Amelia Hall: The Return of Mid-Week Dining in Belfast
By Carmen Gray
Parked along the bustling streets of central Belfast, a 1972 Fiat 500 offers a glimpse into one of the city’s newest bars and restaurants – Amelia Hall. The classic Italian car was one of many ways the establishment announced its arrival, and its timeless appeal sets the scene for the bar itself. The high ceilings, exposed wood, and lush potted greenery create a warmth visible both inside the bar and spilling onto the street. This warm ambience is balanced by floor-to-ceiling windows, a sleek black-and-white theme and exposed walls, which add a touch of sophistication with an urban charm. This duality of class and creativity is reflected in the design choices as well- the combination of communal tables, cosy booths, and a central bar enhances the dynamic atmosphere. A charming piece of history was uncovered during the restaurant’s construction; a time capsule containing newspapers from 1923, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of Belfast. While Amelia Hall is just one of Belfast’s newest establishments, it sits on the foundation of its history.
This blend of vintage charm and modernity makes Amelia Hall stand out before you even step inside.
As a party of two on a Wednesday night, we were pleasantly surprised to walk into a moderate midweek buzz. The restaurant was lively but quiet enough for a relaxed chat over drinks. We were seated immediately as we walked in, with menus ready and waiting. There was a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. As the designated driver, I went for a San Pellegrino orange, and the waitress made sure it looked as up to par as the other cocktails at the table. The service itself throughout the night was impressive: we had the same attentive waitress throughout our meal, drinks came within ten minutes and our food at the same time. Our waitress chatted away to us and we were truly made to feel comfortable.
Moving on to dinner, the Italian-inspired menu offered a refined selection of à la carte dishes and woodfired pizza. Although tempted by the showcased pizza oven, we decided to go for the less-reviewed pasta – and it didn’t disappoint. The short rib ragu was a standout- a large portion of tender, flavourful meat served in a mild tomato sauce over al dente tagliatelle. As a side dish, we got the freshly fried squash and sage arancini with a rich, velvety cacio e pepe sauce. The mix of Italian flavourings in the arancini felt creative yet simple. The mains surprised us with their quality, particularly as the pizza serves as a focal point and it would be easy to fall short on the other dishes.
We couldn’t resist dessert and went with the tiramisu on the recommendation of our waitress. The recommendation proved useful, as it was one of the most delectable tiramisu dishes i’ve had in Belfast – light yet flavourful, and very generous on the powdered chocolate. Given the focus on the bar and pizza aspect, we were truly surprised at the quality of the food across the menu, making the price seem all the more impressive. The pricing itself was pretty much on par with similar restaurants in Belfast, but honestly, the atmosphere and decor could have justified a higher price. I wouldn’t call it ‘cheap,’ but you’d easily pay the same or more at a restaurant with weaker service and lower-quality food. Overall, I struggled to find something to criticise about Amelia Hall. It is possible that in times of greater demand waiting times prove longer, or service struggles- but this was not reflected in our experience.
Amelia Hall is a true reflection of the changing landscape of Belfast’s dining scene. It seems to me that the restaurant
embodies the transformation of Belfast’s food culture where high-quality, affordable dining options are breathing new life into the city.
Once known for its more traditional, weekend dining scene, the rise of stylish yet accessible restaurants has encouraged people to venture out for dinner on a casual Wednesday just as much as a Saturday night. Amelia Hall plays a key role in this shift, offering a warm and welcoming space that perfectly balances modern flair with a nod to the past. It’s an exciting addition to Belfast’s changing culinary scene.
