The Allotment

Food was average at best, but it’s BYO and they were happy to accommodate 16 «merry» revellers, fresh from a day at the races!
We’d booked a table to celebrate my girlfriend’s birthday. She just wanted somewhere everyone could refuel before having another charge at it; nothing fancy and The Allotment is certainly not fancy, but it done the job.
The staff were really friendly and happy to help keep us in celebratory mood by constantly topping up our drinks, which we brought with us. Id also a birthday cake delivered, which the brought out with candles and sang happy birthday etc. Some restaurants don’t allow you to bring a cake because it means you’re not ordering their deserts, so that was great!
As for the food, I can’t help but think that their chef has somewhat overestimated their abilities when putting together the menu — it all sounds great but didn’t live up to it’s description.
A few ordered the duck which they said was really poor, a lot ordered steaks, including myself and it seemed no matter how you asked for it, they all came well done! A couple were sent back but to be fair, they didn’t mind and brought of fresh steaks cooked how they were ordered. Aside from all that, they were just standard steaks and for £22 a sirloin I’d have expected better.
Over all, if you’re looking somewhere relaxed that don’t mind you getting hammered, then this is then place for you. If you’re looking good food, go somewhere else!

Having read a 5 star review of The Allotment I had to give it a go — from the exterior it is nothing to write home about. They have a small fenced seating area out the front with two tables ideal for smokers and sun worshipers. The inside is plain — the counter is located at the back of the café but just grab a table and the extremely helpful waiting staff will come and take your order.
On the menu you have a choice of cold lunches like sandwiches, salads and paninis as well as hot food like soup, chips and baked potatoes. I opted for the daily special, which was Lamb Samosas, chips, salad and sweet chili dip. It was priced at £5 so I expected a small portion but I was dead wrong. The plate came out and it was stacked high with Samosas (must have been 12) and they were piping hot. The salad was fresh and juicy and the chips were like chip shop chip — chunky and carby — best soaked in salt and vinegar.
I couldn’t believe the size of the portion for £5 — no wonder this is such a popular spot with local office workers.
The lovely lady working in The Allotment was great — even though I was seated outside she was in and out of the café checking on how I was getting on — often you get forgotten about if you are dining outside but this definitely wasn’t the case here.
I will 100% be back and I would recommend trying it — I read that it’s BYOB so it would also make the perfect place to start off an evening of frivolity.

The Allotment is a favourite of mine. I’ve had a few lunches and dinners in it. Relaxed and friendly staff. Sumptuous fresh food, great vegetarian options and it is BYOB.
Unfortunately it’s almost hidden away in Belfast and you could easily pass it not knowing it is there on Upper Queen’s Street — which is a real shame — as once you discover this little restaurant you’ll love it too. Delectable food.