Reviews Harlem Cafe

I had been to Harlem once before, when visiting the Belfast Beer Festival in the Ulster Hall a few years ago. The Festival catering that year didn't appeal to me as it had in some other years and so I decided to eat elsewhere. It was raining extremely heavily that day and so I made a run for the nearest eatery i.e. Harlem, where I had a much more pleasant lunch than what was on offer at the festival.

I went along to Harlem and when the waiter gave me the menu I just said that I already knew what I wanted - the supposedly worst salad, whereupon I was asked what I wanted with it. The choice definitely included both prawns and salmon and I think tuna, possibly chicken, but no vegetarian option. I chose the salmon and also ordered an Americano. 

About the coffee, I noticed one reviewer commenting about stingy milk rationing. Well, I judge my coffee quality by how much milk I need to put in it for reasons other than temperature. The better it is, the less milk I want. In Harlem's case, I used barely enough milk to colour the coffee and most of the milk stayed in the small jug.

The salad arrived, presented very photogenically in a hierarchical arrangement of large and small crocks on a board with wheaten, salmon, butter and a slice of lemon. This wasn't simply style over substance; it was really nice food.

Now this is a matter of preference but I would have liked a dose of Balsamic vinegar on this (just the vinegar, as opposed to dressing). However, that is a minor point. As salads go, this is definitely a good one. For someone to call it the worst salad that she ever had in her life, I'd be interested to know what she calls a good one.

First Ulster fry and it did not disappoint in this traditional grand restaurant. Food service was very quick but took a while to order and to receive our drinks. It seems staff are eager to keep table turnover as high as possible and as such we did feel a little forgotten about. The food tho was excellent, a large portion and quality matched the fairly high price but sadly paying was complicated and splitting the bill impossible. Nice and in a convenient location but I imagine better breakfast options in Belfast

They miraculously found us a table for 9 of us despite being busy. Great atmosphere, really quirky place, very friendly staff. Food was fresh, plentiful and delicious.

Brilliant place. So atmospheric and just the sort of place I like to be in. Loved the candles and decor. Very stylish. Service with a smile too. Well worth a visit. Breakfast was great too.

Went here on Saturday for a bunch. Food was outstanding, the service was excellent, and overall, a great atmosphere. Staff were on hand for anything we needed. Very nicely priced for the quality & quantity. Singer was on when we went and added an excellent touch.

Place is super cute. Service is so so slow. Although there was a free table in front of us we were ignored for a long time before we were seated. If you are in a rush forget about this place. We had to go find someone to pay as no one would even look at us so we could ask for the bill. Food is great.