Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
The Great Room Restaurant, Belfast,

The Great Room Restaurant

4.7 (959)
£41 and over
Modern European
16 Skipper Street, Belfast, BT1 2DZ

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 14 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Great for fine wines
The Great Room Restaurant is undoubtedly one of Northern Ireland’s most extraordinary restaurants. Thanks to the remarkable original Victorian interior with its glass cupola, Ireland’s largest chandelier an array of plasterwork detailing, the space is second to none. Needless to say our chefs search tirelessly to bring the finest seasonal ingredients together in eloquent dishes in thoughtfully prepared menus, just one of the reasons The Great Room Restaurant was awarded 2 AA Rosettes. All this is complemented by expert service and a wine list to which all the superlatives apply!
Mid- week lunch is served Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.15

To book our iconic Afternoon Tea, please search for Afternoon Tea at The Merchant Hotel.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    £41 and over
  • Cuisines
    Modern European
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–9:00 am Afternoon Tea Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Sat 12:30 pm–3:00 pm Sun 12:30 pm–4:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–2:15 pm Sundays Sun 12:30 pm–8:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 6:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 6:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    028 9023 4888
  • Website
    http://www.themerchanthotel.com/the-great-room
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Johnny Leake
  • Private party facilities
    The Private Dining Room at The Merchant Hotel is an ideal location for hosting a dinner party, breakfast meeting, afternoon tea, or lunch. This beautiful room is located in a private annex adjacent to the stunning Great Room Restaurant and the hotel's award-winning Cocktail Bar.
  • Location
    16 Skipper Street, Belfast, BT1 2DZ
  • Neighborhood
    Belfast
  • Parking details
    There are a number of Multi-story Car Parks within a few minutes walk of The Great Room. One is Hi-Park on High Street (1 min walk) and Q Park in St. Anne's Square (5 mins walk).
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Dinner Set Menu 2 Courses £36.50 3 Courses £42.50

    Multiple dates available
    Early Dinner Set Menu 2 Courses £36.50 3 Courses £42.50 Available only from 6pm to 7pm Sample Menu Starters: Handmade cavatelli pasta, confit duck leg, baby onion Dressed Kilkeel crab, taramasalata, kohlrabi, lovage emulsion Seasonal game pâté en croute, Savora mustard, celeriac remoulade Twice baked Coolattin cheddar soufflé, quince and toasted hazelnut Mains Fish of the Day, toasted fregola, chorizo, smoked mussels Thornhill duck breast, Paimpol bean cassoulet, choucroute Irish venison haunch and faggot, creamed cabbage, artichoke Lisdergan beef fillet, salt baked celeriac, mushroom purée, truffle jus (£9.50 Supplement) Desserts: Profiterole swans, vanilla ice cream, warm chocolate sauce Caramelized apple and quince, yuzu crémeux Poached pear, cardamom crumble, lemon compote Selection of Irish and French cheese
    Dinner Set Menu 2 Courses £36.50 3 Courses £42.50 Photo

  • Lunch Set Menu 2 Courses £36.50 - 3 Courses £42.50

    Multiple dates available
    Sample Menu Starters: Handmade cavatelli pasta, confit duck leg, baby onion Dressed Kilkeel crab, taramasalata, kohlrabi, lovage emulsion Seasonal game pâté en croute, Savora mustard, celeriac remoulade Twice baked Coolattin cheddar soufflé, quince and toasted hazelnut Mains Fish of the Day, toasted fregola, chorizo, smoked mussels Thornhill duck breast, Paimpol bean cassoulet, choucroute Irish venison haunch and faggot, creamed cabbage, artichoke Lisdergan beef fillet, salt baked celeriac, mushroom purée, truffle jus (£9.50 Supplement) Desserts: Profiterole swans, vanilla ice cream, warm chocolate sauce Caramelized apple and quince, yuzu crémeux Poached pear, cardamom crumble, lemon compote Selection of Irish and French cheese
    Lunch Set Menu 2 Courses £36.50 - 3 Courses £42.50 Photo

  • Luxury Spring Tasting Menu £90

    Multiple dates available
    Our exquisite six course tasting menu in The Great Room Restaurant is a must try experience for any foodie Each course has been prepared using the finest local ingredients to showcase the best in season flavours. Enjoy a delectable add on £55pp wine pairing alongside each course which have been expertly chosen by our head sommelier. AMUSE STONEBRIDGE FARM PORK PÂTÉ Black pudding, rhubarb, mustard THORNHILL PRESSED DUCK Whipped feta, pomegranate, beetroot, dukkah SEARED KILLKEEL SCALLOPS Iberico sobrasada, garden pea and herb broth LISDERGAN BEEF FILLET Brisket potato gratin, beetroot, horseradish, carrot MANGO, PINEAPPLE, CHILLI LOCAL RHUBARB Vanilla ganache, almond biscuit, lemon thyme ice cream PETIT FOURS
    Luxury Spring Tasting Menu £90 Photo

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 959 people are saying

The Great Room Restaurant reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

  • Northern Ireland

    Best Overall

  • Northern Ireland

    Best Food

  • Northern Ireland

    Best Service

  • Northern Ireland

    Best Ambiance

  • Northern Ireland

    Healthy

  • Northern Ireland

    Great for fine wines

  • Northern Ireland

    Romantic

  • Northern Ireland

    Good for special occasions

  • Northern Ireland

    Most Booked

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Best Overall

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Best Food

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Best Service

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Best Ambiance

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Healthy

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Great for fine wines

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Romantic

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Good for special occasions

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Great Room Restaurant at The Merchant Hotel offers an exquisite dining experience with "outstanding food," "flawless service," and a "spectacular setting." Patrons praise the "exceptional attention to detail" and "excellent wine pairings." The restaurant's "elegant ambiance" and "friendly, professional staff" create a memorable experience for special occasions.
959 Reviews

  1. Elmarie

    Dublin5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The overall ambience was fabulous, and most of the food was delicious. However, dessert was a disappointment. We ordered the black orange trifle, which neither looked nor tasted like a trifle. It was served in a white soup bowl, with a charcoal-grey mixture that was far too sweet. On top was what looked like the underside of a mushroom, along with basil and what resembled red onion jelly, but was orange and basil. Visually unappealing and not at all enjoyable, resembled something a baby would be served. That said, everything else was lovely, and it’s still a place worth visiting for a treat.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Patricia

    Northern Ireland1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful room , food perfect and service excellent

    Is this helpful?

  3. Susan

    Northern Ireland1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We loved our experience at The Great Room - the food and service were outstanding.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Adnan

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Nice place will surely be back. Good staff good food

    Is this helpful?

  5. Donna

    Northern Ireland1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    decided on Tasting menu (summer) having previously sampled the Winter offering. both were outstanding.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Ian

    London5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 20, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    If you want substance with style this is the place… thoughtful, gentle and attentive service… food cooked with respect and skill…

    Is this helpful?

  7. Sandy

    Northern Ireland1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    6 course tasting menu with wine for each course,This is Michelin 5 Star

    Is this helpful?

  8. Sean VIP

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We really enjoyed our dinner in the Great Room at the Merchant Hotel. The food was excellent and the lamb main was a highlight with the mini-lamb pie being the outstanding element. The wines by the glass, including the Portuguese Alvarinho and the Cotes de Rhone were very good, although the French Merlot was a bit disappointing.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Megan

    Northern Ireland1 review

    2.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    I booked this afternoon tea months in advance for a special treat for my fiance and I, in celebration of our engagement and our 30th birthdays. I had communicated with them on open table reservations multiple times leading up to it, confirming the time and date, that I'm vegetarian, that my fiance is allergic to almonds, and that we're celebrating a birthday. They responded that they would throw in a complimentary cake. We were really looking forward to this little date on our big trip from Chicago. Unfortunately, when we arrived and said yes to the menu (thinking it was what I had already specified 3-4 times), our host came back to the table and asked why I didn't tell them I was vegetarian and my fiance was allergic to almonds, and rudely waved away the waiter that came to our table with the tea sandwich/dessert tower. I told him that we'd take the one they had ready because we both could eat things from it, but he continued to wave that guy away with the food and acted annoyed that we had food specifications we hadn't told him of (even though I had many, many times through their open table messages). The whole thing was really awkward, and honestly, ruined the vibe of our first afternoon tea. That host didn't come back to our table until we were done and my fiance asked for the check. We never got the complimentary 30th birthday cake. It was not a good experience. We also got cocktails the previous night and waited 50+ minutes for our waiter to come back for refills - actually, he didn't come back, my fiance walked up to the bar to flag him down to order. Overall, would not recommend this place at all for late night drinks or afternoon tea.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Robin

    Northern Ireland1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I always bring guests to the Merchant because I am 100 per cent confident they will enjoy the experience immensely. I'm never disappointed. Great cuisine is about attention to detail and having perfectionist standards. This is the secret of the Merchant's success.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Great Room Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 959 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. Northern Ireland
  4. Belfast/Antrim
  5. Belfast

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 14 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Great Room Restaurant

16 Skipper Street, Belfast, BT1 2DZ

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Belfast
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–9:00 am Afternoon Tea Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Sat 12:30 pm–3:00 pm Sun 12:30 pm–4:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–2:15 pm Sundays Sun 12:30 pm–8:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 6:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 6:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    £41 and over
  • Cuisines
    Modern European
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    There are a number of Multi-story Car Parks within a few minutes walk of The Great Room. One is Hi-Park on High Street (1 min walk) and Q Park in St. Anne's Square (5 mins walk).
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Johnny Leake
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.themerchanthotel.com/the-great-room
  • Phone number
    028 9023 4888
  • Private party facilities
    The Private Dining Room at The Merchant Hotel is an ideal location for hosting a dinner party, breakfast meeting, afternoon tea, or lunch. This beautiful room is located in a private annex adjacent to the stunning Great Room Restaurant and the hotel's award-winning Cocktail Bar.
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Reservation Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • Restaurant Resources
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo