Overlooking the waterfront in Belfast, Novelli at City Quays is a French Mediterranean-inspired brasserie serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner in a bright waterside setting. With floor-to-ceiling windows running alongside the River Lagan, the restaurant combines relaxed all-day dining with scenic views, making it a popular choice for birthday celebrations, family meals, special occasions and after-work drinks.
Inside, the dining room feels light and airy, with wooden floors, soft neutral tones and comfortable leather booth seating creating an understated backdrop for the views. Decorative shelving filled with coral, sculptural pieces and dried flowers adds texture throughout the space, while the large open bar and terrace bring a more sociable atmosphere for cocktails and lighter bites.
Novelli's a la carte menu blends French and Mediterranean influences across seafood, grill dishes and comfort-food classics. Starters include pan-fried scallops and crab creme brulee, while mains range from seafood bouillabaisse and halibut to pork fillet and half roast chicken. Steaks, including ribeye and sirloin, are available from the grill with a choice of sauces and sides, while vegan and vegetarian dishes are also catered for throughout the menu.
For more casual dining, the bar and lounge menu at Novelli offers smaller plates such as wild mushroom and truffle arancini, garlic prawns, crab claws, olives and focaccia, alongside pizzas, sandwiches and pasta dishes. A separate early evening set menu provides a more accessible pre-theatre style option, while children are catered for with dedicated two and three-course menus featuring dishes such as Margherita pizza and sausage with mash.
Desserts include pear and blackberry crumble, rice pudding and a selection of ice creams. Drinks span cocktails, wines, champagne, beers, spirits and soft drinks, with the terrace proving particularly popular for alfresco cocktails and tapas-style dining during warmer weather.