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The Great Room Restaurant, Belfast,

The Great Room Restaurant

4.8
4.8
595 Reviews
£26 to £40
Modern European
Top Tags:
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.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 15 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Cuisines

    Modern European

  • Hours of operation

    Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–9:00 am Afternoon Tea Daily 12:00 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

  • 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

What 595 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

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

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Northern Ireland

    Best Overall

  • Northern Ireland

    Best Ambiance

  • Northern Ireland

    Good for business meals

  • Northern Ireland

    Good for business meals

  • Northern Ireland

    Innovative

  • Northern Ireland

    Great for fine wines

  • Northern Ireland

    Romantic

  • Northern Ireland

    Good for special occasions

  • Northern Ireland

    Vegetarian-friendly

  • Northern Ireland

    Most Booked

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Best Overall

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Best Service

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Best Ambiance

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Good for business meals

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Good for business meals

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Innovative

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Healthy

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Great for fine wines

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Romantic

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Good for special occasions

  • Belfast/Antrim

    Most Booked

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Filters

  1. LorraineH

    Edinburgh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful food, great staff and lovely ambiance, We had lunch here for my daughter’s birthday and could not fault anything, from start to finish everything was amazing. The food was excellent and the staff were very attentive and courteous. Beautiful

  2. OpenTable Diner

    London

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful meal in gorgeous surroundings and excellent service

  3. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The most amazing place for food and ambiance. Hands down one of the most beautiful restaurants/hotels. Staff, service, food, decor, location, and rooms are stunning. This hotel and restaurant are a destination. Time time simply the best.

  4. DanielleD

    Cheshire

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    We had a lovely meal, the food was great as was the service and quality. I was rather surprised at having to pay for bread (£6) on the table as this normally included in the service

  5. Donna1

    Glasgow

    20 reviews

    3.0

    20 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Afternoon tea for Mother's Day. I would say it's far to expensive for what it is. Too much sweet stuff. Savoury options would be good.

  6. CQueen60

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really enjoyed the afternoon So special & nice add on for the birthday girl 🎂

  7. JaanaR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Amazing place, atmoshpehere and service next level. Main course was too salty for me but I would still highly recommend the restaurant for an amazing night out in Belfast

  8. SharonH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What an amazing experience we had. Excellent service. Thank you

  9. Jennifer

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience3
    Atmosphere a little cold. Sitting drinking champagne in a dark corner of the Great Room seating area (near the loos) beside a display of plastic flowers. Had to go and ask for a bottle of Champagne, it bubbled over annd was served dripping on our laps and we had to pour the 2nd glass ourselves. Food was excellent and service with the meal was good. However, it was indicated on the booking that a (significant) birthday was being celebrated. This was not acknowledged, despite ‘birthday’ cake being served to an adjacent table. Bit disappointing. It’s the little, thoughtful touches that make or break the experience.

  10. OpenTable Diner

    N. Ireland

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Had an enjoyable evening meal in The Great Room then moved to the next room to have a drink in the bar area but because we had not made a booking there we were told that we could not order a drink. We attempted to return to our table in the restaurant but it had been quickly taken. We were left with no alternative but to leave. Deeply disappointed.

  11. PaulaD

    Dubai

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always the most fabulous experience ! Amazing food , faultless service , great atmosphere and friendly staff ! Tasting menu gorgeous as usual ! Cocktails are a must !! Thanks guys ! X

  12. AlanH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic all round experience as usual. Our host ( who's name I've forgotten) was the perfect balance of professionalism, knowledge and charisma. Many thanks, your staff are a credit to your hotel.

  13. Duncan

    London

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on March 3, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    We were booked for 8.45. They were not able to seat us until 9.15. The staff were lovely and the cocktail bar certainly helped to pass the time in style. The food was good but the dining space was fabulous

  14. OpenTable Diner

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Romantic supper. The cocktail bar needs to coordinate better though. And you need a dress code, far too many tracksuit bottoms around later on.

  15. Kate

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food in a wonderful setting. Staff were friendly, helpful and attentive. Had a great evening.

  16. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From start to finish we were offered exceptional service to match the exceptional quality and presentation of the food. One person I would particularly like to pay mention to was Natasha (I think that was her name), I had the loveliest chat with her regarding what she was studying at Uni, a real asset to the team. I think it is very important that staff are allowed/encouraged to chat with interested diners as it really enriches the overall experience. I worked on a luxury cruise ship and we were discouraged (much to the disappointment of guests) to mingle/ converse with our guests. I think especially for visitors to our country from abroad that speaking with young people from our little country really adds to the visitor experience. A great overall dining experience. Thank you . Cheryl Dowds

  17. KatrinaD

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service was fantastic! The Merchant is known for its afternoon tea but the lunch is just so good and very helpful for my dairy intolerance- great veggie and vegan menu to choose from too.

  18. Lindsay

    N. Ireland

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and food as always 🙏

  19. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, fang friendly service. Good value

  20. FionaR

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A thoroughly enjoyable evening with friends celebrating birthdays! We all had the Taster Menu with paired wines. Highly recommended; staff were very attentive and a lovely ambience. We will be back; thank you, Merchant Hotel!

  21. FergalB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding food and service in a nice atmosphere.

  22. dianaH

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    A lovely place for a special occasion, the high ceiling and elaborate decor of the building make the meal such a treat.

  23. OliviaW

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    The most overrated place ever. Went for afternoon tea which wasn't in the slightest nice. Very underwhelmed expected alot more from a 5* hotel. The reception desk of the great room was thick with dust I actually printed my initial on it. Staff were slow and unattentive and when I asked to take the service charge off the hill they immediately changed from being all smiles to sour faces! Can't tip for no service! Disappointed

  24. DaleW

    Dorset

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Simply excellent

  25. Veealexa

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was our first time visiting, but we had an incredible experience. The food was outstanding, the wine list was extensive and the service was absolutely magnificent. It is a fine dining experience, with prices to reflect but for the experience overall we found that it was absolutely worth it. We would highly recommend.

  26. StevenM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food, great service and atmosphere. Always an occasion to dine here

  27. MauriceN

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our Valentines experience was one out of this world, that being Belfast. Such a magnificent setting and our waiter was expert at making the whole thing brilliant!

  28. PaulG

    London

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    it’s a beautiful place, great location and would have scored it a lot higher if the food was served hot. It’s was cold, meat was ok but all other items on the place were cold. I should have sent it back but that just spoils the experience so just accepted it as it was.

  29. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved everything! The staff, food, environment was spectacular

  30. EimearM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really nice food and great service, would definitely go back!

  31. AdamL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was nothing less than stunning. Both my partner and I thoroughly enjoyed. The staff were brilliant. We would definitely recommend and will return again

  32. AlistairD

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 9, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Amazing space and ornamentation in the diningi room - it really is a Great Room. The menus, service and the food were all top rate, and we had a great all-round lunch experience .

  33. Enigma44

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Great Room at The Merchant was amazing. Food and service outstanding. Great attention to detail. It was my Father's 70th birthday and he was able to get food of his choice which was not on the menu. Added bonus he got a surprise birthday cake. Very pleased overall 🥰

  34. JohnE

    London

    7 reviews

    2.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 3, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience5
    Food order all wrong. Food was Luke warm and bland. Cheese was extremely expensive for 3 small pieces. Disappointing. Deffo not 5 star anymore.

  35. OpenTable Diner

    Hampshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely superb

  36. SamM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Just the best restaurant anywhere I’d say!! Spectacular!!

  37. Mashie

    London

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This stunning restaurant really has to be experienced to be believed… 5 Stars all the way 💥💥💥💥💥

  38. Llama

    Dublin

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tasting menu.. fabulous. Staff were very accommodating in changing items for me . Service exceptional. Definitely be back

  39. Chris

    London

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a lovely Sunday evening meal here with friends and family. Setting and food both wonderful.

  40. Trixie

    N. Ireland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always have an excellent meal at the Great Room Restaurant

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

The Great Room Restaurant is rated 4.8 stars by 595 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 15 times today
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 Daily 12:00 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

  • 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

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