Belfast - Ireland 2014 - page 556

Taps Wine Bar is a whiff of Mediterranean warmth in this cold brick city. Try a cheer-
fultapasorpaellamealwasheddownwithsangria(May-Septdaily12:00-22:00,Oct-April
closed Sun-Mon, 42 Waring Street, tel. [phone]).
The Cloth Ear is a friendly, modern bar serving better-than-average pub grub from the
kitchen of the posh Merchant Hotel next door (Mon-Sat 12:30-21:00, Sun 13:00-19:00, 33
Waring Street, tel. [phone]).
Victoria Square Area
(See “Central Belfast” map, here .)
Although Victoria Square is a big, glitzy mall, a couple of eating options are worth con-
sidering—one inside the mall and one next door. For locations, see the map on here .
Wagamama, part of a British chain, is a Japanese noodle bar located on the first floor
of the Victoria Square Mall. Hearty portions of chicken ramen, yakisoba, and cumin beef
salad are menu highlights (daily 12:00-21:00, Victoria Square, tel. [phone]).
Bittles Bar is a tiny wedge-shaped throwback to Victorian days, hidden in the shadows
on the east side of the mall next to the ornate, yellow Victorian fountain. The minuscule
interior is decorated with caricatures of literary figures, with good pub grub served in a
friendly atmosphere (daily 12:00-22:00, no food Sun, 70 Upper Church Lane just off Vict-
oria Street, tel. [phone]).
Near Shaftesbury Square and Botanic Station
(See “South Belfast” map, here .)
Nearby Queen's University gives this neighborhood an energetic feel, with a mixed bag
of dining options ranging from cosmopolitan to deep-fried. For locations, see the map on
here .
Maggie May's serves hearty, simple, affordable £8-12 meals (Mon-Sat 8:00-22:30,
Sun 10:00-22:30, one block south of Botanic Station at 50 Botanic Avenue, tel. 028/
9032-2662).
Bishop's is the locals' choice for fish-and-chips (daily 12:00-23:30, pasta and veggie
options, classier side has table service and higher prices, just south of Shaftesbury Square
at Bradbury Place, tel. [phone]).
South of Queen's University
For locations, see the map on here .