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Bank Square Brasserie

French bistro elegance meets Northern Irish ingredients in Belfast's most welcoming modern European brasserie.

4.6

Bank Square Brasserie is a modern European brasserie located in central Belfast, celebrated for its creative dishes prepared with local produce and exceptional service. The restaurant features a cozy, stylish atmosphere with vintage chandeliers and brick-lined columns, offering an impressive selection of vegetarian and vegan options alongside standout dishes like the bone marrow burger and pan-fried coley. With a lunch deal at £12 and a welcoming, attentive staff, it has become one of Belfast's most popular dining destinations.

A brief summary to Bank Square Brasserie

  • 56-58 Berry St, Belfast, BT1 1FJ, GB
  • +442890333331
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 12 pm-9 pm
  • Tuesday 12 pm-9 pm
  • Wednesday 12 pm-9 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-9 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-10 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-10 pm

Local tips

  • Book in advance, especially for weekends and evenings. The restaurant is consistently popular and tables fill quickly. Advance reservations ensure you secure a table rather than facing a wait.
  • Try the bone marrow burger—it's the signature dish that has become iconic among diners. The unique ingredient elevates it far beyond a standard burger experience.
  • Don't overlook the vegetarian and vegan menu. The options are genuinely creative and rival meat-based dishes in quality and flavor, making them excellent choices regardless of dietary preference.
  • Visit during lunch hours (Monday to Friday, 12–4 pm) for the £12 lunch deal, which offers outstanding value on quality dishes like burgers, fish, and salads.
  • Inform staff of any allergies or dietary restrictions when ordering. The team is accommodating and knowledgeable about menu modifications and ingredient sourcing.
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Discover more about Bank Square Brasserie

A Modern European Haven in Belfast's Heart

Bank Square Brasserie occupies a prime location on Berry Street in central Belfast, establishing itself as a sophisticated yet approachable dining destination. The restaurant blends French bistro elegance with contemporary European sensibilities, creating a space where casual comfort meets culinary ambition. Its position near the Cathedral Quarter makes it easily accessible to visitors exploring the city centre, and the venue has earned recognition as one of Belfast's most celebrated eateries through consistent excellence in food and service.

The Art of Local Ingredient Storytelling

The kitchen demonstrates a genuine passion for celebrating Northern Irish produce, translating local ingredients into thoughtfully composed dishes that respect both tradition and innovation. The menu rotates seasonally, ensuring freshness and variety, while maintaining signature items that have become beloved by regulars. Standout creations include the bone marrow burger—a distinctive take on a classic that has become iconic—alongside refined preparations such as pan-fried coley with creamy mash, cavolo nero, and caper beurre noisette. The restaurant's commitment to vegetarian and vegan cuisine is particularly noteworthy, offering a separate menu with options that rival the meat-based selections in creativity and execution.

Atmosphere and Design Character

The interior strikes a balance between polished sophistication and relaxed conviviality. Vintage chandeliers cast warm light across brick-lined columns, while the overall aesthetic evokes a post-industrial-chic sensibility that feels neither pretentious nor overly casual. The ambiance adapts gracefully to different occasions—intimate enough for couples celebrating anniversaries, yet lively enough for groups of friends enjoying a leisurely lunch. The cozy, welcoming environment has been consistently praised as one of the restaurant's defining qualities, with many diners describing it as a hidden gem that exceeds expectations upon arrival.

Culinary Excellence and Attention to Detail

The kitchen's technical proficiency is evident in every plate. Proteins are cooked with precision—duck arrives perfectly tender, lamb rump is expertly seasoned, and fish is handled with delicate care. Accompaniments are never afterthoughts; vegetables and starches are thoughtfully portioned and flavored to complement rather than overwhelm. Starters showcase range and ambition, from baked camembert with thyme and honey to smoked mackerel with golden beetroot and apple. The cocktail program deserves equal mention, with house creations like the BelFashioned—made with McConnell's Sherry Cask whiskey and whiskey marmalade—demonstrating bartending skill and creativity.

Service Philosophy and Hospitality

The staff embody genuine hospitality rather than performative service. Waiters demonstrate extensive menu knowledge, offer thoughtful recommendations, and possess the judgment to anticipate needs without hovering. The team shows particular attentiveness to families with children and guests with dietary requirements, treating special requests and allergies with care and professionalism. Service pacing is calibrated to allow diners to linger without feeling rushed, yet tables are never left with empty glasses or cleared plates sitting in front of them. This balance—attentive but not intrusive—has become a hallmark of the experience.

Value and Accessibility

Despite its reputation and quality, Bank Square Brasserie remains reasonably priced for the caliber of food and service offered. The lunch menu provides exceptional value, with a £12 deal featuring items like the classic smash burger, salt and chilli fritto misto, and haddock goujons. Evening dining, while more expensive, remains competitive for the city centre. Wine selections are reasonably priced, and the cocktail program offers quality without excessive markups. This commitment to accessibility has contributed significantly to the restaurant's popularity and loyal following.

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