Aldens, Belfast

Think some of these reviews are unfair and would suggest trying Aldens and keeping an open mind. I have been here when steak tartar was ordered and then complained about as it "wasn't cooked properly" and as far as veggie options are concerned there is usually a good choice and have been with friends when dishes have been adapted to suit. The summer menu was great value and Xmas menu seem to be priced accordingly for these tough economic times. Yes the wine list can appear pricey but house wines are fair for quality offered . Staff are excellent , friendly yet professional and seem to enjoy working there and so stay for several years. All in all east Belfast is a better place for Aldens being there.

First time in since it has been remodelled. Agree that standard of service has slipped, but still better than some other places. Main concern is that the food has become quite boring and uninteresting. Starter - scallops - one small one and two split in two with various leaves and a few small slices of bland parma ham Scallops were warm but not hot. Main - Duck fairly routine but again lacking taste and again only warm not hot. Avoid the side of Spinach and parmesan salad - it was covered in a sickly sweet balsamic type dressing and the parmesan was the "cheap" variety, soft rubbery strips thinly sliced from some bargain basement block.. not the original flavoursome crumbley parmiaggiano one would expect. Overall impression is that they are skimpy on the quality of their ingredients and it shows - will be in no rush back

the staff at Aldens didnt speak english or understand orders,the manager well i think it was the manager spoke to no-one, the revamped premises was banal, decorated with cheap pictures of gasoline pumps u figure, the wine list was expensive for what it was , limited, starter fine , not offered salt or pepper or would i like anything else, actually nobody came near us .plate just lifted and mains brought to quickly for my liking , obviously mircowaved, still no-one offered us anything not even water.it is certainly the worst restaurant experience that i have every encountered,would not recommend to my worst emeny,one.

Have been a loyal customer of Aldens since it opened, having spent many memorable enjoyable evenings and special occasions in the restaurant. Unfortunately we have noticed the service deteriorating. The service has lost its polish and style and the it deteriorates rapidly after the main course is served. I have written to the Manager and Owner twice, trying to get a response to a complaint and they have totally ignored the letters. A telephone call to the Manager got a response of indifference. There seems to be no recognition for loyal customers. I will not be back.

Exceptional restaurant. My family dines at Aldens frequently throughout the year and we have always had a fantastic experience.

Regarding the previous comment mentioning the chef "verbally abusing them," I believe I was actually there that evening sitting at the table beside, and it was not the chef who was at fault. It is difficult to stay polite and under control when being badgered by people who don't know what they are talking about.

Vegetarian options consisted of 1 single main course, 4 items on plate all different temperatures.

No imagination in food, and poorly cooked.

Service poor, in fact with only 3 tables in - we had to call over waiter to order after a long wait.

Pretentious, stuffy, poor food. The wine tasted of Windowlene..despite a differing description on the menu.

Food at Aldens in Belfast is reasonable priced, just watch the booze, but a very good wine list!

A disagreeable meal made even more disagreeable by the cook when she presented herself at our table and proceeded to verbally abuse us. Since then I have also heard of friends who have had a similar experience. I did write to the manager 3 weeks ago and I'm still waiting for a reply.