The Restaurant Recommendation Thread

ncur

Apt8 wrote: »

Anyone any idea what's going on in Crowley's on MacCurtain Street? Walked past earlier and noticed alot of work going on in there, the signs in the window indicate some form of restaurant opening in there.

New BBQ place, Son of a Bun http://www.sonofabun.ie/who.html due to open 25th August.

bladebrew

Son of a bun sounds like a replica of Bunsen in Dublin, which seems ok, but the staff are terrible, they have bizarre table service in a casual burger place and it's too expensive, but I think these things can easily be changed, so I'm holding out hope for them!

I think I have mentioned Liberty grill here before but I have to mention it again, me and the OH went there last week, we both had a coffee/tea, both had a spicy eggs benedict thing with avocado (forgot the name!) and we shared a desert for just over €20! You do have to queue to get a table but there are other places in town charging way more for the same thing!
Edit: obviously it is lovely aswell not just cheap!

sporina

Apt8 wrote: »

Anyone any idea what's going on in Crowley's on MacCurtain Street? Walked past earlier and noticed alot of work going on in there, the signs in the window indicate some form of restaurant opening in there.

i like this street - i was in the shellbourne last week and only realised how active that area is; you can get food from the fish wife and have outside in the shellbourne.. great buzz - the queue for the fish wife was never ending…

taras tea room is lovely too - and gallaghers seems to do well..

the beer revolu

sporina wrote: »

i like this street - i was in the shellbourne last week and only realised how active that area is; you can get food from the fish wife and have outside in the shellbourne.. great buzz - the queue for the fish wife was never ending…

taras tea room is lovely too - and gallaghers seems to do well..

Also Novecento and The White Rabbit. Star Anise and Gourmet Burger just around the corner.

ncur

Sakura ftw!

whatever76

the beer revolu wrote: »

Also Novecento and The White Rabbit. Star Anise and Gourmet Burger just around the corner.

Also Francescas Café - which in trending an No1 restaurant in cork on trip advisor . Anyone been ?

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Francescas-cafe-culture/234770966705865#_=_

ncur

No, but friends who work on MacCurtain Street and have been to Francescas said it was only ok. Must try for myself though.

the beer revolu

ncur wrote: »

Sakura ftw!

Forgot about that.

Casual dining central, with Star Anise, Green's and Issac's for a more upmarket feed!

I'm surprised that an Asian Street food place hasn't popped up there yet.

SteelyDanJalapeno

Heading to Jacob's tomorrow night, quietly excited about the turf and surf.

J Mysterio

the beer revolu wrote: »

Asian Street food

God its everywhere now isnt it. Total buzz word and not really very accurate.

leahyl

Looking forward to trying Son of Bun when it opens. So many new places (either actual new businesses or just places starting to serve food) so my friend made a list of places to try over the next few months - too many to keep track!

gimmick

J Mysterio wrote: »

God its everywhere now isnt it. Total buzz word and not really very accurate.

Asian Street Food

Gourmet

Artisan

3 terms which mean absolutely nothing anymore.

the beer revolu

gimmick wrote: »

Asian Street Food

Gourmet

Artisan

3 terms which mean absolutely nothing anymore.

Homemade. Really? In whose home?
Craft.

bleach94

Can anyone tell me how far in advance you have to book Strasbourg Goose? I'm hoping to go there this night next week with my girlfriend (1 year anniversary) but a friend told me it's normally busy

pwurple

bleach94 wrote: »

Can anyone tell me how far in advance you have to book Strasbourg Goose? I'm hoping to go there this night next week with my girlfriend (1 year anniversary) but a friend told me it's normally busy

Did you phone them yet? I'd guess a week would be ok, but just call and ask?

whatever76

I see Quinlans opened this week - anyone been ?

pwurple

whatever76 wrote: »

I see Quinlans opened this week - anyone been ?

Is Quinlan's the seafood bar on Princes street? I was in Yuan Ming Yuan the other night, walked past it and thought it looked fab altogether. There were some people eating, but they had a nice board up outside the door listing fresh Brill and a 'wine of the moment' <-teehee. They did a great job on the decor anyway, it looks very inviting.

Loads of interesting places on Princes street now actually. Siesta, the new mexican place, and the new Tapas one... Tapa? Teca? Tedo? Something like that. Ivory tower is still there, and YMY of course.


Yuan ming yuan was as good as ever for the dim sum. Great dumplings and a standard irish-chinese menu, plus the very interesting stuff for anyone more adventurous. Chicken feet, taro root, duck tongue, preserved eggs, all those funky items.

bleach94

Going to Roosters Piri Piri in Douglas for the first time tonight, heard good things. Any tips on what's good there?

whatever76

pwurple wrote: »

Is Quinlan's the seafood bar on Princes street? I was in Yuan Ming Yuan the other night, walked past it and thought it looked fab altogether. There were some people eating, but they had a nice board up outside the door listing fresh Brill and a 'wine of the moment' <-teehee. They did a great job on the decor anyway, it looks very inviting.

Loads of interesting places on Princes street now actually. Siesta, the new mexican place, and the new Tapas one... Tapa? Teca? Tedo? Something like that. Ivory tower is still there, and YMY of course.


Yuan ming yuan was as good as ever for the dim sum. Great dumplings and a standard irish-chinese menu, plus the very interesting stuff for anyone more adventurous. Chicken feet, taro root, duck tongue, preserved eggs, all those funky items.

yep that's the one .... https://www.facebook.com/quinlansfish ; look forward to checking it out .

bee06

whatever76 wrote: »

yep that's the one .... https://www.facebook.com/quinlansfish ; look forward to checking it out .

I've heard very good things about the one in Tralee anyway so hopefully the quality is the same.

Curb Your Enthusiasm

bleach94 wrote: »

Going to Roosters Piri Piri in Douglas for the first time tonight, heard good things. Any tips on what's good there?

Piri Piri or Pil-Pil?

rob316

Brick Lane is absolutely excellent I can confirm. Had lunch there twice in the last week or so. The stand out for me was the pulled pork wrap w/avocado, chutney and caramelised onion with potato bravas, aioli and slaw on the side. €7.50 great price in fairness.

eternal

rob316 wrote: »

Brick Lane is absolutely excellent I can confirm. Had lunch there twice in the last week or so. The stand out for me was the pulled pork wrap w/avocado, chutney and caramelised onion with potato bravas, aioli and slaw on the side. €7.50 great price in fairness.

That sounds amazing. I love potato bravas.

D'Agger

Went to Liberty Grill for brunch Monday - Brick Lane wasn't open, that was at half 10 - wasn't sure what the story was so moved on whilst hungry, must try it but does anybody know what their hours are? Not seeing anything on their site.

dibkins

bee06 wrote: »

I've heard very good things about the one in Tralee anyway so hopefully the quality is the same.

Oh yum. That was my favourite treat when I lived in Tralee!

rob316

eternal wrote: »

That sounds amazing. I love potato bravas.

Well there not like the Spanish spicy type, just delicious small fried potatoes with aioli on the side. Delicious.

Nonoperational

pwurple wrote: »

Is Quinlan's the seafood bar on Princes street? I was in Yuan Ming Yuan the other night, walked past it and thought it looked fab altogether. There were some people eating, but they had a nice board up outside the door listing fresh Brill and a 'wine of the moment' <-teehee. They did a great job on the decor anyway, it looks very inviting.

Loads of interesting places on Princes street now actually. Siesta, the new mexican place, and the new Tapas one... Tapa? Teca? Tedo? Something like that. Ivory tower is still there, and YMY of course.


Yuan ming yuan was as good as ever for the dim sum. Great dumplings and a standard irish-chinese menu, plus the very interesting stuff for anyone more adventurous. Chicken feet, taro root, duck tongue, preserved eggs, all those funky items.

Siesta is very average, Tedo is dreadful.

TeletextPear

Had a very poor meal in the Clarion recently. We had booked into the Kudos restaurant but on arrival the restaurant was packed so after a bit of confusion we were put into a hastily arranged extra seating area. We waited a long while and eventually had to ask for menus. Placed our order but after a few minutes the waitress was back to say they were out of some of our choices. We both ended up with spring rolls for starters, fairly basic but with a weird, cold sloppy noodle mess as the garnish. The main courses were good to be fair, but dessert was awful again. Apple crumble was in a burnt, pre-made base with very little apple and lots of burnt crumb. To be honest we would have left after all we ordered being out of stock but stuck around as we had a gift voucher. Wouldn't like to have spent the €80 on that meal though.

By contrast we've eaten twice lately at the South County in Douglas and had absolutely fabulous meals with drinks for under €30 total, far nicer.

pwurple

Nonoperational wrote: »

Siesta is very average, Tedo is dreadful.

Good to know, will bump them down the list of places to try...

Milly33

I don't get kudos at all, I think of all the times I had one nice thing there and that was the fish cake, but tis more like a potato cake. wine is extortionate and the food isn't worth it I remember getting chicken in there at lunch and you could not cut it, it was like rubber

sporina

dibkins wrote: »

Oh yum. That was my favourite treat when I lived in Tralee!

had a look in today - looks class - but is it a casual restaurant or would you go there for a dinner night out?

Nonoperational wrote: »

Siesta is very average, Tedo is dreadful.

i like tedo - had a prawn dish which was fab.. had a nice wine from NZ too,..

why didn't you like it?

pwurple

Quinlan's... Zipped in for lunch (checking it out for possible revisit with some people next week)

It's casual enough, but sure you'd go for a casual dinner. Fish and chips mainly, with some fancier options, and there's a wine list and some beer on tap. Tables are a mix of booths and others.

Food was excellent anyway. We had turbot and monkfish. Monkfish came with this delicious sauce, like a very lemony hollandaise. Lick-the-plate good. Turbot was simply done, pan fried and came with a nice salad and chips. Both dishes were simple, fresh and very good, exactly like fish should be! I'm delighted to see another fish place in Cork, we should have them coming out our ears we are so close to the sea. They were doing a lobster salad as well which looked AMAZING when someone at another table ordered it.

Pricey enough for lunch now was the only thing. I think it's dinner prices at lunchtime too. Glass of wine was 6.50, I think both those mains were around 17. There were cheaper options though, like smoked salmon on soda bread, and whiting with chips, so we were splurging a small bit alright.

Oh yeah, it's sprog friendly. Colouring pencils, high chairs, the smallies were happy out.

limnam

pwurple wrote: »

Quinlan's... Zipped in for lunch (checking it out for possible revisit with some people next week)

It's casual enough, but sure you'd go for a casual dinner. Fish and chips mainly, with some fancier options, and there's a wine list and some beer on tap. Tables are a mix of booths and others.

Food was excellent anyway. We had turbot and monkfish. Monkfish came with this delicious sauce, like a very lemony hollandaise. Lick-the-plate good. Turbot was simply done, pan fried and came with a nice salad and chips. Both dishes were simple, fresh and very good, exactly like fish should be! I'm delighted to see another fish place in Cork, we should have them coming out our ears we are so close to the sea. They were doing a lobster salad as well which looked AMAZING when someone at another table ordered it.

Pricey enough for lunch now was the only thing. I think it's dinner prices at lunchtime too. Glass of wine was 6.50, I think both those mains were around 17. There were cheaper options though, like smoked salmon on soda bread, and whiting with chips, so we were splurging a small bit alright.

Oh yeah, it's sprog friendly. Colouring pencils, high chairs, the smallies were happy out.

17e for a plate of simply cooked fish that came with what sounds like a correctly made hollandaise sauce sounds outrageous. 6.50 for what I assume was house wine, again sounds for no reason stupidly overpriced.

It's no wonder so many places go under so quickly here.

Cedrus

Milly33 wrote: »

I don't get kudos at all, I think of all the times I had one nice thing there and that was the fish cake, but tis more like a potato cake. wine is extortionate and the food isn't worth it I remember getting chicken in there at lunch and you could not cut it, it was like rubber

I don't get Irish "fishcakes" at all. They're potato cakes with a hint of fish at best, worst of all is when they're called "Thai Fishcakes" just because they have a squirt of sweet chilli sauce. Real Thai fish cakes (Tod Man) are made of fish with green beans, herbs and spices. No spuds, no breadcrumbs and usually no sweet chilli sauce.

pwurple

limnam wrote: »

17e for a plate of simply cooked fish that came with what sounds like a correctly made hollandaise sauce sounds outrageous. 6.50 for what I assume was house wine, again sounds for no reason stupidly overpriced.

It's no wonder so many places go under so quickly here.

I mostly agree, but turbot isn't a cheap fish, nor monkfish, we both ordered off the daily specials rather than their regular menu, which is much cheaper. I don't want to put people off at all. there are definitely loads of cheaper options than what we got. Here's the link.

http://kerryfish.com/index.php/seafood_bar_menu?___store=default

the beer revolu

pwurple wrote: »

I mostly agree, but turbot isn't a cheap fish, nor monkfish, we both ordered off the daily specials rather than their regular menu, which is much cheaper. I don't want to put people off at all. there are definitely loads of cheaper options than what we got. Here's the link.

http://kerryfish.com/index.php/seafood_bar_menu?___store=default

I passed by there yesterday and had a look at the menu and specials.
Seems like they are going for a Fishy Fishy model : Simple, good quality, expensive and lunch price =dinner price.

dudara

Was home recently and went to Yuan Ming Yuan for lunch. Ordered from the dim sum menu, which was excellent. Really lovely staff, who even remembered me from my last visit.

EDIT: Also had brunch in Brick Lane. Potato chorizo was huge and tasty, waffles with bacon also great. Got a sample of peanut butter brownie afterwards which was exceptionally good. Great decor, friendly staff and opens at 10am for brunch. As good as anything in Dublin!

denlaw

Any reco's for a decent but cheapish Chinese place in cork city for a family of 5...

the beer revolu

denlaw wrote: »

Any reco's for a decent but cheapish Chinese place in cork city for a family of 5...

Yuan Ming Yuan is, imo, the only decent Chinese in Cork. Reasonable too.

Or more so called Asian Street Food style, Chilli Padi, Box Noodle, and Aroi are all pretty good and very good value.

Nonoperational

sporina wrote: »

i like tedo - had a prawn dish which was fab.. had a nice wine from NZ too,..

why didn't you like it?

I just thought overall it was very unmemorable. It reminded me of something I'd whip up at home after a trip to M&S just not as nice!

Maybe I caught them at a bad time, but I won't be going to try again unfortunately.

Herb Powell

Cedrus wrote: »

I don't get Irish "fishcakes" at all. They're potato cakes with a hint of fish at best, worst of all is when they're called "Thai Fishcakes" just because they have a squirt of sweet chilli sauce. Real Thai fish cakes (Tod Man) are made of fish with green beans, herbs and spices. No spuds, no breadcrumbs and usually no sweet chilli sauce.

Call em whatever you want-feckin tasty!

dibkins

Oh, I only ever went to Quinlans for fish and chip takeaway!

54and56

Hi all,

Heading to the ferry tomorrow in Ringaskiddy for checking at 3pm and would love to stop off somewhere really nice for a family lunch. We're travelling from Dublin so happy to head for places that might be out of the way a bit, don't mind driving an extra 30 minutes or so and avoiding the city centre as fully loaded with bike rack etc.

Was in Cork on business recently and had a great meal in Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House. Based on this thread I was thinking of hitting Elm Tree in Glounthaune around 12:30 or Yuan Ming Yuan Chinese restaurant. That would give us 2 hours for a nice leisurely lunch and 30 minutes to get to check in for the ferry at 3pm.

Anyone comment on which of the two is the more memorable or suggest a better option? Given we are going to France and will be eating out a lot there plus BBQ'ing ourselves I'm kind of leaning towards a really good Chinese lunch before we go as we definitely won't get anything like that where we will be staying in France.

PreCocious

Je_suis_Jean wrote: »

Hi all,

Heading to the ferry tomorrow in Ringaskiddy for checking at 3pm and would love to stop off somewhere really nice for a family lunch. We're travelling from Dublin so happy to head for places that might be out of the way a bit, don't mind driving an extra 30 minutes or so and avoiding the city centre as fully loaded with bike rack etc.

Was in Cork on business recently and had a great meal in Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House. Based on this thread I was thinking of hitting Elm Tree in Glounthaune around 12:30 or Yuan Ming Yuan Chinese restaurant. That would give us 2 hours for a nice leisurely lunch and 30 minutes to get to check in for the ferry at 3pm.

Anyone comment on which of the two is the more memorable or suggest a better option? Given we are going to France and will be eating out a lot there plus BBQ'ing ourselves I'm kind of leaning towards a really good Chinese lunch before we go as we definitely won't get anything like that where we will be staying in France.

Elm Tree is decent and has parking and is easy for the Ferry. Haven't tried Yuan but it's in Princes Street so you'll need to find parking.

You could (depending on time) head to Cobh and places like The Quays (similar to the Elm Tree) beside the water. Quick trip back across the Cross River Ferry to Ringaskiddy.

Could also try the Bosun in Monkstown. About 15 mins from Ringaskiddy with good parking. Seafood and exotic meats . Very popular.

roundymac

The Rising Tide in Glountaune is also excellent, I would go for either that or the Elm Tree.Lovely morning here in Cork, the ferry looked lovely as she passed Roches point lighthouse at 0900 this morning.

Cedrus

Je_suis_Jean wrote: »

Hi all,

Heading to the ferry tomorrow in Ringaskiddy for checking at 3pm and would love to stop off somewhere really nice for a family lunch. We're travelling from Dublin so happy to head for places that might be out of the way a bit, don't mind driving an extra 30 minutes or so and avoiding the city centre as fully loaded with bike rack etc.

Was in Cork on business recently and had a great meal in Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House. Based on this thread I was thinking of hitting Elm Tree in Glounthaune around 12:30 or Yuan Ming Yuan Chinese restaurant. That would give us 2 hours for a nice leisurely lunch and 30 minutes to get to check in for the ferry at 3pm.

Anyone comment on which of the two is the more memorable or suggest a better option? Given we are going to France and will be eating out a lot there plus BBQ'ing ourselves I'm kind of leaning towards a really good Chinese lunch before we go as we definitely won't get anything like that where we will be staying in France.

Fernhill golf club is just off the ringaskiddy road (about three hundred metres after the shannonpark roundabout), they do good, but basic lunches.

For chinese, somewhere in douglas would be more practical than the city centre. The Briar Rose used to be excellent (the only place I would eat when I came home from china) but has slid in recent years according to many.

The elm tree is good, I was there recently and was surprised how good the carvery was (not a fan of overcooked meat) but it will be very busy and I believe carvery only on a sunday, not sure if I'd detour for it.

54and56

Thanks Cedrus, eventually got parking in Cork (why are discs still being used?) And note sitting in Yuan Ming Yuan Chinese restaurant which opens at 12 BTW.

Thanks all. It looks like a nice place with friendly service. Just ordered some Dim Sum. Yum!

ncur

Je_suis_Jean wrote: »

Thanks Cedrus, eventually got parking in Cork (why are discs still being used?) And note sitting in Yuan Ming Yuan Chinese restaurant which opens at 12 BTW.

Thanks all. It looks like a nice place with friendly service. Just ordered some Dim Sum. Yum!

Was the Dim Sum good? I have been promising myself to go to Yuan Ming Yuan to try it but still haven't done so. On a side note, you can pay for 1 to 2 hours street parking by phone using parkmagic.net but you do have to register first. https://bookings.parkmagic.net/pmui/website/pay_by_phone.html

J Mysterio

ncur wrote: »

On a side note, you can pay for 1 to 2 hours street parking by phone using parkmagic.net but you do have to register first. https://bookings.parkmagic.net/pmui/website/pay_by_phone.html

ncur

Je_suis_Jean wrote: »

Thanks Cedrus, eventually got parking in Cork (why are discs still being used?)

ncur wrote: »

On a side note, you can pay for 1 to 2 hours street parking by phone using parkmagic.net but you do have to register first. https://bookings.parkmagic.net/pmui/website/pay_by_phone.html

J Mysterio wrote: »

Sorry it was just about parking discs, don't have to use discs for street parking as there's an online system that can be used instead.