The Barking Dog

Best restaurant in Belfast, the staff couldn't do enough. The chef/owner assured me it was ceoliac safe and he would make any item I wanted on the menu gluten free if it was within his kitchen to do so. Amazing.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

I am American. I was invited to Belfast to perform as part of a global conference at Queen's University. My airline misplaced my luggage, so I stopped into The Barking Dog to utilize their WiFi to check the status of my luggage and have a drink and a snack with my collaborator, who has unusual allergies. The menu did not have anything that appealed to us so we decided just to finish our drinks and move on.

At no point did anyone communicate that it is illegal to have drinks only and our server ran our check without mentioning any legislative requirements. After paying, someone who I assume was the manager, came up to the table and inspected our receipt. "Uh-huh, just what I thought," was what they said before berating me about how it is illegal to purchase drinks in a restaurant without food. I immediately apologized and explained that I had no idea. I offered to purchase food retroactively and they refused. Following, they proceeded to repeat that I was in a restaurant and not a pub and that my actions were illegal. They coldly denied my multiple attempts at apologizing, while I explained that I am not from the area. This experience was very confusing for me, because the night before I had drinks in a restaurant with no food and it wasn't an issue.

Afterward, I asked about this supposed "rule" at multiple restaurants. In each case, I was told that there is no such law and that ordering drinks without food in a restaurant is very common. I have never been treated so poorly in a customer service dynamic and I'm not sure why this happened. I feel targeted and completely mistreated for what seems to be no good reason. To top it off it was my birthday. Complete fail on behalf of whomever this person was. I will say, the rest of the staff was very pleasant and accommodating.

Allergies are clearly marked on the menu, but the experience was truly awful.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

Fantastic - happy Coeliac. I had a tapas style menu (although there are lots of other option on the seperate gluten free menu. I informed them of my coeliac disease. Staff were very comfortable and knowledgeable. I felt safe and more to the point I felt full and content leaving. Will return on my return to Belfast. Fantastic spot. Very happy

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

My 7 year old celiac was glutened at this restaurant today. Server and chef assured us that her meal was gluten free and prepared in a separate fryer and safely. She had the mini sausages, sweet potato fries & peas and a glass of milk. Not celiac friendly.

Celiac friendly?

No

The staff were very knowledgeable and caring. The food was amazing 😀

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Separate gluten free menu. Staff are lovely and food is outstanding. One of my favourite restaurants.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

So much to chose from and nothing I've had so far tastes like a compromise.

AMAZING!!!! There was a special gluten free menu which was great as it shows how well they cater for coeliac's! I had the fish pie, which doesn't sound so amazing but it was delicious! The staff were amazing, we had a Romanian waiter who really looked after us the whole night! We barely had to make any decisions as he made them for us and gave us suggestions! It was all round a great experience with some lovely cocktails and even gluten free dessert!!! Highly recommend!