disappeared. No attempt to flog us a bottle of overpriced water- we were brought honest tap water in a carafe without having to ask. The wine list had 3 of our favourite wines that normally don't seem to feature. The menu was a good choice- I had a cheese and leek souffle to start. It was divine. Lovely souffle and full of flavour. 3 of us chose the special- the rump steak with beef dripping potatoes. Once the shock of the appearance of a somewhat lonely looking cuboid of layered roasted potato died away- and the absence of any supporting cast of vegetables on our plate- which we had to order separately- the actual food was delicious. The pepper sauce was flavoursome, the quantity of potato was actually enough, and our extra vegetables were properly cooked and delicious. One of our party pronounced it the best steak they had ever had. The desserts all looked great- I had cheese which was also a great selection. Oh- and the gin and blood orange cocktail at the start of the night was also delicious. Even though it seemed a small place, and lacked maybe the extra finesse of a 5* restaurant I would give this place a solid 5 stars for the quality of the food, the presentation, and the service. I definitely highly...

Top marks for Stove tonight. We were a party of 10, so we ordered nearly the whole menu. Highlights were the Steak Tartar starter: beautifully presented with a confit egg yolk on top. There was just the right amount of capers and tiny pieces of gherkins. Seasoned very well and served with some little slices of ciabatta toast. Those who chose the Beetroot Salad were happy, again the presentation was very appealing. Every element was freshly made. Several diners opted for the Crab Risotto, which smelled and tasted delicious, the flavours again benefitting from stock that concentrated the delicate flavour of crab. Mains included a beef dish which paired a perfectly pink fillet, with a slow cooked tranch of beef, falling apart (in a good way). This had been cooked long and slow to create amazing flavour. There was a Special of the Day, which was Plaice served with Shrimps and fondant potatoes. You know that feeling where everyone stops talking and a hush falls over the group? That happened. For there to be not one issue among 10 diners, that says something. Not everyone ordered dessert, we filed the options to memory for a future visit. One stand out dessert was Buttermilk Pannacotta, which had the perfect wobble and a sharp , clean taste. Next time, we would definitely save space to do the desserts justice. We drank a Chilean Pinot Noir and a Pinot Grigio, from a modest and well- priced wine list. I must make some comments about the service. The waiting staff were knowledgeable, helpful and attentive. Nothing was too much trouble. They really added to the impression that this is restaurant firing on...