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Hours
Sun
13:00 - 19:30
Tue
12:00 - 14:3017:00 - 21:00
Wed
12:00 - 14:3017:00 - 21:00
Thu
12:00 - 14:3017:00 - 21:00
Fri
12:00 - 14:3017:00 - 21:30
Sat
12:00 - 14:3017:00 - 21:30
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
£5.00 – £24.00
CUISINES
Irish, European, Healthy
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Is this restaurant good for breakfast?
Details
About
Holohan's is a family owned restaurant situated on University Road, just a stones throw from the Queens University. Holohan's Pantry is located in an old listed building oozing charm and ambience, a mixture of old style surroundings in a bright and welcoming setting. The Pantry offers a unique dining experience, based around great local produce and warm, genuine Irish hospitality. Using classic recipes, updated with modern cooking techniques and some of the best local ingredients, the chefs at Holohans produce food that is both nostalgic and contemporary. There is also a real focus on locally sourced craft beer, ale and cider, and a great selection of some unusual Irish whiskey's. As a family Holohans have valued their gift for hospitality through three generations, the current owners grandmother, Sabina Holohan, encouraged the family to always welcome guests "as if it were visiting your home".
PRICE RANGE
£5.00 – £24.00
CUISINES
Irish, European, Healthy
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music
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5.0
1,475 reviews
Excellent
1,258
Very good
150
Average
46
Poor
13
Terrible
8
MartaG
Belfast110 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
Having been to the Barge before, I expected amazing food but the whole evening was fantastic.
Upon arriving the waiter went in to a detailed review of the gluten free items on the menu, ensuring me gluten free flour was used where possible in the kitchen and putting my mind at ease for any cross-contamination worries.
My partner had the prawns for starter and the bacon chop for main, I had gin cured salmon and lamb rump. The food was sensational and the service was excellent.
The restaurant itself is beautiful and cosy inside and there was a great atmosphere.
If you are after food of a high quality, fair portion size and a beautiful evening then I would definitely recommend.
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anita1439404
Bransgore341 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
We were taken to this restaurant by friends. The waiter/owner explained the menu to us - we decided to try a meat boxty, something we had never eaten before. It was very tasty and quite a large portion. We followed this with rhubarb crumble and ice cream which was also delicious. We were also recommended to try the wine on the special board and this complemented the meal perfectly. We had a lovely, unrushed meal and the prices charged were reasonable. It is only a small restaurant so it is worth booking (once they are open again!) We would definitely recommend it as a real Irish restaurant.
Written 22 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hanni_LR43
Whitehead1658 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
We came here for Sunday lunch and was greeted by a very friendly server. We chose the Holohans Sunday roast which was beef with all the trimmings, and when I asked if I could have my roast done not too well and with bernaice sauce, my wish was granted! Delicious !! For desert we had the sticky toffee pudding with honeycomb ice cream. Both our servers Georgia and Thomas were really attentive.
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IanReid25
Belfast30 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
We visited on last night (Saturday). The decor is lovely, throwing off French Bistro vibes and the staff were very friendly.
We were shown to our table, unfortunately there wasn't really enough room to sit down, as my chair was very close to the table, with the back of the chair touching the chair of the diner behind. We had to move the table back ourselves to try and generate a bit of room. Its not a huge deal but it was a little embarrassing to walk into a restaurant and have to start moving the furniture immediately.
Our server was very friendly and knowledgable and we had the Portavogie Prawns and Ham Hock Terrine to start, which were both very good. For mains, my partner had the hake, which she enjoyed and I ordered the boxty with chilli beef and sour cream. Unfortunately, there was no trace of any chilli in the dish, making for a rather bland, flavourless dinner of what was essentially unseasoned mince.
Whilst it is largely beyond the restaurants control, the ambiance of the dinner was tarnished a little by a loud group of 4 who were sat in the middle of the restaurant swearing and roaring all over the place. F-bombs left, right and centre.
Desserts of pannacotta and Guinness sundae were lovely. We ordered liquor coffees which, when they arrived, had been made with cream that had gone off. We brought this to the attention of our server who apologised and confirmed they had been made with cream that had turned. We had already had a few glugs off the coffee before we realised and it left me feeling a little sick for a hour or so.
Overall, for a restaurant at this price point, there were just too many issues with the experience and I'm not certain I would seek to return.
Written 4 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nic D
62 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
Came here with work colleagues for our Christmas Lunch, and we weren't disappointed.
This is a lovely cosy small eatery, when we arrived we got seated very promptly by the lovely guy who was working at the front of house. I'm sorry I cant remember his name but we dined there on Friday 6th December 2019.
He very kindly took our coats and showed us to our table, we hadn't long to wait before he was back to take our drinks order.
We had pre-ordered our food so we hadn't long to wait before our starters came out. I had the soup and then a steak for my main - which was cooked to perfection. For dessert I had Sticky Toffee Pudding. The food was outstanding as was the service we received.
This was the first time I had dined here and I will most certainly be returning. I had a wonderful experience here.
Everything about it is first class, clean bar and restaurant area, as well as clean toilet facilities. Friendly staff and fabulous service.
Would highly recommend.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DLF12
Reading333 contributions
Nov 2021 • none
We visited Holohan's on a Saturday night having booked a table in advance. There was a great atmosphere and the staff were friendly and welcoming.
We didn't have starters so the food was served quite quickly but when asked we got the following courses at a more leisurely pace which was great. We had the Holohan's boxty (seafood) and the vegetarian goats cheese boxty followed by the blackberry and apple crumble to share followed by the cheese to share. All of the food was delicious.
The cost including a bottle of wine and 2 cocktails and coffee was approx £90.
We would definitely return if we are in Belfast again.
Written 13 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary P
1 contribution
Jun 2021 • none
As soon as you walk through the door, you are greeted by a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere with lots of lovely artwork and very attentive staff.
We had the seafood boxty that was absolutely delicious followed by a delectable lemon tart that set the tastebuds zinging.
The wine list is extensive and reasonably priced for a central location.
Holohan's Pantry has a great family atmosphere - almost like a home from home - there's no stuffiness or unnecessary formality; just a great place in which to relax and dine well.
We will both definitely be back!
Written 9 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlene K
Ireland104 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
We have been to Holohans Pantry a number of times over the years and the food is always incredible. We visited a few weeks ago on a Sunday in January with my family. There were 10 of us in total and every single person loved their meal. The food is so homely and tasty; a cut above the rest really. A number of our party are vegetarian and the restaurant were kind enough to put on a few extra vegetarian options for us that night - this is just a small example of the excellent service here. The boxty in particular is amazing as is the gin with raspberries. I would highly recommend Holohans Pantry for great food and a warm welcome.
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sunrisemahon
Greenville480 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
Very quaint and personal with interesting menu selections . Try the Irish Boxty features which are well crafted ( seafoods or Guinness beef ) .
The other features are quite nice as well.
Service can be a bit stretched if too many are seated and ordered... so be patient. Ambiance is basic with an overtone of other patrons .
Nice beverage selections and Irish Desserts.
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
donald g
2 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
Holohans dining style has returned great food, sensible wine list , some very interesting beers all with the friendly Holohan casual atmosphere that this restaurant was noted for. Sadly their outlet at the Belfast Barge proved unviable in the present conditions and had to close. However the Pantry has now increased opening hours that saw all interested staff transfer
Written 5 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
uunnaa
Belfast14 contributions
Nov 2021 • none
This was no ordinary afternoon tea as the M&S ads go but one to celebrate a forthcoming wedding.
In other words a Hen Afternoon Tea! Indeed a first for the Pantry. Hen or no hen!
We were made so very welcome & it was evident that Calvin and family had gone all out to accommodate us.
We were party of 15 and I must add, mature customers rather than the guests normally associated with the more often than not, very noisy enjoyment of a hen party.
Not that there wasn’t a lot of laughter……..
Upstairs however, in the Blue Room, allowed for a lot of laughter without disturbing diners enjoying a late lunch downstairs.
What an absolutely perfect setting for what was a fabulous afternoon.
I regret that I didn’t take any photographs before we began our afternoon of delights.
The room was beautifully set & the long table decorated so magnificently with beautiful white linen tablecloths & delicate china tea sets, sparkling glassware & bunches of fragrant white blooms.
Plate after plate of delicious sandwiches was served, followed by gorgeous homemade scones & the usual accompaniments of butter & jam & bowls of whipped cream & then scrumptious homemade mini macrons & salted caramel tarts & banana muffins & friands & lots & lots of Prosecco.
A variety of teas from SD Bells was also available as were different brews of coffee from the bar downstairs though cafetières were available if desired.
What was really quite remarkable was the effort that had been put into providing for very particular dietary requirements.
Gluten free, sugar free & vegan diets were all beautifully met.
One guest commented that it was absolutely the best afternoon tea she had ever enjoyed because for the first time ever, her very particular dietary needs were more than catered for.
This afternoon tea was a first for the Pantry & I really hope they will put this on the menu as I would love to bring other friends to enjoy Holohans at the Pantry style afternoon tea.
This was indeed the perfect venue in every way for a special occasion.
Many thanks indeed to Calvin & family for such a memorable afternoon!
Written 16 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abercromby3
19 contributions
Aug 2022 • couples
Way overpriced, underwhelming, and (mostly) poor service.
Went for a birthday meal for my wife. We’re not snobs, we know good food and went in expecting a good, hearty meal, keen to try the boxty. The lady working front of house was lovely, explained everything well. But the server first didn’t understand when we asked if the Parmesan was vegetarian (it tends to include beef rennet and my wife’s veggie), and proceeded to waste about 15 mins on this question before giving up on finding out.
The bread starter was okay, nothing special. Guinness wheaten was at least novel.
Over 45 mins later the mains came out, except they were incorrect. We waited a while again. When they finally arrived, the boxty amounted to a thin pancake with, in my case, some exceedingly dry chicken in it. To top that off, there was some broccoli served on the side, and nothing else. Just boiled or steamed broccoli, not even with a dressing or any seasoning. My wife’s plate was equally disappointing. It was also sweltering being sat by the kitchen door, with poor ventilation, so given everything else had worn us thin, we just paid and got out as quick as we could. Overall this was the most underwhelming, overpriced trip out of our years in Belfast. I hope this was just an exceedingly off night for them, because food cannot rely on being traditional alone and forget to actually be good.
Written 6 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neville
1 contribution
May 2021 • none
I was delighted to see that Holohans' Irish Pantry was open for business again and there was no other place I would have rather gone to for my first experience eating out in ages. Nine months in fact - I must have gestated an appetite! I was especially enthralled by the crispy Portavogie prawns to start with, silently praying in gratitude as I slowly savoured every mouthful. Normally my favourite dish is the seafood boxty but I tried the chilli beef for a change and thoroughly enjoyed it, finishing off with a lemon tart that was bliss. However, it was not merely the food but also the family atmosphere that I loved. For those old enough to remember to theme tune to the sitcom "Cheers" and the line about a place where everyone knows your name, this could easily describe that much appreciated personal touch at the Pantry after months of isolation.
Written 2 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
uunnaa
Belfast14 contributions
Jun 2021 • couples
First visit to The Pantry after such a long time though not through choice of course.
It was a perfect evening!
Sparkling clean & very fresh looking & as usual a very warm welcome.
Such a buzz about the restaurant which filled up as the evening went on.
I’m sure everyone was as excited as I was with dining inside on the agenda again.
Lovely to see some familiar staff faces too & delighted that they have not deserted the sinking ship that was forecast about hospitality in Northern Ireland post lockdown.
Great to see a favourite Rioja on the menu & even better still the same price.
My husband chose the crispy Portavigie prawns for starters & I chose the ham hock terrine with red pepper relish, sourdough toast & caper butter.
Both plates totally cleared. Both delicious!
For mains I had the Mourne lamb & my husband the chicken & chorizo boxty.
Again we cleared our plates.
The lamb was served beautifully pinky just as I like it & with the accompanying potato terrine, was sublime.
Next time I’ll be ordering the crispy prawns & the chicken & chorizo boxty.
I passed on dessert but my husband polished off a delicious looking lemon tart.
Service as always excellent!
Can’t wait to go back again.
Written 9 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JoJo186402
Birmingham19 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
Whilst visiting my son in Belfast we booked online for Holohans Pantry having been recommended. Easy online booking and we had a telephone call on the day to confirm our reservation.
What an absolute delight. Very friendly, beautifully decorated restaurant. Staff were all very welcoming and knowledgeable. Great range of alcohol, cocktails and liquor coffee. They have a great menu. I had mentioned on the electronic booking that we were vegetarian which I knew would not be an issue as we were catered for on the standard menu, however, it was really above and beyond that on the evening upon greeting us we were told that the Chef had added an extra vegetarian dish to offer us a choice of mains. Phenomenal service and absolutely exquisite fresh food. A real treat. I would definitely recommend and we will definitely be returning.
Written 18 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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