Molly’s Yard

As promised in my last review of Molly’s Yard I said I’d update when I had another experience. The last time I visited we waited over 45 mins for our food and I’m glad to report that this time we waited maximum 10 minutes for starters and 5 in between courses. I’m not sure what went on last time but it must have just been a blip because my latest visit couldn’t have gone any smoother.
The venue is intimate but we were seated at a table for two away from the other diners which was ideal as we wanted to chat. We were greeted by the charming waiter, who doesn’t watch Simpsons (we made a feel Simpsons references when ordering Chowder), he couldn’t have been more helpful! He told us the soups and specials and then showed us the 5−10−5 menu.
This is the menu we ordered off — I went for the chowder to start. It was delicious. You could really taste the baby potatoes and the seafood offering was more than generous. For main I had the bun-​less burger served on brioche, it was great. the burger was intensely meaty and the ooakwood cheese complimented that taste perfectly.
I hadn’t noticed before but the portions are more than generous — so large in fact that I couldn’t finish my side of chips!
Price wise the 5−10−5 menu is hard to beat and you’ll struggle to find food of that quality for the same price anywhere in the city.
Upgrading to 4 stars! Who knows, maybe when the sun comes out and bathes the courtyard I’ll pay Molly’s another visit!

Finally getting around to writing my review. Molly’s yard has a nice atmosphere, friendly staff and appetising menu with some things you don’t often see like goat! Went along for friends’ birthday celebrations, as the birthday girls were running late and the restaurant was filling up we were warned that service may be a little slow. Apparently a little slow means they just forget eg ordered drinks for the birthday girls and only one got hers, the other drink was requested 3 times before it arrived prompting everyone to start ordering multiple drinks each time. Also several people ordered a side of chips and only one portion appeared for the whole table, after much prompting a 2^nd portion arrived when everyone was halfway through the main with a 3^rd appearing once people had finished eating. In fairness though side dishes were taken off the final bill.
I sampled a few cocktails but was disappointed by the dark & stormy which was too sweet and seemed to be missing angastora bitters.
Food wide everything was tasty just a little heavy handed on the salt, I love salty food but even for me it was a tad too much. Portions aren’t the biggest either and as one member of our party declared «the food is nice and all that but you wouldn’t come here if you were hungry».
I had cockles & muscles for starters which were beautifully cooked and left me wanting more. I tried a bit of my friend’s pork belly which again was beautifully cooked just too salty.
Mains I decided to sample the goat as it’s not something you see too often on a menu, again a bit too salty but the goat was really tasty, nicely cooked and my friend wished she had ordered it too it was that good. Although the curried celeriac purée was just a little smear on the plate, never found the wilted spinach & only 3 pieces of gnocchi on the plate left me wondering where the rest of it was! My friend’s steak was disappointing, cook was just ok but it was so salty she didn’t enjoy it. We didn’t try dessert as there were cupcakes brought in as birthday cake.
Perhaps pure gluttony on my part but my friend & I did share a gravy half & half from her local chinese when we got back to her house that evening
For now I’ll give 3 stars but would be willing to try again perhaps when not so busy to see how they fare given all the great reviews from other people.

Had a lovely meal in Mollys Yard last night with the ladies. Muscles were great (maybe a little over salted) and Chicken & gnocchi so tasty! The service was excellent, speedy, patient for nattering girls on a catch up and very friendly. Thank you!

Some of the best customer service I have ever seen. Mollys yard make you feel very comfortable. It has a lovely homely atmosphere, and reasonably priced menu. The food here is delicious and the menus provide twists on classic dishes. There cocktails are reasonably priced, and also very tasty. All in all a great place for a family dinner.

I’ve been to Molly’s Yard twice now and the food is absolutely amazing!
We went at lunch time between 1pm-​2pm and the food did not arrive until 1:55 which gave us 5mins to shovel the food down us and get back to work for 2pm. The food really was something else but didn’t get to enjoy it. The waitresses were apologetic for the delay when we explained we had to be back in the office for 2pm.
I’m giving Molly’s Yard four stars for this reason. I will definitely be back just not at lunch time.

Service is a little slow (one waitress for the entire upper floor) but the food is very good. Everyone enjoyed their meal — the kid goat got rave reviews from the barbarians in the group who ordered it.
The building in which the restaurant is housed is really unique and has a great courtyard.
We ended up at almost GBP40/​person including starters, mains, dessert, drinks (one glass a piece), coffee, after dinner drinks for a few and the 10% gratuity (added on for groups).

I had a lovely Christmas dinner here last year but I decided not to write a review until I visit on a less festive day and not with a set menu on an extremely busy evening, just to be more objective.
This week I had the chance to go for lunch at Molly’s Yard. The lunch menu was very much to my taste, as usual, I spent a a few minutes hesitating before deciding to go for the smoked salmon pieces with orzo pasta, cream and parmesan. I have to admit, this was the best food choice of my enite time in Belfast so far (less than 2 years haha). The dish was very tasty, perfectly cooked and a generous portion with heavenly flavours.
The only reason for not giving 5 stars is that in my opinion a restaurant simply cannot afford to make guests wait for more than 50 minutes for a lunch — lunch from a limited, basically pre-​set menu (looking around others’ plates, none of the courses required more than 20 – 25 minutes cooking time), with only one more table to serve. Let’s hope they were just shortstaffed that day, it would be a shame to lose any of their reputation because of waiting times as food is really lovely at Molly’s Yard.

I’ve been to Molly’s Yard twice, once for our work Christmas dinner — a fantastic evening with delicious food — and today for lunch, a rather more rushed and less enjoyable experience. We came in just after 1pm and ordered quite quickly, however it was after 1:50pm before our food started arriving. The food was nice (I went for chicken curry with baby potatoes and Mediterranean vegetables), but I pretty much had to swallow it without chewing as we had less than ten minutes to eat the lunch and get back to the office! I would recommend Molly’s Yard, however not when you’re in a rush!

We absolutely loved our meal here. Everything was flawless, including the laid-​back atmosphere that was just lively enough without being too loud. The service was warm and efficient but never overbearing.
The food was fabulous too. We started with the pan-​fried scallops (cooked perfectly) and the grilled asparagus with poached egg. Both dishes were very enjoyable. For mains, we had the pan-​fried cod (which was the fish of the day) and the slow-​cooked goat’s shoulder. The pan-​fried cod was definitely the show-​stopper of the two dishes there. I’m often disappointed with cod being overcooked, but everything about this was one was exquisite — the skin was rendered crisp, and the flesh flaked off in nice silky-​firm, moist chunks.
I’m not a huge dessert person, but whatever you do, do not leave without trying Molly’s Cup — Amaretto, Cointreau, Jameson’s whiskey and whipping cream — it’s the best dessert coffee I’ve ever had!

After reading an article that listed ’18 things to eat in Belfast before you die’, I made a trip with a friend to Molly’s Yard to try their duck with rhubarb.
It was my first visit to the restaurant and it will definitely not be the last. The staff were attentive, friendly and open to any questions we had about the menu.
Service was quick. The food was excellent. Duck cooked perfectly, succulent and tender. The rhubarb, celeriac and pommes annette were a fantastic accompaniment to the duck.
As my friend pointed out, the best part of the service was that after we finished our meal, we were asked if we wanted the bill, or if we just wanted to relax for a while. Something I have never heard before in a restaurant.
Tucked away at the top of the very busy Botanic Avenue, Molly’s Yard offers cosy fine dining in an area that is more known for its array of burgers and burritos.

I’ve enjoyed many a delicious meal in Molly’s Yard, it serves fantastic food. A small restaurant with a warm atmosphere, they also offer a dedicated vegetarian menu which is scrumptious. I attended a Christmas dinner event here and was extremely impressed. I opted for goats cheese mousse starter and a delicious vegetable lasagne main with garlic potatoes and veg. All in the large party I dinned with were impressed by both food and service. The superb cheeseboard in particular being a hit with everyone that night. Molly’s Yard also boasts an extensive wine list and and is a gin drinkers paradise. It’s owned by Hilden Brewery and thus serves a full range of Hilden beers. In fact, I personally think Molly’s Yard is the best restaurant in Belfast and if you like dessert try their heavenly panna cotta or posset. I’ll stop waxing lyrical now — I’m off to book a table!

We came to Molly’s yard based on a friend’s recommendation and we really enjoyed it. Members of our group claimed to have had one of the best burgers ever (they are from the U.S.) and it was nice to try some of the local brews. The staff help to give the place it’s charm — they have a great sense of humor and are very friendly.

There’s something very charming about this little hidden gem in the university quarter. A converted Victorian stable, Molly’s Yard definitely makes for a unique dining experience. As you enter, you’re greeted big a spacious brick courtyard, that I’m sure is perfect for one of those rare sunny summer days. I was here during the winter so got to sit in the cozy, warm bistro area. The menu is quite limited, but the quality of the food was excellent since the ingredients are locally-​sourced and appropriate for the season. I’d recommend the grilled chicken and Fermanagh bacon on pesto toast served with cranberry & apple relish and chunky chips and blue cheese. Left the place satisfied with both the meal and the service!

wow!
Molly’s yard is simply superb! I actually had no idea this was more than just a brewery! If you go through the black gate and up the lane you will discover a hidden gem of a place. They have some tables outside in the courtyard and then more inside, although not loads which makes it intimate as well as traditional and homely.
They offer two menu’s, the Bistro and the Dinner menu. We went during the Bistro menu and I must say. It was great. With delights such as Angus beef burgers, fish, chowder, chicken and Lasagna on offer there’s certainly something for every taste! I went for the Grilled open chicken sandwich on pesto toast with scallion butter and chunky chips and it was great and my partner went for the Irish Angus beef burger with pesto toast, homemade ketchup and chunky chips, as men do, and he said it was really awesome! Although we were stuffed to the gills when the dessert menu was offered we decided to have a look… just in case. However, once I seen they offered Belgian chocolate brownie with Molly’s Chocolate Stout ice cream and chocolate sauce, I decided it would be a sin to not at least attempt it (and then finish it) while the other half went for the Peach and raspberry nutty crumble with rhubarb and custard ice cream, which looked divine! Altogether a fantastic place and I will most certainly be back to sample the dinner menu!

I like this restaurant and bar very much.
I was taken here for a celebratory dinner a while back and really enjoyed it. Molly’s Yard is an unassuming little place just off Botanic.
If you walk down the laneway/​yard you will come to the charming little restaurant. For my meal I was seated downstairs near the front bar. The bar sells a lot of speciality beers including some Belfast ales.
I had soup for a starter and pork for the main. Both were cooked to perfection and really scrumptious.
The staff were really friendly and listed off all the specials and recommendations for the night. They were also only too happy to provide information about the beers and ales on offer.
If you are coming here for the food I would highly recommend it. I would imagine the beer garden would be a hit in the summer time too.

I’m always drawn to all things beer. I like to think I have close to an encyclopaedic knowledge of beer, brewing and all things hop related.
When this little place popped up I was eager to give it a bash, and to be frank it didn’t disappoint.
Molly’s Yard is a bistro/​restaurant which has an attached brewery, although it’s owned by Hilden which as far as I’m aware produce the beers themselves.
It’s a warming, homely place inside. Small, dainty with a handful of tables, wood chairs and a small bar. I had a fantastic, rich, well seasoned ‘open’ burger. It was probably two and half inches thick, probably rump based and of fantastic provenance.
The beer selection is solid, especially for this limited country beer wise… A handful of their own ales on cask, and a spattering of well chosen beers from around the world (Goose Island IPA is worth a punt)

A recommendation from a friend sent myself and partner in search of this restaurant/​brewery. Scurrying through the ominous black gate and down the alleyway we found a pleasant little courtyard and a few tables of drinkers. We’d come for food and drink and different dining experience than the usual eateries round Botanic.
After settling in the cosy, bordering on small, dining area we had a good look at the menu. The selection wasn’t as large as I had expected but they had a few ‘classic’ staples which I was sure wouldn’t disappoint. I was very tempted by the steak but budgetary concerns led me to the chicken breast which was wrapped in ham and came with a delicious mashed potato side. Really excellent and the service was simple and quick.
A bit of a novelty were the in house brewed beers so a sample of that was obligatory after the meal. Two pints of the chocolaty stout later we were outside and as by that stage the courtyard was getting busy we sauntered over to a corner and stood enjoying the heavy ales. Recommended.
Pros: Great produce, quirky atmosphere.
Cons: Dining area is small and quite cramped.

I’m a big fan of this place.
It’s perfect for an intimate night out with your loved one. I always find the food to be lovely. Yeah, it’s not the most exciting menu in the world, but it’s well cooked and everything is totally fresh (and in-​season).
Like other reviews have mentioned, one of the biggest selling points of Molly’s Yard is the beer/​ale (never did know the difference…). They brew a bit on-​site, much of their stuff is brewed elsewhere in Antrim if I’m not mistaken, and they also stock a wide range of rare European beers (I tried the champagne one once — shouldn’t have worked, but it really did!)
There’s a lovely atmosphere in this restaurant. I always prefer to sit downstairs, as it has the feel of sitting in someone’s kitchen. It’s also right on Botanic Avenue, but the building itself sits back from the road a bit. There’s a small courtyard then before the restaurant so even when you step outside the illusion of being in a cottage in the middle of nowhere isn’t instantly broken.
I know there are restaurants that serve better food in Belfast, but to be fair, my brotehr-​in-​law serves better food than a lot of places! The reason Molly’s Yard is so good is that it feels removed from the city and in may ways from modern life, and I love it.

This places main selling point is its location and its cosy, personal and intimate atmosphere but other than that it really isn’t much to write home about in my opinion.
It has a dual purpose as it acts as restaurant and microbrewery which doesn’t really appeal to me but I’m sure other people are going to be much more interested in it than I am. The food on offer is of a high quality but doesn’t really stray from the traditional and that doesn’t really do it for me. There was very little for vegetarians, and not much for a light bite to eat.
The price is also a major sticking point with meals coming it at at least £20 a head which certainly isn’t worth it for what you get.

Hidden down the back of Queen’s University, Molly’s Yard is one of those ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ restaurants.
Inside is a very small but I believe it seems more personal than this huge hundred-​seated restaurants.
The food is traditional good Irish homely food and really gives off the impression you’ve walked into someone’s house for dinner.
The menu does not have an array of foods so do check it before you go as there may not be something for everyone.
The scallops are absolutely amazing, as is the main course of Aberdeen Angus beef, but the highlight is the ale on offer, which is specially brewed for the restaurant. Even if you don’t enjoy ale normally (as I didn’t), you have to try at least one. The drink is better than the food and that is saying something because the food is wonderful.
My major drawback is that if you are on a budget, you probably should avoid this as a dinner for two can be anywhere around the £55 mark.
However if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Belfast and go somewhere which is perfect for a nice relaxing meal, and you don’t mind spending a little extra, Molly’s Yard is perfect for you.