Superb combinations in the heart of Belfast This was our first visit to Novelli at the new AC Marriott hotel in Belfast and it won't be our last. Hotel restaurants can be hit or miss; Novelli has created a hit with superb... Read more flavours in contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. I'm sure the man himself isn't in the kitchen that often (although he had been there the week before our visit according to our helpful and polite waitress Stefania) but the chefs cooked each dish to perfection. We ate from the Prix Fixe menu ( two courses for £18 is good value, £24 for three) and generally followed the signature dishes. I did depart from the recommended onion soup to try the gnocchi and this was delicious- clearly made from scatch and stuffed with spinach, chilli and crab. The free-range organic ( I asked) chicken from the rotisserie is perfect; it would have benefitted from some sauce on the side but I can live with that. My colleague raved about the monkfish. The desserts were the highlight; Tarte tatin came straight from the Loire Valley and Tart au Citron was set off perfectly with raspberry sorbet. Wine was well priced for this standard of food in Belfast and coffee was hot and strong. The fantastic weather made the room look fabulous and added to a very enjoyable occasion. My only concern is that the place should have been packed; it was about two-thirds full on a Thursday night but quality food at this price is a rare find. Read less

  1st time visitors We finally got the chance for our first visit to Novelli at City Quays on a lovely Belfast afternoon.

We had a meeting in the nearby Cathedral Quarter and decided to try out the latest hotel... Read more in the Belfast area.

Very pleasant greeting from the staff on entry and shown to a table with lovely views over the lagan river and onwards to Titanic Belfast.

We both chose from the Prix Fixe menu and i have to say the Monkfish was perfectly cooked and accompanied by spinach/chickpeas/saffron rice, lovely combination. My colleague had the Rotisserie Chicken and past comment on how succulent the meal was.

We both had the Novelli Baked Tarte Tatin to finish, wasn't disappointed!!

The staff were very attentive but not "in your face". We had a couple of drinks outside afterwards and will definitely be back again soon. Read less

  Hidden Gem I took my mum out for her birthday here to show her the improvements in the Belfast Quay area. This hotel and restaurant have only been open a couple of weeks but the decor, food... Read more and staff were all superb (especially our knowledgeable waitress Stefania). The view of the Titanic Centre from our table was beautiful.

We were rather fortunate to have visited the restaurant when Jean-Christophe Novelli was there. He was exceptionally warm and welcoming and even decorated a birthday plate for my mum who was equally chuffed and surprised. Read less

  2 night break Stayed for two nights in the hotel, very welcoming and friendly service.

A special thank you to billy in the novelli who went that extra mile for us.

Lovely location, will definitely be back again soon.

  Lovely birthday dinner celebration This was our second visit in six months.

We were three couples with the ladies all celebrating February birthdays.

Table booked for 7pm and I had mentioned the birthdays on the online booking.

We booked for the 321... Read more offer - three courses and a bottle of wine for two people £50.

We arrived and seated with menus promptly.

Stefania was our waitress and she was really excellent.

Explained the different courses and took our orders, always with a smile.

The food was fabulous - first courses included French onion soup, corn dale chorizo, and mushroom ravioli.

Our mains included chicken (signature dish), tuna nicoise, and flat iron steaks (no extra supplements).

Desserts included tarte tatin (signature dish), limoncello posset - all excellent.

The house wines were blends and really good.

And all for £55 per couple including 10% service.

The restaurant was busy but we weren’t rushed at all.

Beautiful views of Belfast at night from the glass walls.

Highly recommended - we will be back again. Read less

  excellent breakfast and lunch with the best waiter. very accommodating service, warm and welcome. coffee top us without even having to ask. top class service from Billy the waiter. such a friendly guy and top class at his job! also beautiful scenery at... Read more the dinning area over looking the Lagan and SSE arena. Read less

  Sunday Dining I had read reviews in the media and decided to book a table for Sunday afternoon dinner. Myself and partner were warmly greeted and shown to our table which had a river view which we... Read more found relaxing. The menu was varied and it took a while to decide what we were going to eat. Food was delicious and well presented! Full marks to chefs and kitchen staff! We were not disappointed. Waiting staff were attentive and friendly. Would definitely recommend and will be back! Read less

  Billy the charmer Absolutely loved our breakfast at Novelli. Lovely fresh fruit, yoghurts, breads and cooked breakfast. Billy the waiter however was the star of the show and made our experience very special. He was very attentive and... Read more treated us like royalty. He even offered to take a photo of us beside the Christmas tree. We will definitely be booking in for an overnight stay next time. Thank you all staff and billy. Read less

  Great Restaurant/Great Hotel I have had the good fortune to stay at the AC Hotel (Marriott) twice now for business since it opened in opened in April and thus dine at Novelli at City Quays. I visited once... Read more in early May and a second time the second week of July. Throughout both stays, it has been a pleasure and a true comfort to enjoy visiting Novelli.

Originally, I picked the AC Hotel because it is close to our Belfast office, and they keep American hours so we don't have a lot of choices most weeknights to go hunt for food, but I was pleasantly surprised by their delicious menu and even more friendly staff that it made my dining experience something to look forward to after a long day at the office.

The food at Novelli is Mediterranean inspired, but it has some staples like Fish and Chips or just a good steak if that's all you want . On my last visit, I really enjoy their Tapas offerings which were a real treat. They also just make a great burger with a bit of a french twist. I also can't forget to mention their excellent breakfast offerings. They have a nice breakfast buffet with your full Irish breakfast offerings and fresh fruits, yogurt and meats. It would also seem standard, but all of the food is a cut above your standard hotel breakfast. The staff will also make you eggs to your liking and a coffee. Also, I should mention, even if you're not in the mood to eat here, Novelli is a great spot for drinks. I can't think of a better place in Belfast to sit on the terrace and enjoy some drinks with friends.

While I found the staff to all be kind and courteous, I have to give a special shoutout to the Front of House at breakfast. I sadly misplaced his this review, but he was so friendly every morning it just started the day off right. And, I have to give a shoutout to a waitress Stefania for being so friendly and an all around great server. She never failed to have a smile on her face and didn't laugh at my ignorant American ways even when I would mispronounce all of the French items on the menu. She is great and deserves some kind of recognition.

I am not sure when/if my travels will take me back to Belfast, but if I have another chance I will happily dine here again. Read less