The Restaurant Recommendation Thread

Markcheese

-Toppy- wrote: »

I had dinner last Christmas at the Bramley Lodge just outside fota

Wasnt bad, definately worth a pop in, I remember the desert was divine (Was some form of chocolate cake thing)

Blackrock Castle gets a thumbs up from me too!

Depends a bit on how far you want to drive , Sage in Midleton is great (and reasonable ) food is fancy - service relaxed (in a good way)
Rosie's in Aghada is good - as is the elm tree .
Dunno how easy it is to get the train from the hotel ( fota station) but Cobh is one end and Cork city the other - ( anywhere decent in Cobh ? )
Don't knock paradiso - it's veggy but great - market lane - star anise - Greenes- the list is massive -

barneygumble99

pwurple wrote: »

Sage might be a bit fancypants as well.

I'd recommend the Elm Tree in Glountaune near Fota for you. http://www.elmtree.ie/

Best carvery in Ireland award.

Market lane group would suit as well I'd say, so Market Lane in the city center, or Blackrock Castle slightly outside the city center if you want someplace you can park.

Ended up going to the Elm Tree, food was excellent, there was live music also, no singing, just keyboard and guitar, they were very good and really added to the night. Will definitky be back. That's to all for the recommendation.

greenfrogs

I have been to the Elm Tree once and really enjoyed it. The food was lovely and it is a gorgeous venue. The staff were also very accommodating. They gave us our own little section so we had plenty of space which was handy as there was six of us including a baby. Everyone enjoyed it.

.red.

I ate in the east village the other night. Expectations were low as ive eaten there once before and wasnt too impressed. I won a voucher so gave it another go.

We got seated right under the big screen with a rugby match on. I wasnt watching it but the changing colours above us was a little annoying at first but after a while we didnt notice it.
Starters were gougons and garlic bread between us. Very nice.
For mains my wife got a red curry and it was delicious. I got the large wings and a portion of chips. I went for the hottest option and the waitress warned me they were extremely hot but i chanced them anyway. They were nice, fine big portion but they just werent hot. Most of the sauce was at the botton of the bowl and if i dipped them there was a bit of heat but not much, certainly not "insane" hot like advertised.
We got one dessert between us as we were pretty full. A lemon tart. It was nice and bitter but it was very cold, it would have been nicer if it had been served at room temp.
we had 2 cokes and a pint and it came to €59 which i thought was decent enough value. Portions were big and we liked everything we got, but if their warning people about how hot the wings were, they should be pretty hot.

Ludo

Just been to Barrys in Douglas. Steak was excellent and cooked to perfection. A lovely medium rare. Wife had the cod and loved it also. Was very impressed with everything. I was surprised as I was never that big a fan of the place although I havent been in a few years. Will definitely go back.
Only minor issue was that five of us went and they put us at a table for four in a mostly empty restaurant even though we had made a booking just to be sure we got a table. But as soon as I mentioned it they moved us straight away so all well.

JohnK

Anyone know if you'd have to book for Palmentos in Douglas or would you be safe enough just walking up mid-week?

TeletextPear

JohnK wrote: »

Anyone know if you'd have to book for Palmentos in Douglas or would you be safe enough just walking up mid-week?

They don't take bookings. Walk up, even if they're full the turnover is quite fast so you'll never be waiting more than 10 minutes

Roesy

Went to Siesta on Princes Street on Saturday night. Inside could do with a fresher paint job and service was a little slow but overall a nice meal. It's only small inside and there was only one person front of house so he was run fairly ragged between taking orders, getting drinks, seating people, bringing food, doing bills etc. Wouldn't have surprised me if there was only a very small crew in the kitchen too.

We got stuffed jalapeños and mozzarella sticks as starters. The jalapeños had all the seeds left in which made them a little too hot and I like heat. They were good once you scraped some of the seeds out. The mozzarella sticks and salsa were tasty too. For mains we got taquitos with spicy chicken and gorditas with spicy beef, both of which were very nice if not quite spicy enough. They were both served with a lovely rice and some salad. We pigged out and got a portion of sweet potato fries too. They were gorgeous. We got a portion of churros to share, very enjoyable. I thought the melted chocolate they were served with was slightly bitter but my husband didn't think so. We had three soft drinks and a bottle of beer with this and the meal came to €65. I'd definitely try it again.

bleach94

TeletextPear wrote: »

They don't take bookings. Walk up, even if they're full the turnover is quite fast so you'll never be waiting more than 10 minutes

Lads, where is Palmentos in Douglas? I live nearby and can never find it.. Wandered around the East Village and the main street the other day and couldn't spot it for the life of me.. I'm baffled at this stage!!

JohnK

TeletextPear wrote: »

They don't take bookings. Walk up, even if they're full the turnover is quite fast so you'll never be waiting more than 10 minutes

thanks

bleach94 wrote: »

Lads, where is Palmentos in Douglas? I live nearby and can never find it.. Wandered around the East Village and the main street the other day and couldn't spot it for the life of me.. I'm baffled at this stage!!

Its where Cashmans bookmakers used to be down on Church St. between Barrys and O'Driscoll's - pretty much opposite the side door into Barrys but because its set back a good bit from the road it can be hard to spot if you're not standing in front of it.

JohnK

Made it into Palmento last night - very tasty and I'll certainly be going back.

bee06

Went to Coqbull last night. It was packed! Had the combo platter with the ribs and two types of wings which was lovely. Had the half roast chicken for mains and that was grand, nothing special though and I'd say I only ate 1/3 of it because there was so much there. OH had the bacon burger which was huge and a bit pink for his liking but he thought it was nice overall. The cocktails were the stand out of the meal though ... Raspberry mojiti was delicious!

dudara

Recently had dinner in Huguenot, just before Easter. Really enjoyed it overall, despite a few small things. Moules marinere to start followed by ribeye steak (with fries, salad and garlic butter) and an apple tarte tatin to share. Total food bill (without wine) for four people was €145.

pwurple

dudara wrote: »

Recently had dinner in Huguenot, just before Easter. Really enjoyed it overall, despite a few small things. Moules marinere to start followed by ribeye steak (with fries, salad and garlic butter) and an apple tarte tatin to share. Total food bill (without wine) for four people was €145.

Noms! Love that style food... steak and chips and an apple tart, i mean why are people scared of french food?

leahyl

bee06 wrote: »

Went to Coqbull last night. It was packed! Had the combo platter with the ribs and two types of wings which was lovely. Had the half roast chicken for mains and that was grand, nothing special though and I'd say I only ate 1/3 of it because there was so much there. OH had the bacon burger which was huge and a bit pink for his liking but he thought it was nice overall. The cocktails were the stand out of the meal though ... Raspberry mojiti was delicious!

Was in Coqbull as well last night! OMG had the nicest burger I have ever had in Ireland anyway, was absolutely gorgeous (I have the smokin bull). The chips were lovely too, and the cocktails....omg, had the mango and vanilla daiquiri and it was so, so good! I don't know how I did it but managed to fit in dessert and had the lemon alaska tart which was sublime also - REALLY impressed with this place! Can't wait to go back!

Bacchus

Anyone else think Market Lane's standards are slipping? We went in on Friday night. Usually I'd have a big struggle to decide what to choose (for good reasons) but I thought the choice was only so-so on Friday. My starter (calamari) was very average and so was the main (cod). My wife wasn't overly impressed either. The service and atmosphere was still great in there but, while still nice, was probably the worst meal I've had there. Mind you, if could have been a one off.

Markcheese

Bacchus wrote: »

Anyone else think Market Lane's standards are slipping? We went in on Friday night. Usually I'd have a big struggle to decide what to choose (for good reasons) but I thought the choice was only so-so on Friday. My starter (calamari) was very average and so was the main (cod). My wife wasn't overly impressed either. The service and atmosphere was still great in there but, while still nice, was probably the worst meal I've had there. Mind you, if could have been a one off.

Went about 2 months ago for the first time in a long time - and thought it was better than ever- (about 6.00 on a Thursday evening ) Food was great - and I'm a critical gitt- and service excellent -
Hopefully yours was just a blip -

HH Barbara Allen

Haven't had any trouble there myself, not food-wise, at least. If you get a chance, I'd recommend trying their sister Elbow Lane, which is right next door and aaaaamazing.

Brandon F

Went to Coqbull earlier. Knew beforehand it was a burger joint but was suprised by the lack of options. This kind of food is usually right up my street but was left very disappointed. The starter of ribs and two different kind of wings were bland, but were eaten quickly enough after the wait. The burger I ordered was one of the worst I've had, would have prefered a burger king one. It was dripping in grease and just meh. I shared a dessert of the cookies and ice cream, again very average. Would not recommend!

rob316

Coqbull seems to be very hit and miss. Decent mix of good and bad reviews.

pwurple

Coqbull recent visitors, are they still blaring music in there? Myself and my buddies ended up giving up and staring at eachother in silence because we couldn't hear eachother over the sound system.

bee06

Yep, it was pretty loud when I was there and the tables are so close together the conversations at either side are very easy to hear as well. You wouldn't want to try and discuss anything personal in there.

HH Barbara Allen

See, I've been wanting to try the food there, but have a sneaking suspicion I could do just as well or better at home. I am not going to brave the queues unless I know it is worth it.

Brandon F

The music was very loud alright. It's a very nice looking restaurant and the staff are very welcoming and friendly. It's just a shame the food wasn't up to scratch.

leahyl

Brandon F wrote: »

Went to Coqbull earlier. Knew beforehand it was a burger joint but was suprised by the lack of options. This kind of food is usually right up my street but was left very disappointed. The starter of ribs and two different kind of wings were bland, but were eaten quickly enough after the wait. The burger I ordered was one of the worst I've had, would have prefered a burger king one. It was dripping in grease and just meh. I shared a dessert of the cookies and ice cream, again very average. Would not recommend!

That's disappointing to read; I have to say I really enjoyed mine. Someone else mentioned the music being too loud and that is one thing alright - we were seated in a booth right next to the sound system so it was a bit loud but once the place filled up it just became background noise, instead all you could hear was people chattering!

I hope when I go back next time that it's still as nice; I hate when places aren't consistent.

54kroc

pwurple wrote: »

Coqbull recent visitors, are they still blaring music in there? Myself and my buddies ended up giving up and staring at eachother in silence because we couldn't hear eachother over the sound system.

It's a bit mental alright, I'm the exact same.
At the moment we base our choice of pubs on how loud the music is, having to do the same for a restaurant is silly, I hope it's not some new trend.

gimmick

Went to Wild West Wings Saturday for a second time and it was left down. Food was ok to decent but the "vibe" of the place is just off.

No blaring music here, just silence upstairs and The Big Red Bench downstairs. No restaurant should have a radio playing, much less talk radio. Service was a little too quick as well.

It is also very expensive for average food. I wont be rushing back.

SusieBlue

gimmick wrote: »

Went to Wild West Wings Saturday for a second time and it was left down. Food was ok to decent but the "vibe" of the place is just off.

No blaring music here, just silence upstairs and The Big Red Bench downstairs. No restaurant should have a radio playing, much less talk radio. Service was a little too quick as well.

It is also very expensive for average food. I wont be rushing back.

I had the same experience. We were seated upstairs and there was no atmosphere, just an awkward silence as we tried to chat without other customers being able to hear every word, it was that quiet.

I would also expect to be sitting on proper chairs and not benches for the price of the food.

D'Agger

bee06 wrote: »

Yep, it was pretty loud when I was there and the tables are so close together the conversations at either side are very easy to hear as well. You wouldn't want to try and discuss anything personal in there.

This is something I've been very much aware of on my last two restaurant visits in Cork - firstly in Market Lane and secondly in The Strasbourg Goose.

On both occasions I'd a great time and the food was lovely, but, while I understand restaurants need to make money and get customers sitting at tables - I was too close to other occupied tables to be comfortable speaking freely which was somewhat annoying. The conversation didn't flow that naturally after as I was aware of what I was saying, and how loudly I was speaking.

Any spacious restaurants in Cork? I thought Nash19 was quite a good layout when I was there last

Markcheese

Is that not the style of the restaurant ? Some places spread you out -( and charge accordingly ) some pack you in -
Ate in a bistro in Paris that was shoulder to shoulder - because of the hub-bub we had total privacy -

Edit - max's in kinsale - really good - very spacious

D'Agger

Markcheese wrote: »

Is that not the style of the restaurant ? Some places spread you out -( and charge accordingly ) some pack you in -
Ate in a bistro in Paris that was shoulder to shoulder - because of the hub-bub we had total privacy -

Edit - max's in kinsale - really good - very spacious

True - well especially The Strasbourg Goose, that said, it wasn't particularly busy that night and we were put sitting with two or three tables around us, when there were others free - perhaps I should have asked for a specific table. The market lane somebody was pretty much on my shoulder, very little spaces between tables I thought.

Coqbull on the other hand, went there for lunch and thought it was grand, our table was to the left against the wall and thought we'd loads of space

TeletextPear

Eco is the worst for jamming them in, I was practically sitting on the next table's lap when I ate there.

Not exactly a restaurant (although they do great pizzas) but somewhere I noticed had great space recently is Rising Sons. We were at a couch/table in the corner and felt absolute miles from anyone else (in a good way).

rob316

TeletextPear wrote: »

Eco is the worst for jamming them in, I was practically sitting on the next table's lap when I ate there.

Not exactly a restaurant (although they do great pizzas) but somewhere I noticed had great space recently is Rising Sons. We were at a couch/table in the corner and felt absolute miles from anyone else (in a good way).

You just beat me to it. Eco is absolutely horrible space wise, its the chair behind you clung up against yours is the worse.

Apt8

Anyone else tried White Rabbit BBQ on MacCurtain street? Popped in the other day and enjoyed it, menu is simple, pick your meat and have it with sides or in a sandwich. Opted for the Beef Brisket, Potato Salad and Red Slaw, for a 10er I left more than well fed. Staff were really friendly too. Great to see the place being used again, was a shame when Bourbon Street closed down.

Lyaiera

I haven't tried the food, but I've been in there during the day for a drink on my own a few times. The staff are lovely, the wine is reasonable at €5.50 and actually quite decent (the Rioja) if not amazing. The food smells amazing and it looks like people are getting decent portions. A friend had the coffee and said it was one of the nicest she's had. It's a really nice addiction to the street and a different vibe to the typical pubs there.

sporina

Apt8 wrote: »

Anyone else tried White Rabbit BBQ on MacCurtain street? Popped in the other day and enjoyed it, menu is simple, pick your meat and have it with sides or in a sandwich. Opted for the Beef Brisket, Potato Salad and Red Slaw, for a 10er I left more than well fed. Staff were really friendly too. Great to see the place being used again, was a shame when Bourbon Street closed down.

wow didn't know it existed - love the new additions to the city - especially that part of town - good to see variety - i wonder if the meat is quality? seems v reasonable - how they could serve good meat at those prices?

Lyaiera

I'd imagine because a lot of their meat is slow cooked they can go for cheaper, tougher cuts that have any toughness cooked out of them while not sacrificing on quality.

Markcheese

Lyaiera wrote: »

I'd imagine because a lot of their meat is slow cooked they can go for cheaper, tougher cuts that have any toughness cooked out of them while not sacrificing on quality.

That's what you'd hope anyhow - brisket - pork shoulder- ribs are all inexpensive cuts -

sporina

Lyaiera wrote: »

I'd imagine because a lot of their meat is slow cooked they can go for cheaper, tougher cuts that have any toughness cooked out of them while not sacrificing on quality.

but whole chickens?

Faith

sporina wrote: »

but whole chickens?

You can get free range chickens in Aldi for about €5 or €6 for 1.4kg or thereabouts. Cheaper again to buy them from wholesalers, and a portion is a half chicken (it also states 1/2lb of meat, so might not even be a full half). That'd probably only cost them €2-ish to buy in per half chicken, another euro or two for sides. Still a healthy profit margin, by my (very inexpert) calculations.

sporina

Faith wrote: »

You can get free range chickens in Aldi for about €5 or €6 for 1.4kg or thereabouts. Cheaper again to buy them from wholesalers, and a portion is a half chicken (it also states 1/2lb of meat, so might not even be a full half). That'd probably only cost them €2-ish to buy in per half chicken, another euro or two for sides. Still a healthy profit margin, by my (very inexpert) calculations.

will give it a go for sure some sunny eve..

nerwen

I gave it a go today for lunch and it was quite nice.

Went for the plate variety as well; I got beef brisket, corn on the cob and red slaw, my friend got bbq ham, bbq beans and corn on the cob. Sadly they were out of green beans. The sides were nice and the meat was awesome, decent sized portion of good quality meat with a killer bbq sauce. Good value for a tenner for sure.

I like it, will definitely go again.

Apt8

Yeah when I went they were out of the BBQ beans, it seems everything is made for the day so when it's gone it's gone.
Agree about their BBQ sauce, the guy said it's made with Mi Daza, I couldn't get enough of it.

Milly33

I was just going to say isn't Mi Daza a saying. but I see tis a stout.. I think this white rabbit place wasn't reall. We shall have to pay a trip in there

Nonoperational

Very disappointing meal in Blackrock Castle Cafe today. Poor service, average food. Wouldn't be pushed to go back at all.

northgirl

Nonoperational wrote: »

Very disappointing meal in Blackrock Castle Cafe today. Poor service, average food. Wouldn't be pushed to go back at all.

was only thinking of going there this weekend... that's a pity

Missyelliot2

northgirl wrote: »

was only thinking of going there this weekend... that's a pity

I was there this eve and loved it! I had cod and mussels as main - it really was tasty.
Try it - maybe the daytime is different to the night?

Meursault

Was thinking of going to the Sultan lebenese restaurant tonight. Is it busy on a Saturday? Heard the food was good but don't want to go there is there is no atmosphere

Lyaiera

I went to White Rabbit last night. It was lovely. I had the beef brisket, bbq beans and potato salad. The beef brisket wasn't as hot as it could be, but it was delicious. I had a debate with a friend about the potato salad, she loved hers, I only began to love mine as it went on. At the start the potato was very smooth, but as I went into there were more and more chunks of spud, and it was really nice. I did have to add a bit of salt and pepper though, which I suppose is a good thing as it leaves the seasoning up to the customer. The bbq beans were delicious, I'll definitely go for them again. I tried all the meats on the menu apart from the chicken, they were all really nice. I think I chose well with my brisket, but the ham was lovely too (despite having to annoy a friend to get a taste.)

Overall, it's excellent value. There seems to be still one or two very minor teething problems, and I didn't get a chance to mention the temperature of the brisket as the two times they came down I was stuffing my face. I didn't have a dessert but the people who did gave the brownie, and especially the cream a glowing review. I'll be back.

dudara

To be fair, BBQ food wouldn't typically be served very hot. A lot of customers like food to be piping hot, when it doesn't need to be.

Love the sound of this spot - must try it when I'm back home next