The Restaurant Recommendation Thread

Faith

Haha, some people get very upset when you criticise certain restaurants here alright. On the note of Annie's, it used to be my absolute favourite restaurant in Cork. I'd have eaten there as often as I could find excuses for. I loved the ever-changing menu and the variety of ingredients used, and how you'd always find a few unusual proteins on there. But the last time I was there was for my birthday in February 2012 and it was decidedly meh. I remember the dessert as being horrible - I think it was supposed to be banoffee pie but it ended up being more of a tiramisu. How you can manage to turn a banoffee pie into tiramisu is beyond me. I haven't been back since, and I really haven't been hearing great things about it.

I can't comment on cleanliness or anything, but it definitely went downhill when their head chef left a couple of years ago.

kcb

Seems to be plenty of people enjoying Bullcoq. Fair play to them I suppose. I wouldn't be choosing to go there seeing as it is the Cornstore crowd behind it; awful place.

Any reports on Sunbean?

SusieBlue

Just had possibly the worst meal of my life in Clancys. We were tempted by there 'Monday madness' offer of three courses for 28 euro.

We both had soup to start which was bland and tasteless and the bread was stale. The mains were so bad we sent them both back. We had ordered battered cod but what we got was a precooked, soggy piece of plaice full of bones. My salad was drenched in grease in which the meat component was cooked in, and the lettuce was wilted. It was literally inedible, I'm not overly fussy but I couldn't manage more than a few mouthfuls.

They were so bad we opted not to have the included dessert, we just paid for our soups and nothing else. Hands down the worst meal I've ever had.

Service was good but the place seemed musty and tired and none of the food tasted fresh in the slightest. Wouldn't recommend and won't be returning.

Nonoperational

kcb wrote: »

Seems to be plenty of people enjoying Bullcoq. Fair play to them I suppose. I wouldn't be choosing to go there seeing as it is the Cornstore crowd behind it; awful place.

Any reports on Sunbean?

I have been to Coqbull twice. It's grand for what it is, a burger and chicken place. Decent vibe about it and good deserts.

To be honest there are far worse in Cork than the Cornstore.

kcb

Nonoperational wrote: »

I have been to Coqbull twice. It's grand for what it is, a burger and chicken place. Decent vibe about it and good deserts.

To be honest there are far worse in Cork than the Cornstore.

I just caught them on a bad night, a couple of times so! Both times; bad service, attitude, poor food (a mushroom bruschetta that you wouldn't give to a dog was the lowlight) and generally just not a nice place.

Coqbull sounds like the new Luigi Malones. Probably grand for an oul burger and a beer, and enough people who enjoy bland food to make it do well!

The shoddy way they got their back up about Tom Doorley's bad review showed the Cornstore type attitude though! Clowns.

Faith

kcb wrote: »

The shoddy way they got their back up about Tom Doorley's bad review showed the Cornstore type attitude though! Clowns.

What happened there?

I ate there once, thought it was grand. Nothing to write home about, but fine for a cheap, filling lunch.

sporina

byronbay2 wrote: »

NOBODY (in their right mind) goes to Milano without a voucher - the prices on the menu are only for show, for you to think about how much you have saved with your voucher. Also, drinks there are VERY expensive.
Having said that, I like the place (bear in mind I also like The Eastern Tandoori, Cork Board's most hated restaurant) - the pizzas are tasty, they do an excellent children's menu and it's very good value, assuming you have a voucher. I have been there loads of times and will continue to return, especially since children are so welcome and mine like it so much.

Without wanting to get on the wrong side of Sporina (having seen the grilling northgirl got), I was also unimpressed with Annies. We went in May for a Confirmation meal and the pork main course was completely over-cooked and chewy. That was annoying enough but then for dessert, the apple tart tasted of nothing but cinnamon - I mean literally like someone accidentally spilled an entire container of cinnamon over the tart and then cut and served it (this may or may not have happened). It was completely inedible of course but when I brought it up with the waiter he said he would mention it to the kitchen and was never seen again, by us at least!

While I'm ranting, I should also mention that I had a disappointing meal in The Rendezvous (Model Farm Road) last week. While not Annies-level awful, the food was bland and dry, particularly the Full Irish pizza (which I didn't order but tasted) which was basically indigestion on a plate. It was a pity because the staff were excellent (I recognised the French maitre-d from the old Kingsley Hotel) and it's a handy spot for me. I'll give it another try before the end of the year but it's on a warning now!

sporina wrote: »

are you sure you are talking about annies??

sporina wrote: »

gosh well i am a bit of a stickler and when it come to hygiene/food/service and its one of my fav's. how many times were you there?

you call the above a "grilling"? its two sentences??

pwurple

Faith wrote: »

What happened there?

I ate there once, thought it was grand. Nothing to write home about, but fine for a cheap, filling lunch.

Tom Doorley gave a mediocre review, basically said it was a bit salty and some of the food seemed to come in precooked.
http://www.evoke.ie/food/coqbull-review-a-bold-brnad-but-its-a-concept-too-far/

They responded by painting the blackboard outside with the words "Tom you are so full of BULL" , tweeting a photo of it and putting it on their facebook.

Dopey really, would have been more in their interest to address the pre-cooked charge.

Toto Wolfcastle

pwurple wrote: »

Tom Doorley gave a mediocre review, basically said it was a bit salty and some of the food seemed to come in precooked.
http://www.evoke.ie/food/coqbull-review-a-bold-brnad-but-its-a-concept-too-far/

They responded by painting the blackboard outside with the words "Tom you are so full of BULL" , tweeting a photo of it and putting it on their facebook.

Dopey really, would have been more in their interest to address the pre-cooked charge.

They also called it an attack on Cork.

draiochtanois

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Balmed Out

draiochtanois wrote: »

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Around Cork also check Deasy's clonakilty. Big fan of Poachers too though the last time I was there one of those Paddy wagon tour buses pulled up and filled the place with very obnoxious drunk rugger head dub's who went in to drink and were very very loud. When I was leaving I found half a dozen sitting either on my bonnet or boot with a dozen pint glasses and bottles sitting on the roof of my car. When im paying good money for a meal I wouldn't expect that kind of crap though I guess it wasn't really poachers fault.
Pizza id go for the brick oven in Bantry.
Coffee the Italian in Blackrock village is great.

D'Agger

Bobblehead Panda wrote: »

They also called it an attack on Cork.

Because that makes sense!

Poor management

byronbay2

sporina wrote: »

you call the above a "grilling"? its two sentences??

Without getting into a back-and-forth with you (and I'm sure northgirl doesn't need anyone to stand up for her), I thought your first question was insulting and the second was irrelevant.

Malari

draiochtanois wrote: »

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Where's Rising Son?

I still have to get to Poachers in Bandon at some stage, I've heard great things about it.

draiochtanois

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spiderdan

Can't for the life of my understand how bad the restaurants in Cork are. Been living here for over a year and tried most of the places, to say it's average at best is an understatement. Don't even get me started on the state of Asian cuisine in cork.

the beer revolu

spiderdan wrote: »

Can't for the life of my understand how bad the restaurants in Cork are. Been living here for over a year and tried most of the places, to say it's average at best is an understatement. Don't even get me started on the state of Asian cuisine in cork.

Yuan Ming Yuan is pretty good.
The only Chinese I'll eat in, in Cork.

Nonoperational

Had the earlybird in Donovans in Midleton recently. Thought is was brilliant. Really nice.

byronbay2

Has the success of Ramen prompted a price war among Cork's noodle bars?? For the first time today, I received a BOGOF offer from Wagamama:

https://www.livingsocial.com/content/offers/464-wagamama?utm_medium=email&utm_source=blast&utm_campaign=wagamama_cork

I don't like Ramen (the wife loves it) and haven't been in Wagamama for several years but, hey, if they want to entice me I can be enticed! I wonder if it's aimed at the student market, returning this week?

Note: must be used by the end of September.

Faith

byronbay2 wrote: »

Has the success of Ramen prompted a price war among Cork's noodle bars?? For the first time today, I received a BOGOF offer from Wagamama:

https://www.livingsocial.com/content/offers/464-wagamama?utm_medium=email&utm_source=blast&utm_campaign=wagamama_cork

I don't like Ramen (the wife loves it) and haven't been in Wagamama for several years but, hey, if they want to entice me I can be enticed! I wonder if it's aimed at the student market, returning this week?

Note: must be used by the end of September.

Wagamama's is way overpriced, particularly since they stopped doing their lunch offer. I'm in Vancouver now, and a standard noodle dish will cost you about $8.50 (just under €6) - and Vancouver is a very expensive city in general. Wagamama charge €12.95 for the same thing, and something like €15 for chicken Katsu curry.

I'd say they're definitely struggling now that there's competition, particularly as everywhere else is charging less.

kcb

pwurple wrote: »

Tom Doorley gave a mediocre review, basically said it was a bit salty and some of the food seemed to come in precooked.
http://www.evoke.ie/food/coqbull-review-a-bold-brnad-but-its-a-concept-too-far/

They responded by painting the blackboard outside with the words "Tom you are so full of BULL" , tweeting a photo of it and putting it on their facebook.

Dopey really, would have been more in their interest to address the pre-cooked charge.

Cheers for the link, interesting stuff! Not a bit surprising and all the hallmarks of The Cornstore and their arrogance and attitude an generally drab food.

A burger joint that can't do a burger! A place best avoided.

curly from cork

Had yet another lovely meal in The Abbey Main St Carrigaline. We have found it to be consistently good over the last few years . Good varied menu both for lunch and dinner . Prices reasonable too . Maybe a bit off the beaten track but we are in the area and use it a lot. Parking to the rear too with a beer garden area . Couldn't get in there for tea a couple of weekends ago ... A good sign for them , a full house on a Fri at tea time

sporina

byronbay2 wrote: »

Without getting into a back-and-forth with you (and I'm sure northgirl doesn't need anyone to stand up for her), I thought your first question was insulting and the second was irrelevant.

TeletextPear

Had a fantastic meal in Radhuni recently. I wasn't expecting much as I was just there with a groupon voucher but it was the best Indian I'd had in yonks.

pwurple

spiderdan wrote: »

Can't for the life of my understand how bad the restaurants in Cork are. Been living here for over a year and tried most of the places, to say it's average at best is an understatement. Don't even get me started on the state of Asian cuisine in cork.

Wow, i've been living here about 25 years of my life so far and I haven't tried every restaurant in Cork yet! Yuan ming yuan is the best of the chinese in my opinion. Sakuri is ok for japanese. There's a lack of vietnamese alright... Ivory tower does a stunning japanese taster menu.

What kind of thing do you like in other places, maybe we can help point you in the right direction?

Are you looking for mad exciting food, or more simple hearty stuff?

ABajaninCork

spiderdan wrote: »

Can't for the life of my understand how bad the restaurants in Cork are. Been living here for over a year and tried most of the places, to say it's average at best is an understatement. Don't even get me started on the state of Asian cuisine in cork.

Whilst I agree with you about the lack of decent Asian food in Cork, i have to disagree with you about the restaurants! You get good and bad everywhere, but there are more than a few good restaurants here in the city, most of which are mentioned in this thread. Coming from London, and having friends in the high-end catering trade back home, I tend to be quite fussy when it comes to food.

I think we're pretty spoiled for choice living here in the city. The quality of the food is fantastic, and most restaurants here do source their food locally which makes all the difference. The seafood here is amongst the best I've tasted.

But IMO there's no decent Indian or Thai restaurants here which is a shame. I'm going home soon, so can indulge my craving for a decent ruby then.

Markcheese

kcb wrote: »

Cheers for the link, interesting stuff! Not a bit surprising and all the hallmarks of The Cornstore and their arrogance and attitude an generally drab food.

A burger joint that can't do a burger! A place best avoided.

Whilst I'd listen to what he said, I wouldn't necessarily rule out a visit to
coqbull, cos at the end of the day a lot of Tom doorly's reviews are, well, cock and bull....

pwurple

kcb wrote: »

Cheers for the link, interesting stuff! Not a bit surprising and all the hallmarks of The Cornstore and their arrogance and attitude an generally drab food.

A burger joint that can't do a burger! A place best avoided.

Ah well, i've been to places that have had off nights too, that were still ok. I haven't been yet, but will give it a go in a few weeks to see what the story is.

pwurple

ABajaninCork wrote: »

But IMO there's no decent Indian or Thai restaurants here which is a shame. I'm going home soon, so can indulge my craving for a decent ruby then.

Does Iyers count as a decent indian?

ABajaninCork

Not really. Isn't it more of a lunch/snack place??

pwurple

ABajaninCork wrote: »

Not really. Isn't it more of a lunch/snack place??

Started off as just lunch trade, but it's open evenings as well on thursdays and fridays these days. I like it anyway.

spiderdan

Regarding my comment about Asian food. It's more about Indian and Thai takeaways and restaurants. It's well documented how poor Ramen is not to mention their awful customer service - if they opened in Dublin it would be shut in months, I'd love to see Camille or Diep down here would blow them out of the water.

The only Indian I thought was ok was the one on North Main St, but to be honest it's a bit of a kip and can be a bit hit n miss. Thought Iyers was nothing special at all, small portions with little substance for the price. Not a big fan of Chinese but I will defo try Yu Ming at some stage. Tried the new Sushi place on Oliver P St and thought it was overpriced and not particularly tasty.

I'm specifically talking about the mid range, casual dining options in Cork, eg, Coqbull, Cornestore, Market Lane, Electric, etc all grand if you're not really bothered about good food. I'd say Liberty Grill is about the best option in that bracket. I can only compare it to what's going on in Dublin and the majority of the places down here wouldn't last a minute. It is no excuse saying there's more choice, in a city that prides itself on food the standards should be much higher imo.

The best bang for my euro is probably some of the pub grub options like McCarthy's, Elm Tree, Kirbys, The Poachers Inn all great value and good quality. I have to admit Chipsy Kings is great after a few pints!

draiochtanois

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dudara

pwurple wrote: »

Does Iyers count as a decent indian?

It's very traditional, and reflective of simple vegetarian food. It's just not what we're used to in the Western world where curries have to be big in flavour, creamy or hot.

I've worked with plenty of Indian people who would love the dosas served in Iyer's.

pwurple

spiderdan wrote: »

Regarding my comment about Asian food. It's more about Indian and Thai takeaways and restaurants. It's well documented how poor Ramen is not to mention their awful customer service - if they opened in Dublin it would be shut in months, I'd love to see Camille or Diep down here would blow them out of the water.

The only Indian I thought was ok was the one on North Main St, but to be honest it's a bit of a kip and can be a bit hit n miss. Thought Iyers was nothing special at all, small portions with little substance for the price. Not a big fan of Chinese but I will defo try Yu Ming at some stage. Tried the new Sushi place on Oliver P St and thought it was overpriced and not particularly tasty.

I'm specifically talking about the mid range, casual dining options in Cork, eg, Coqbull, Cornestore, Market Lane, Electric, etc all grand if you're not really bothered about good food. I'd say Liberty Grill is about the best option in that bracket. I can only compare it to what's going on in Dublin and the majority of the places down here wouldn't last a minute. It is no excuse saying there's more choice, in a city that prides itself on food the standards should be much higher imo.

The best bang for my euro is probably some of the pub grub options like McCarthy's, Elm Tree, Kirbys, The Poachers Inn all great value and good quality. I have to admit Chipsy Kings is great after a few pints!

Liberty grill is popular alright. It's not my kind of food really (prepares to be shot). I just consider american food to be more take-away material than something I'd eat on a night out, but they do it well, which is good. For a more westernised indian than iyers, have you tried Spice of India in bishopstown? It's got meat and everything.

I've not been to coqbull, but if it's like cornstore I agree that's grim. Only thing going for cornstore is location. Market lane and electric I like the food for mid-range, but I think they are preferred by 30+ guys, and women, because of the style of the food and the portion sizes. I'm guessing you are a guy in his 20's who wants a big feed based on elm tree and mcarthys ...

Elm tree, mccarthys etc are all known for massive portions of old-fashioned crowd-pleasing food. There are flippen LOADS of those because they do well, you can't be short of places to eat.

draiochtanois

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ABajaninCork

pwurple wrote: »

Does Iyers count as a decent indian?

I've only been there once for lunch, and that was a while ago. I didn't know it opened in the evenings, though. The dosa I ordered was very good, but I'm not sure the lunchtime ambience would be as good in the evenings. The next time my mate comes over, we'll certainly give it a shot in the evening...

evilivor

ABajaninCork wrote: »

I've only been there once for lunch, and that was a while ago. I didn't know it opened in the evenings, though. The dosa I ordered was very good, but I'm not sure the lunchtime ambience would be as good in the evenings. The next time my mate comes over, we'll certainly give it a shot in the evening...

Open til 9 on Thursdays and Fridays I think.

spiderdan

pwurple wrote: »

I'm guessing you are a guy in his 20's who wants a big feed based on elm tree and mcarthys ...

Elm tree, mccarthys etc are all known for massive portions of old-fashioned crowd-pleasing food. There are flippen LOADS of those because they do well, you can't be short of places to eat.

It's not that I'm into big portions I'm just into good quality food full stop. As I said being from Dublin and looking at the explosion of amazing new casual dining options over the couple of years I'm amazed at how average it is here. Don't get my wrong Cork wins every time when it comes to pubs, but for eating out I think the city is in the doldrums.

I had an unbelievable meal in Dingle recently (it was in the higher price range) nothing comparable in Cork from my experience. Galway, Waterford, Kilkenny, Dublin, all holding M Stars - Cork hasn't had one since the 90's and there's no chance of any of the current places getting one. I don't think it's necessarily a great benchmark to compare but an interesting fact none the less.

Unfortunately I'm in my 30's, when I was in my 20's Hillbilly's would have been enough to keep me happy! Love the city just wish I could get some better food on the fly.

dudara

As a Cork person living in Dublin, I think spiderdan nails it. There are some good spots in Cork (I personally like Market Lane, Jacques, ORSO, Yuan Ming Yuan, Iyer's, Fenns Quay, Cafe Paradiso and occasionally the Cornstore), but Dublin is miles ahead for food. This would cover all levels really, from fine dining to casual eating. It's also hard to get a good cocktail in Cork.

However, when it comes to chippers, Cork wins hands down. Chippers in Dublin just aren't as good.

Faith

Seems Neil (or at least his production team) read this thread!

http://www.eveningecho.ie/2014/09/03/neil-prendeville/

BROADCASTER Neil Prendeville has said Cork people need to circle the wagons and support local restaurants after what he described as a “condescending lambasting” by a renowned food critic.
The RedFM presenter challenged food critic Tom Doorley to an on-air discussion after an unflattering review of the CoqBull restaurant, which opened this summer on French Church Street.
However, Mr Doorley said on Twitter that he never debates the reviews that he writes, but insisted his account was merely his opinion of an experience in the restaurant.
He then criticised Mr Prendeville’s show for calling him at 8am for comment and aimed a few verbal digs at the Cork presenter, saying the CoqBull should give Mr Prendeville a “small shareholding” for his defence of the restaurant.
However, Mr Prendeville said the tone of the article was insulting and condescending to Cork in general.
He said: “It was condescending and nasty in the extreme. This is Cork, the second city, it’s not hicksville.
“Sometimes you have to circle the wagons and support local businesses. I think if someone writes something down in print then they should at least defend that if it comes under questioning.
“I’ve been in that restaurant twice and it has been exceptional. In any case, you shouldn’t be reviewing restaurants in their first few months.”
Mr Prendeville, who was involved in the restaurant trade in the city in the past, said a lot of jobs relied on the sector.
“People need to remember that a lot of money is spent on getting a restaurant opened and running it. There is the staff and their wages, rent and rates. Many of our restaurants aren’t even able to open on a Sunday because they can’t drum up the business. I just want a bit of fair play.
“I’d be the first to walk away from a place if I thought it wasn’t up to scratch.”
Mr Prendeville then Tweeted a picture of a busy CoqBull on Monday night.
The restaurant showed their attitude to Mr Doorley’s review with a cheeky sign outside that says: “Tom, you’re so full of bull.”
Executive chef Mike Ryan, who is also involved in the Cornstore, came on air and defended the restaurant.

Toto Wolfcastle

Faith wrote: »

Seems Neil (or at least his production team) read this thread!

http://www.eveningecho.ie/2014/09/03/neil-prendeville/

Nah, he was sh1ting on about it before it was mentioned here. I really think he and the restaurant made a much bigger deal of it than was necessary. It's not the only negative review I've read.

54kroc

I was listening to him when he was banging on about it and he seems to think that restaurants in Cork should not be criticised.
I was baffled by his logic tbh.

evilivor

54kroc wrote: »

I was listening to him when he was banging on about it and he seems to think that restaurants in Cork should not be criticised.
I was baffled by his logic tbh.

He'd be on about possible food fraud in the Market if only 96fm hadn't broken the story.

pwurple

Well, for higher end, then you pay the higher price point and you eat in places like oysters, hayfield manor, les gourmandaise, ballymalloe, cafe paradiso etc.

For more casual mid-range, try cafe gusto, fenns quay, star anise, gallo and galetti? Did you not like any of those? They are not going to be Michelin starred obviously. I really didn't think that would even come into a discussion on casual eating. You also need to remember that michelin stars come from all sorts of other criteria, like the wine list, the service. Not entirely the food.

I think cork has miles to offer in terms of local raw materials. Top quality locally farmed beef, super-fresh fish, dairy is fantastic. There are a handful of very good places, but they sometimes struggle to survive in cork city. First of all, the wealth to sustain it, like there is in dublin, is not here as much. I don't see bono or buddies splashing the cash around down here. Cork people also cringe a bit at any outward display of success. And secondly I honestly don't think the appetite for a starred place is here at the moment. You've seen what has been opening and doing well... 6 or 7 burrito bars and noodle shops in the space of a year. Dinner with a free ice-cream cone for 6 quid. Bargain food is what's springing up in a recession. Hopefully as a recovery comes along more of a wider range wil reappear. I live in hope for that new hugenot bistro... Whenever it opens.

sporina

Faith wrote: »

Seems Neil (or at least his production team) read this thread!

http://www.eveningecho.ie/2014/09/03/neil-prendeville/

cork 2nd child syndrome personified!! morto for prendeville.
its because of stuff like this that has cork with the bad name that is has..

so people are not allowed to give opinions now - as in restaurant reviews..

put a sock on it prend. literally.

draiochtanois

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jadie

Anyone else find Iyers a bit prententious? I loved it when it opened first but some of the staff they have hired seem to look down their nose at you, was also in there one day and they were having very inappropriate type conversations. I find the portions have got smaller and the prices went up too.

pwurple

I walked past l'attitude last night at about 10:30. Not a sinner in there. Two doors up was jammers though, the phoenix / el fenix running a special offer. Sunbean also empty.

I'm all for more great places, was gutted when augustines closed and hoping that huegenots does well when it opens. I'll do what I can to encourage them.

I'd include kinsale and midleton in Cork restaurants. 20 mins drive is doable. Yay that they are good. To be applauded!

There are IT/pharma companies, but everyone in them is PAYE. 52% tax, and if they have kids they are crucified with childcare costs. The people in UCC and IT are mainly in loss-making departments and are feeling cutbacks. Everyone young I knew who worked in the hospitals has left the country for higher wages with the wage-caps here, leaving a bunch of medical people behind who barely have time to sleep they are so understaffed. So where are the big spenders here? Not a whole pile of big shot media around in cork, unless you include prenderville. LOL


Any idea how to help more places appear? Because I sure wouldn't open a restaurant.

the beer revolu

jadie wrote: »

Anyone else find Iyers a bit prententious? I loved it when it opened first but some of the staff they have hired seem to look down their nose at you, was also in there one day and they were having very inappropriate type conversations. I find the portions have got smaller and the prices went up too.

Pretentious? I really don't understand what people mean when they say this.
Somebody else on this forum was going on about Cork bars and clubs being pretentious.
If people aren't wearing GAA jerseys and calling everybody "lads" (male or female), does that make them pretentious? Or does being passionate about something that you're not passionate make people pretentious?
I just don't get it

Since the prices went up in Iyer's, the portions have gotten a little bigger, not smaller.