Irish Restaurant Spotlight: Havana Bank Square, Belfast

With delicious food, sumptuous decor, and a highly convenient location, Havana Bank Square is a must-visit restaurant in Belfast. A great place to eat, drink, and socialise, this restaurant perfectly balances a relaxing atmosphere with a high-end dining experience.

The restaurant is located behind the CastleCourt Shopping Centre in Belfast, a short walk from almost anywhere in the city Centre. It appeals to both locals and tourists, providing something for everyone to enjoy during their visit.

A Historical Context

Before we dive into the specifics of Havana Bank Square, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the historical backdrop of its location. The building has an intriguing history, initially serving as a bank in the early 20th century. The venue’s architecture reflects this heritage, boasting high ceilings, large windows, and elegant detailing conjuring up bygone-era images. The transformation from a financial institution to a lively restaurant and bar speaks to the evolving character of Belfast as a city that embraces its past and future.

The district around Havana Bank Square has undergone significant regeneration over the years, making it a focal point for locals and tourists alike. Once known primarily for its commercial activity, it now flourishes as a hub of social life, creativity, and culinary exploration. Havana Bank Square is crucial in this transformation, offering a welcoming space where people can enjoy good food and great company.

The Atmosphere

Upon entering Havana Bank Square, guests are immediately struck by the warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior design artfully combines modern elements with classic features that reflect its historical roots. Rich wooden furnishings, plush seating, and soft lighting create an intimate yet relaxed environment perfect for casual dining and special occasions. The spacious layout allows for group gatherings while maintaining a sense of privacy for diners.

Interior Design

The decor is a significant part of the experience at Havana Bank Square. It incorporates an eclectic mix of contemporary and vintage styles, creating a unique, comforting, and inspiring aesthetic. The walls are adorned with artwork from local artists, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates Belfast’s cultural scene. This thoughtful approach to design ensures that every visit feels fresh and engaging.

Outdoor Space

Havana Bank Square also boasts a delightful outdoor area, perfect for enjoying al fresco dining during the warmer months. The outdoor terrace is adorned with plants and fairy lights, creating a magical ambience that invites patrons to linger over their meals. Whether it’s a sunny brunch or an evening cocktail, the outdoor space enhances the dining experience.

Culinary Offerings

Havana Bank Square’s menu reflects contemporary Irish cuisine infused with global influences. The culinary team is dedicated to using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that each dish supports local farmers and producers and embodies the freshest flavours of the season.

Breakfast and Brunch

The day at Havana Bank Square often begins with a sumptuous breakfast or brunch menu. Diners can choose from various options, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences. Traditional Irish breakfasts are a highlight, featuring locally sourced sausages, bacon, eggs, black and white pudding, and homemade soda bread. The avocado toast topped with poached eggs and fresh herbs is a crowd-pleaser for those seeking lighter options.

Brunch is also a time for indulgence, with dishes like buttermilk pancakes served with maple syrup and seasonal fruit, as well as hearty options like the full vegan breakfast, which includes tofu scramble, roasted tomatoes, and sautéed greens. The coffee served at Havana Bank Square is sourced from local roasters, ensuring a perfect start to the day.

Lunch Delights

The lunch menu offers a fantastic array of choices as the day progresses. Fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, and seasonal soups highlight the restaurant’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients. The ‘Havana Club Sandwich’, a twist on the classic, features succulent chicken, crispy bacon, and homemade garlic mayo, served with a side of hand-cut fries. Vegetarian and vegan options are plentiful, ensuring everyone can find something satisfying.

One standout dish on the lunch menu is the ‘Seafood Chowder’, a creamy delight packed with locally caught fish and shellfish, served with fresh bread. It captures the essence of Ireland’s coastal flavours, providing warmth and comfort to all who partake.

Dinner Experience

As evening descends, Havana Bank Square transforms into a sophisticated dining venue. The dinner menu is a testament to the culinary team’s creativity, with dishes that marry traditional Irish flavours with modern culinary techniques. Starters might include a rich and indulgent duck liver pâté, accompanied by homemade chutney and toasted brioche, or a vibrant beetroot salad topped with goat cheese and walnuts.

The main courses offer a selection of meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes. The ‘Belfast Beef Steak’ is a popular choice, showcasing the quality of local beef, cooked to perfection and served with seasonal vegetables and a rich red wine sauce. The ‘Pan-Seared Salmon’ is a must-try for seafood lovers, served on a bed of wild rice and drizzled with a lemon butter sauce.

Vegetarian options, such as the ‘Stuffed Portobello Mushroom’, are equally enticing, filled with a delicious mix of quinoa, nuts, and herbs. The dessert menu is not to be missed, featuring classics like chocolate fondant served with homemade vanilla ice cream and a seasonal fruit tart.

The Bar Menu

Complementing the food offerings is an impressive bar menu that caters to all tastes. The innovative cocktail list features house specialities that reflect the restaurant’s lively spirit. Signature cocktails like the ‘Havana Mojito’ and ‘Berry Spritz’ are crafted with fresh ingredients and local spirits.

The wine list is carefully curated, offering local and international wines to pair with the menu. The knowledgeable staff is always on hand to recommend the perfect pairing, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Special Events and Functions

Havana Bank Square is a place for everyday dining and hosts various events and functions throughout the year. From themed nights celebrating different cuisines to live music events showcasing local talent, there is always something happening at this vibrant venue.

Themed Nights

Themed nights at Havana Bank Square are popular, drawing in diners eager to experience unique culinary events. For instance, Italian Night might feature a menu with homemade pasta and regional wines. At the same time, Asian Fusion Night could highlight flavours across Asia, incorporating spices and techniques that excite the palate. These events allow the culinary team to explore new concepts and showcase their creativity.

Live Music and Entertainment

Live music is a key feature of the Havana Bank Square experience, with local musicians often performing on weekends. The lively tunes complement the vibrant atmosphere, encouraging guests to relax and enjoy their meals. Special events like open mic nights provide a platform for emerging talent, making it a community hub for performers and diners.

The restaurant can accommodate private functions, making it an excellent choice for birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, and more. The team at Havana Bank Square is committed to creating bespoke experiences and tailoring menus and arrangements to suit the specific needs of each event.

Commitment to Sustainability

In addition to its culinary excellence, Havana Bank Square is dedicated to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The restaurant has implemented various initiatives to reduce its ecological footprint, from sourcing ingredients locally to minimising waste.

Local Sourcing

The use of seasonal produce enhances the freshness of the dishes, supports local farmers, and promotes sustainable agricultural practices. Havana Bank Square actively seeks to educate its staff and patrons about the importance of sustainability in the food industry, making it a socially responsible choice for diners. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainable seafood is noteworthy, ensuring that all fish and shellfish are sourced from responsible fisheries.

Waste Reduction Practices

Havana Bank Square has implemented waste reduction practices throughout its operations. From composting food scraps to recycling materials, the restaurant takes its environmental impact seriously. Additionally, they encourage patrons to consider their environmental footprint by offering digital menus, reducing paper waste.

Community Engagement

Havana Bank Square prides itself on being an integral part of the Belfast community. The restaurant frequently collaborates with local artists, musicians, and producers, creating a space that celebrates the region’s talents and creativity.

Supporting Local Talent

Events such as art exhibitions and music nights not only support local talent but also enrich patrons’ dining experiences. Restaurants are places where people can connect over shared interests, fostering a sense of community beyond the dining table. By hosting local artists and musicians, Havana Bank Square plays a vital role in promoting the cultural fabric of Belfast.

Charity Involvement

The restaurant is also committed to giving back to the community through charitable initiatives. It often participates in local fundraising events, donating a portion of its profits to local charities and community organisations. This commitment to social responsibility resonates with patrons, many of whom appreciate dining at a venue that actively contributes to the betterment of the community.

Awards and Recognition

Havana Bank Square has gained recognition for its culinary offerings and outstanding service, earning several awards since its opening. These accolades serve as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff and management.

Culinary Awards

The restaurant has been featured in various dining guides and has received awards for its innovative menu and commitment to quality. Such recognition not only enhances Havana Bank Square’s reputation but also draws in diners from further afield who are eager to experience the acclaimed dishes for themselves.

Customer Reviews

Patrons consistently rave about their experiences at Havana Bank Square, highlighting the attentive service, delightful atmosphere, and delicious food. Positive reviews on social media and review platforms have contributed to the restaurant’s growing popularity, making it a must-visit destination in Belfast.

What you’ll find at Havana Bank Square Restaurant!

With lunch, dinner and pre-theatre menus, no matter what time you head down, you’ll be sure to find many delicious options to satisfy your hunger. They also offer a wide range of wines, beers and cocktails to accompany your meal.

With a full-service bar, front-of-house team, and entire kitchen team, the restaurant is a great place to consider building a career in hospitality. Keep an eye on their Facebook and Twitter feeds for the latest vacancies, or visit them for a bite to eat and speak to the team to see if there are any current vacancies.

Conclusion: A Dining Experience Like No Other

Havana Bank Square is a culinary gem in the heart of Belfast, offering a unique dining experience that celebrates the rich flavours of Irish cuisine while embracing global influences. Its historical context, inviting atmosphere, and commitment to quality and sustainability make it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

Whether you’re stopping by for a leisurely brunch, an elegant dinner, or simply a few drinks with friends, Havana Bank Square promises an unforgettable experience that embodies the spirit of Belfast. From its innovative menu to its dedication to community engagement and sustainability, this restaurant stands as a testament to the vibrant and evolving food scene in Northern Ireland.

We offer you more food recommendations around Belfast through our Belfast Restaurant Week Guide and the Best Food Guide in the City!