Deane & Decano - Belfast

Booked for our daughter’s dinner celebration. Started badly with a surly welcome from the lady (R) at the front desk. When we asked for a change of table so we could sit at the window (which we had requested and confirmed several weeks prior) she begrudgingly “allowed” us to move. That really set the tone. My wife ordered an Aperol Spritz reiterating that she wanted Soda water. An Aperol Soda arrived. When we flagged that we had ordered an Aperol Spritz, Rebecca told the barman to “just throw a Prosecco in there”. We then overheard her conversation with the barman, very clearly discussing how my wife was “another difficult one” and from that point she didn’t come near us. The atmosphere was tense and unwelcoming to say the least. The rest of the staff were extremely professional courteous, attentive, and friendly and our food was equally good. The squid starter was light and extremely tasty, with a hint of chilli heat. Our main courses (prawn risotto and lamb ragu tortellini) were generous, well seasoned and tasty. The wine (Alvarinho from Portugal) was crisp and well priced. Much as we enjoyed the food, and the service from most of the staff, this is not the first time we’ve had a poor experience with front of house here . And from some of the other people we’ve shared our experience with, they have similar feedback. Take note Rebecca the rest of your staff are showing you how to do it.

My wife and I decided to have a late lunch here on NYE and had booked in advance. We arrived at 4pm and were greeted by Conal who we had previously met in Deanes Queens and he quickly escorted us to our table in his usual welcoming manner. We like the variety when choosing plates so skipped starters and ordered three plates....Roast beetroot goat's cheese salad, aged balsamic....Prawn risotto, shaved fennel gremolata....Crab chilli linguine, spinach tomato. All three were sublime!!! Our chosen sweets were Chocolate truffle, hazelnut crumble creme fraiche....Vanilla panna cotta, cherries ginger snap biscuit. Finished off with coffees, we just loved it all....including the helpful and attentive staff. Cant wait to go back!!!

Last minute booking for early dinner prior to visit to Lyric Theatre. The manager got us sorted out with window table where we were able to watch the buzz on the Lisburn Road. Her recommendations re food and drink were spot on and the courses were delicious … and at a reasonable price given the quality. A yummy experience! Well done guys!! (And the play was great as well).

Whether for lunch or evening meal Deane and Decano must be my favourite restaurant in Belfast. Never fails to deliver with reasonably priced and consistently delicious food and attentive and courteous front of house staff.

Thanks to the team for the fab service and quality food served today. So lucky to have this restaurant close to our home. Thank you all