The Cloth Ear is an inviting restaurant situated in The Merchant Hotel in Belfast. It features a cozy atmosphere with a design that reflects the rich history of the city. Specializing in traditional Irish dishes, the menu showcases locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing authentic flavors and regional specialties. Guests can enjoy a selection of hearty meals and a fine array of beverages, including local beers and spirits. The restaurant also boasts a warm and friendly service, making it a perfect spot for both casual dining and special occasions.
What each source says
- Google 4.3 1,623
- Tripadvisor 4.0 1,037
- Open Table 4.5 777
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Convenient Location Situated in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, The Cloth Ear is in a prime location for both lunch and dinner. It's easy to find and a great starting point to the rest of the city.
- Cozy and Atmospheric Ambiance The restaurant boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere with comfortable seating and tasteful decor. Its often described as cozy, trendy and a great place to relax and enjoy a meal.
- Delicious Food Quality The Cloth Ear offers consistently high-quality food, with particular praise for dishes like the beef and ale pie, fish and chips, and chicken curry. Many reviewers have found the food to be delicious and well-prepared.
- Excellent and Attentive Service Many reviewers highlight the friendly and efficient service, with staff often going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Servers like Richard, Lesley, Adam, Oran and Daniel receive frequent positive mentions.
- Great Selection of Cocktails The Cloth Ear is known for its extensive drink menu, including delicious cocktails, especially the espresso martini and french martini. There is also a wide range of other alcoholic beverages, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Criticised
- Inconsistent Service Speeds While many reviewers praise the attentiveness of the staff, some have reported slow service, especially during busy periods. Delays in ordering, drink delivery, and food arrival have been noted.
- Menu Limitations The menu may not offer a vast selection of items, which could be restrictive for some diners. Some reviewers note that certain items, like the lamb, did not meet expectations.
- Noise Levels The Cloth Ear can get quite loud, especially when busy, which may not be ideal for those seeking a quiet dining experience. Certain seating areas may mitigate this, but it remains a concern.
- Occasional Food Quality Issues While generally praised, some reviewers have reported issues with food quality, such as overcooked fries, charred burgers, or dry chicken. These instances suggest a lack of consistency in the kitchen.
- Pricey Menu Items Several reviewers mention that certain dishes and drinks are a bit expensive, particularly the wine and some entrees. Some feel the portion sizes do not justify the price.
The longer read
The Cloth Ear is generally well-regarded, particularly for its atmosphere and service. Many reviewers describe it as cozy, comfortable, and atmospheric, with a trendy vibe and interesting decor, including old pictures and clothing. Its location in the Cathedral Quarter makes it a convenient spot for lunch or dinner. Multiple reviewers have commended the attentiveness and friendliness of the staff, with Richard being mentioned by name in many reviews as providing exceptional service. However, some reviewers mentioned slow service or understaffing issues.
The food receives mixed reviews. Some dishes, like the beef and ale pie, fish and chips, and seafood chowder, are frequently praised as delicious and well-prepared. The chicken curry is a popular dish, though some found it overly sweet or with inconsistent portion sizes. A few reviewers found the food to be pricey for what they received, and others reported that some menu items were unavailable. Some reviewers found the food to be outstanding, while others were disappointed, particularly given the restaurant's connection to The Merchant Hotel.
The drinks menu offers a wide selection, including cocktails, with the French Martini and Pornstar Martini receiving positive mentions. However, some reviewers found the drinks to be overpriced, and one mentioned the lack of olives for making a martini. The bar area is noted as a pleasant place to sit. Though some reviews reported that the restaurant can get very busy and noisy, sitting towards the back of the restaurant will help mitigate this. A number of reviewers indicated that they would visit again. Several reviewers mentioned that the restaurant is accommodating to those with dietary restrictions such as coeliac.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- 028 9026 2719
- Website
- themerchanthotel.com/the-cloth-ear
| Mon | 12:00 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 0:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 1:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 1:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.3 against a median of 4.3 across the 11 places to eat we hold for Cathedral Quarter, where the most-reviewed is Duke of York.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What kind of atmosphere and dining vibe can I expect at The Cloth Ear in Belfast?
- What are some of the most popular menu items or specialties at The Cloth Ear?
- Does The Cloth Ear offer options for vegetarians, vegans, or other dietary restrictions?
- When is the best time to visit The Cloth Ear for a less crowded or more lively experience?
- Are there any notable attractions or things to do near The Cloth Ear in Belfast?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.