James St

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2,468 reviews

#51 of 943 Restaurants in Belfast$$$$, Steakhouse, Irish, Vegetarian friendly

+44 28 9560 0700+ Add website

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Hours

Sun

1:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Mon

5:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Wed

5:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Thu

5:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Fri

1:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Sat

1:00 PM - 9:30 PM

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MICHELIN

What is Travelers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

2,468 reviews

#51 of 943 Restaurants in Belfast

Travelers' Choice 2024

MICHELIN

View more on MICHELIN Guide

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Local cuisine, Steakhouse, Irish, European, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options

“For a main I had a monkfish in a sauce that was again perfectly balanced.”

“We had squid to start and crab pasta, one of my favourite starters I've ever...”

“Two of us added lobster tails which were delicious.”

Special occasions, Romantic, Large groups, Business meetings

“Visit for a business meal and I would highly recommend.”

Location and contact

Shields House 19-21 James Street South, Belfast BT2 7GA Northern Ireland

Golden Mile

+44 28 9560 0700

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MICHELIN Guide's Point of View

A cheery team help add to the vibrant buzz at this long-standing modern bistro. It’s a simple place, with exposed brick walls, a high ceiling and wareh...

Read more on MICHELIN Guide

Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?

Yes

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Details

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About

James St is a casual and contemporary, brick-walled restaurant specialising in chargrilled and aged steaks. The charcoal grill still plays centre stage, cooking not just some of the best steaks and prime cuts Northern Ireland has to offer but also fresh whole fish, pork and vegetables. With a larger, more established bar area, a large range of wines are available alongside a considered spirit list and an extensive whisky offering. Locally produced beer, cider and gins take pride of place on the drinks menu. Owned by Niall McKenna since 2003 the revamped James St. will offer locals and tourists a great dining experience in a Belfast city centre. The restaurant team is headed up by Paul Vaughan as Operations Manager, Darrell O'Hanlon as Restaurant manager and Ryan Stringer as Executive Head Chef.

PRICE RANGE

$21.00 – $92.00

CUISINES

Steakhouse, Irish, European

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Drinks

FEATURES

Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available

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4.5

2,468 reviews

Excellent

1,515

Very good

505

Average

260

Poor

134

Terrible

mpaul_goodall

Newtownabbey70 contributions

Expensive but worth it.

Jan 2020 • none

If you want to spoil yourself, or treat yourself to a little refined Dining, then the affluent ambience (upmarket term for Craic) of James Street is worth a visit. With nouvelle cuisine sized food portions, you might think you'll need a Kebab on the way home, but no, the portions are more than adequate and although choice is limited, what is available is very pleasing to the palate! Relaxed table staff create an almost casual atmosphere, which adds to enjoyment. No affectation: affable best describes the Restaurant Staff.

Written January 31, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Harry Bennett

3 contributions

Expensive but worth it!

Nov 2019 • couples

Visited here back in November and have to say the food was phenomenal. Don't be put off with the prices which are very expensive compared to other spots in the heart of the city because I thought it was worth the price. The crab linguine was brilliant compliments to the chef

Written January 8, 2020

DJESloan

10 contributions

Classy Restaurant

Dec 2019 • none

I booked this place on the recommendation of a friend and was not disappointed - Customer Service was excellant and the food quality and presentation was fantasic. We had a really enjoyable evening and would most definately go back again. Not overally expensive but maybe more of a special night out

Written January 21, 2020

Patricia O'H

1 contribution

Sunday Lunch 8th March 2020

Mar 2020 • none

Three of us (ladies) arrived for lunch which was booked for 3.00 yesterday. I was early, about 2.50, but as I knew that one of my companions had mobility issues I waited outside for two or three minutes until she arrived and parked her car right outside. (She has a parking permit) By the time the three of us were seated it was a few minutes after 3. Menus were brought promptly enough and we perused them and ordered from the Sunday lunch option, starters and roast beef. Several minutes later the waitress returned to say the roast beef was finished. Tried to order steak from the brunch menu but again after a pause waitress returned to say that the chef 'would not have time'. So we had to order yet again. The service was very slow, I did not time it precisely, but it was far longer than one normally waits for a basic straightforward dish. The chef obviously took plenty of time. I can only speak for myself but my burger had obviously been sitting for some time before it was brought to my table as it and the accompanying fries were very much on the cool side. This was supposed to be a birthday treat for two of us who have the same 8th March 8th birthday. Mainly for this reason I did not want to cause embarrassment to the person who was paying so no complaint was made. But it was far from a pleasant dining experience. I would also mention that something is wrong with the acoustics as it is very noisy. Nothing wrong with the front of house staff who were pleasant and helpful but no amount of smiling attentive waiting and reception staff will compensate for inefficient staff in the kitchen. I would ever return to this restaurant and I would never recommend it to anyone.

Written March 9, 2020

Michael C

Belfast24 contributions

Started so well......

Feb 2020 • couples

Started well, had a waiter that was great banter and service was good, that’s unfortunately where the good part ended, we had to ask for table water on 3 occasions after which eventually we got our mains served. We ordered a Chateaubriand sharing steak which came out barley warm (apart from that it was cooked perfectly) no one asked us how our meal was so we were unable to comment to anyone. After we finished our main course the waiter collected our plates and asked did we want to see the desert menu, we declined and that the last we seen a member of staff, no tea/coffee, no after dinner drinks ...... nothing. We eventually gave up waiting for a waiter to return so we got up to ask for the bill and the guy behind the desk asked was everything ok, I said yea all was great at the start and he chose to ignore the comment, we paid and left. We planned a couple of after dinner cocktails but just gave up and went to another bar. I would expect this from a lesser establishment but when paying over £100 for a main course and a couple of drinks we really expected a little better.

Written February 8, 2020

Florence

6 contributions

Disappointing and over priced

Aug 2020 • couples

We were recommended to eat here during our visit staying in Belfast. We both ordered the fillet steak which came with blood running out from it (obviously hasn’t been rested for long enough) I needed up sending mine back....the steak came with chips which were greasy (like the oil needed to be changed in the fryer) There was nothing else on the plate not a leaf of salad or onion ring... The bill came to £100 total waste of money and to top it off the waiters didn’t even ask if everything was ok or enjoyable. Definitely wouldn’t return or recommend.

Written August 7, 2020

BigJohnDeere

Coleraine485 contributions

Starter amazing, main disappointing, cheese ok.

Jun 2021 • couples

Ok, the Scallop starter was truly amazing, cooked to perfection and the oil it was cooked in was outstanding. However I had to ask for some bread to mop up the delicious juices. Perhaps that should have been on the plate as otherwise it was going down the drain and that would have been such a shame. Main, sirloin steak, was underwhelming. I asked for it blue or rare as that’s how I eat good steak. It arrived medium to well done. Not wanting to make a fuss or indeed get out of sync with my dining companion having her dinner I eat it. The steak was full of gristle, which could clearly be seen on the plate. Why did the chef proceed to cook and serve it. These are issues you’d possibly overlook in a cafe, but in a high end, top dollar restaurant they should just not happen. We opted for cheese to finish off. The server had no idea what the three cheeses were on the plate we were given. Again that’s an absolute basic in waiting tables to know about what your giving your customers. At £130+ for two dinners with a bottle of wine, I rightfully would expect to receive a lot better than I got. The ambience was like a school dinner hall as a group of men who had obviously split into two tables shouted all through our meal. I understand it’s not easy to solve that issue, but it was only part of why I wouldn’t recommend James St. or indeed want to return.

Written July 2, 2021

Alma O

22 contributions

Great Food

Jan 2020 • couples

My friend and I ate at James’ St over the new year. Very impressed with the menu, catering for all tastes. My friend had the soup butternut squash and sage, full of flavor. He had pheasant for the mains, at first it was overcooked, however the waiter was very pleasant and efficient with the complaint and returned with a wonderfully cooked replacement, medium rare and very moist. All faith restored. I had the baked celeriac to start which was delightful. We ended the meal with the baked Alaska, which was truly wonderful, as good as me ma’s. Will definitely visit again

Written January 5, 2020

Newryoneisback

Newry3252 contributions

Great food, service and ambiance

May 2021 • couples

Ah goodbye to lockdown and do stay away - enough already. It’s wonderful to get back to darn good food, great service and a pleasant ambiance, and that’s why we set our sights here. We were welcomed on arrival and served by the delightful Phillippa. She served us very well indeed. Our next nearest diners were several feet away, most wore face coverings as they moved around the restaurant and there was ample hand sanitizer available. I had the langoustines to start (£11.5 + 10% service) followed by a main of crab & chilli linguine (£17.65 including 10%). My main wasn’t on the main choices but as a starter that I opted to be main. My crab main was simply delicious, it was fishy, creamy, with perfectly cooked pasta and a good portion. The chilli was hard to detect but it didn’t bother me at all. I could eat this dish every day. My starter fish was a bit over cooked, and the langoustines weren’t as plump as I prefer, but I’m not to precious as long as they weren’t cooked to yeuch. My wife opted for the two course Sunday lunch (£23.65 including 10% for two courses) with a large white wine (£10.5 + 10%) and chose the spatchcock chicken main with Eton mess dessert. I think it had hispi cabbage and roasted carrot, along with tasty mash and a roast style potato. Although it came with gravy, she instead opted for an excellent pepper sauce. The cabbage was maybe blowtorched or pan fried, either way it looked lovely and enhanced the great flavour. She isn’t that fond of fish and was pleased with her choice. The only downside (not really a downside) was the blunt knife; when serving spatchcock provide a steak knife. Had I opted for the set lunch here I’d have had the roast beef, but with fish this good there’s about no chance of me choosing beef. We ended with a cappuccino and a flat white, both were bloody good too. (£3.3 incl 10%). Total £78.

Written June 6, 2021

Daytripper24182

Belfast660 contributions

Midweek dinner

Feb 2020 • family

This is the place to take people to impress them... Crab on toast to start with brown crab mayonnaise. Beautifully cooked halibut with beautifully cooked scallops; more often than not in restaurants a fish/scallop pairing results in one coming out undercooked. The affogato dessert with crisp light biscotti demonstrated perfection is consistent here. Service is always good. Paul, Alex and everyone else have nothing to learn. Always reassuring to spot Niall McKenna occasionally greeting friends & thanking customers in his chef whites. He hasn’t become an award winning chef & founded an award winning restaurant & cookery school by chance.

Written February 27, 2020

BRR25

Edwards16 contributions

Great place for steak and whiskey!

Jan 2020 • none

Had a team dinner here and it was wonderful. Met at the bar prior and the bartender was a whiskey aficionado who guided us through several selections of fine local Irish whiskey - always a pleasure! Then when the full group arrived we had a wonderful steak dinner. There was a 45 day salt-aged ribeye that was a group favorite. The soup of the day was parsnip and very good. Desserts were shared and all very tasty and worth the calories!

Written January 26, 2020

Pringle

Dungannon6 contributions

Not good at all. Steak came

Jan 2020 • none

Not good at all. Steak came medium-well when I asked for medium-rare and let’s just say it looked lonely on the plate. A few chips and that was it. My partner got the breast of chicken that was covered in salt and and not nice at all. Very poor and better options in Belfast

Written January 26, 2020

Winnie

Belfast49 contributions

Embarrassing gluten free options

Sep 2020 • friends

Normally I am a huge fan of this restaurant however recently I visited with friends and was sorely disappointed in the gluten free options available. In previous visits here substituting items on the meal was no issue, in particular gluten free bread however on this occasion I was told “there’s no gluten free bread or carb alternative today”. Which meant removing items from a meal and still paying the same price. Due to lack of options and substitutions I was unable to order a starter which meant waiting on everybody else at my table finishing theirs and I was very hungry. Anybody who has been to James street will know it’s not cheap. No gluten free pepper sauce either for the beautiful steaks which are offered. I cannot fault the food quality. However very disappointed in the lack of options and substitutions. Also a lot of flies in the restaurant which was annoying. I appreciate most places are offering a reduced menu in current times however dietary needs and allergies have not gone away. For a high end restaurant I found this very disappointing. I do not feel I would return due to this as there are other equally as good restaurants in Belfast where none of the above is an issue.

Written September 6, 2020

Bernarda M

11 contributions

Excellent in every way.

Feb 2020 • none

I have had lunch several times in James St South and it is amazing! my favourite Belfast restaurant for lunch. I always book in advance as it is popular.The food, the location (City Centre) the helpful staff, the beautiful restaurant itself, never disappoint. The restaurant has two areas, a less busy area adjacent to the bar and a busier area. I like the quieter area. On my last visit on 21st Feb, the dessert arrived with a candle as I happened to mention that it was the birthday of the person with me. If you don't go you will never know what you are missing.

Written February 24, 2020

williamcampbell35

Cookstown2 contributions

Pre theatre lunch.

Feb 2022 • none

After reading reviews my husband and myself booked a table expecting to avail of the Sunday lunch 2 course roast beef dinner.We ordered our drinks and then went to order the roast beef dinner to be told is was now unavailable and we would have to order of the main menu which is very limited and if I had known we couldn’t have had the roast lunch would have went elsewhere.My main complaint is more diners arrived and i was shocked and surprised to see them having the roast lunch. I brought this to the attention of the staff and was told they had only ordered 2 beef roasts and the second one was tuff ,but still two other customers were having the set roast to say we were disappointed would be an understatement and I most definitely would not recommend this restaurant without asking prior to arrival what they were actually serving on the day.That said we won’t be returning as a nice treat was spoiled.

Written February 21, 2022

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