The Restaurant Recommendation Thread

gimmick

Yup. Lots will be open until at least 4pm last sitting.

pwurple

sporina wrote: »

well i guess thats not a bad thing - i mean, you just dont have to eat it all - would be worse if it were on the contrary

Yeah, I know some people like it, but it's something I absolutely abhor. So, bad thing for me. I find waste utterly revolting, both from an ethics point of view, and how unappetising I find a mountain of food. I can picture the leftovers rotting and congealing, scraped into landfill by an underpaid dishwasher. I much prefer the contrary. Too little leaving me with some room, is far nicer than feeling disgustingly overstuffed looking at a remaining pile of gunk tepidly festering on my plate.

stoutykid

We ate in 32 Marlborough Street at the weekend. I had never been there before but was very impressed. It had a lovely atmosphere with very pleasant and attentive staff. Food was really tasty will def be back....!!!

rob316

stoutykid wrote: »

We ate in 32 Marlborough Street at the weekend. I had never been there before but was very impressed. It had a lovely atmosphere with very pleasant and attentive staff. Food was really tasty will def be back....!!!

I see the pictures of the food in my facebook feed all the time, pure food porn. Nice to hear its good, must try it.

ncmc

Finally got to try Son of a Bun last night, I thought the food was absolutely incredible. It was crazy busy even at 6pm on a wet Wednesday, there was people queuing the whole time we were there. There was a gig in the Everyman which probably accounted for some of it, but it's great to see a place doing so well.

As it was our first time there, we decided to try a bit of everything. We had the nachos and wings to start, both were excellent, all the nachos toppings tasted home made and fresh. They were excellent value at €6.50 and were definitely big enough to share. My husband had the SOB burger and I had the special which was a double burger with mushrooms, slaw and horseradish. They were both incredible, every bite just melted in the mouth. They were served just the right amount of pink. We had the cheese fries and mac & cheese as sides. The fries were lovely, the mac & cheese was only ok, but I think that’s because there was a lot going on with the burgers so it might have been cheese overload! We shared the churro to finish which were a little bit greasy, so I would probably give them a miss the next time.

Service was friendly and attentive even though our server was rushed off her feet. We never felt rushed or pressured even though there were a lot of people waiting for seats. We felt it was very good value, for two starters, two mains, two sides, a dessert, a coke and a tea, it came to €53, but we had waaaaay too much food. We could have done without one of the sides and starters and that would have brought it down to €40 for two. Absolute bargain for that quality of food.

nerwen

I agree Ncmc, the food in there is awesome. If you go again and you're into that kind of thing, get a shake and have it extra thick. Best milkshake in Cork.

leahyl

I really must try son of a bun soon, might have the chance this weekend!

leahyl

Sporina, your post has been deleted and I don't think I should need to explain why. Keep on topic please.

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Whats the verdict on Siesta?

pwurple

Idaho Cafe, popped in during the week while I was doing some Christmas shopping. I had forgotten how good the food in there is. Everything homemade, simple straightforward lunch (bap and a mince pie), but the bap was real quality, Fillings were great (blurbs on the wall about where ingredients are sourced), mince pie was homemade and came with a blob of fresh cream. Hit the spot!

It was jammed this time of year, great buzz in there, and the table staff are friendly while zipping around at the speed of light. Nice spot for a quick lunch or cuppa in the city.

Milly33

Went to the Weir Room in Jurys last night and have to say I wouldn't be overly impressed with it... They don't cook steak rare, the starters were a bit mean and while the food was nice it wasn't any better lets say than Scoozis or anywhere else..

Malari

Milly33 wrote: »

Went to the Weir Room in Jurys last night and have to say I wouldn't be overly impressed with it... They don't cook steak rare, the starters were a bit mean and while the food was nice it wasn't any better lets say than Scoozis or anywhere else..

What?! :pac: I think I'd have to get up and leave.

the beer revolu

Milly33 wrote: »

.. They don't cook steak rare,.

They refuse to or they failed to?
If the latter, did you send it back?

kcb

pwurple wrote: »

Idaho Cafe, .

Any time I try to go there they are closed - they don't open Sunday's and possibly Monday as well! Odd.

For coffee there are much better options anyway with a bit more space.

nerwen

Techmaster wrote: »

Whats the verdict on Siesta?

I went there the other week with not a lot of hope, but came out quite satisfied. We arrived just between the lunch and dinner menus (at 4) and were given both to chose from. Personally I thought the dinner menu was a lot more interesting, with things like chimichangas, pozole and gorditas.

Food came out nice, massive portions. Really interesting little detail in that they deep fry black beans to add a crispy thing to your plate which I really liked.

Miles above cafe mexicana (not that it takes a lot imo), less hipstery than the upstairs one across from and no food served on wooden boards.

sporina

kcb wrote: »

Any time I try to go there they are closed - they don't open Sunday's and possibly Monday as well! Odd.

For coffee there are much better options anyway with a bit more space.

they are open on sundays for xmas - 12.30 - 5 or something like that..

I'm not a fan myself.. its very small so if you don't want the customers at your neighbouring tables to hear your conversation, you almost have to whisper.. but its ok for a solo visit

kcb

sporina wrote: »

they are open on sundays for xmas - 12.30 - 5 or something like that..

I'm not a fan myself.. its very small so if you don't want the customers at your neighbouring tables to hear your conversation, you almost have to whisper.. but its ok for a solo visit

My interest in going there waned when I realised they couldn't be bothered opening Sunday's. They are very vocal on Twitter about the poor old independent cafe as well. Open on Sunday's for a start...! And stop whinging.

Can't beat Italee for coffee.

Loire

Fenn's Quay for dinner last night - set menu 38 euro. Fantastic as usual. Had smoked salmon to start that was marinaded in some beetroot and it was divine. Mains was venison cooked to perfection. The portion of roasties was lovely and crisp. Christmas pud for dessert with proper Mahers coffee.

Such a great little corner of the city this & looking forward to going back.

Loire.

Bacchus

Had a falafel in EAST (Rocket Man's new place in Winthrop Arcade) during the week. It was savage. Seriously yummy, comfort food. Coffee and the little cakes there are nice too. Great little spot for a quick bite.

Loire

kcb wrote: »

Can't beat Italee for coffee.

Great coffee. I think Filter is awesome too. Was in there this morning and had their "Christmas coffee" & it was very good. Decent beats too.

leahyl

Bacchus wrote: »

Had a falafel in EAST (Rocket Man's new place in Winthrop Arcade) during the week. It was savage. Seriously yummy, comfort food. Coffee and the little cakes there are nice too. Great little spot for a quick bite.

Never heard anyone talking about this place! And Wintrhop Arcade...interesting location. I rarely set foot inside the place, must check it out

limnam

pwurple wrote: »

Idaho Cafe, popped in during the week while I was doing some Christmas shopping. I had forgotten how good the food in there is. Everything homemade, simple straightforward lunch (bap and a mince pie), but the bap was real quality, Fillings were great (blurbs on the wall about where ingredients are sourced), mince pie was homemade and came with a blob of fresh cream. Hit the spot!

It was jammed this time of year, great buzz in there, and the table staff are friendly while zipping around at the speed of light. Nice spot for a quick lunch or cuppa in the city.

One of my favorite spots in Cork. Great place. Need more of this. What they do is so easy yet so many places fail to come anywhere near it.

the beer revolu

kcb wrote: »

My interest in going there waned when I realised they couldn't be bothered opening Sunday's. They are very vocal on Twitter about the poor old independent cafe as well. Open on Sunday's for a start...! And stop whinging.

Can't beat Italee for coffee.

Yes, their whinging about competition is rather undignified and tiresome.

pwurple

kcb wrote: »

My interest in going there waned when I realised they couldn't be bothered opening Sunday's. They are very vocal on Twitter about the poor old independent cafe as well. Open on Sunday's for a start...! And stop whinging.

Can't beat Italee for coffee.

I Don't follow them on twitter, so missed any whinging.

Is italee open Sundays?

I don't generally mind small places being closed particular days, heck i don't work 6 days a week, why should i expect anyone else to do that. I know Nash 19 only recently started opening saturdays, liberty grill is closed Sunday's.

kcb

pwurple wrote: »

I Don't follow them on twitter, so missed any whinging.

Is italee open Sundays?

I don't generally mind small places being closed particular days, heck i don't work 6 days a week, why should i expect anyone else to do that. I know Nash 19 only recently started opening saturdays, liberty grill is closed Sunday's.

Italee open Sundays yes. And Monday's I'd imagine

What do Idaho cafe regulars do on Mondays?

I agree with you, it's completely up to the small business owner to close for a day or two a week, however, if you choose to do so then I don't think you can whinge too much about lack of business. There are ways of taking a day off and having someone else mind the place?

By the way I always thought Nash 19 not
Opening Saturday was extremely strange. But that would be the owners business decision. She'd also be very vocal about 'shopping local' and on various Cork business initiatives oddly.

pwurple

kcb wrote: »

What do Idaho cafe regulars do on Mondays?

Go to one of the thousand other places?

I agree with you, it's completely up to the small business owner to close for a day or two a week, however, if you choose to do so then I don't think you can whinge too much about lack of business.

I didn't realise they whinged about lack of business... It's seriously jammers any time I go. Maybe they need to expand! Bigger place, more hours. Everyone happy.

Henry94

Just had a top class carvery lunch in The Viaduct. Packed out the door but service was good and fast. The food is excellent.

Malari

The only thing I'm not mad about in Idaho is that you have to get a key and go outside and in next door to go to the bathroom! Bit of a pain. It's so cosy and Christmassy though, I really like it at this time of year.

rob316

I couldn't support the Idaho Café, from whinging on the radio to his sarcastic sign on the wall "Thanks for not supporting a soulless chain", the owner comes across incredibly bitter and up him self.

Henry94

rob316 wrote: »

I couldn't support the Idaho Café, from whinging on the radio to his sarcastic sign on the wall "Thanks for not supporting a soulless chain", the owner comes across incredibly bitter and up him self.

He thinks there is a fixed market for coffee and every new shop takes some of the existing trade. It's palpable nonsense of course but I'm sure it helps his business to appeal to the coffee drinkers who hate Starbucks because they are a multi-national.

You'd wonder how much of a coffee market would be left if the Multi-nationals left Ireland.

rob316

Henry94 wrote: »

He thinks there is a fixed market for coffee and every new shop takes some of the existing trade. It's palpable nonsense of course but I'm sure it helps his business to appeal to the coffee drinkers who hate Starbucks because they are a multi-national.

You'd wonder how much of a coffee market would be left if the Multi-nationals left Ireland.

Its hipster bull**** and snobbery of the highest order that's all it is from him and his customers.

He is actually lucky that he operates in a sector where he is up against an established brand but can compete on price point with multi nationals. I'm in the office supplies business and competing with multi nationals isn't possible due to price.

sporina

rob316 wrote: »

I couldn't support the Idaho Café, from whinging on the radio to his sarcastic sign on the wall "Thanks for not supporting a soulless chain", the owner comes across incredibly bitter and up him self.

oh - i didn't know that.. gosh - thats v v inappropriate.. embarrassing actually

northgirl

rob316 wrote: »

Its hipster bull**** and snobbery of the highest order that's all it is from him and his customers.

He is actually lucky that he operates in a sector where he is up against an established brand but can compete on price point with multi nationals. I'm in the office supplies business and competing with multi nationals isn't possible due to price.

I've just had a read through the Idaho Twitter feed.. embarrassing to say the least..

Interestingly one of today's posts reads, "open at 12... not 11.59....Twelve.." WTH?

sporina

northgirl wrote: »

I've just had a read through the Idaho Twitter feed.. embarrassing to say the least..

Interestingly one of today's posts reads, "open at 12... not 11.59....Twelve.." WTH?

wow.. gosh - wat a ...

Lia_lia

Bacchus wrote: »

Had a falafel in EAST (Rocket Man's new place in Winthrop Arcade) during the week. It was savage. Seriously yummy, comfort food. Coffee and the little cakes there are nice too. Great little spot for a quick bite.

Ohh saw that the other day alright! Must try it out. Love falafel.

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Or this one..

'' Did you know that our Blackened Chicken salad, brown bread and a glass of Viognier, has less total calories then a Costa white choc latté ?''

Turns me off going there tbh. What a twat.

kcb

pwurple wrote: »

Go to one of the thousand other places;)

According to an ad I saw for a Cork Coffee Weekend there are only 14 independent cafes in Cork!

I can't imagine the Idaho couple would serve anyone who'd dare go anywhere other than an 'indie' so that leaves the Monday customer with a limited list.

farmerjj

Ha glad I love instant coffee, no problem just boil the kettle and off you go. On a separate note was in Clancy,s today for lunch, got the burger it was nice but nothing special, still would go back for the atmosphere

pwurple

kcb wrote: »

According to an ad I saw for a Cork Coffee Weekend there are only 14 independent cafes in Cork!

I can't imagine the Idaho couple would serve anyone who'd dare go anywhere other than an 'indie' so that leaves the Monday customer with a limited list.

They were open today anyway, sunday. Must be a christmas thing. I don't even drink coffee, so the coffee politics goes right over my head.

Speaking of opening hours though, for those who don't know,the english market is open til 8 this week coming up to christmas.

Footoo

Bacchus wrote: »

Had a falafel in EAST (Rocket Man's new place in Winthrop Arcade) during the week. It was savage. Seriously yummy, comfort food. Coffee and the little cakes there are nice too. Great little spot for a quick bite.

Just had this today and all I can say is FINALLY a permanent structure in Cork that does Falafel right. Good coffee as well.

Had the original falafel and it was flawless. Might be more adventurous and try their other ones in next couple of weeks - although still unsure of the idea of Canadian, American etc falafels.

Footoo

Techmaster wrote: »

Or this one..

'' Did you know that our Blackened Chicken salad, brown bread and a glass of Viognier, has less total calories then a Costa white choc latté ?''

Turns me off going there tbh. What a twat.

That doesn't even make sense. What an idiot. Why is he comparing a salad with a rich milky / creamy drink?

Btw thanks lads 😀 , I always liked this place and was oblivious to all of this until reading this over the last couple of days. Not sure I can go back there now

Milly33

Finally got to call into the Linen Weaver and have a nibble..I must say now the food was loverly...Got the 14 oz steak which was mad no need i should have got smaller but it was loverly.. I would say the waitress there alrgith wasnt the best, the place could do with a brush and tidying up but all in all id be back there in a shot..The chap brining out the food was great very nice adn knew what he was doing

sozbox

whatever76 wrote: »

must say - the new coffee place Langford row is looking very cool ... opened today I think ! Cakes look delish
https://www.facebook.com/Langford-Row-Coffee-Music-Store-531240397035091

Been in here a good bit over the last few weeks, amazing coffee and the food is supplied by the lads at Filter. No better place to kick back with a book/paper for an hour or so.

kcb

The excellent Italian La Dolce Vita has opened a cafe next door on Probys Quay (apologies if this is old news!). It's called Tiramisu.

Amazing coffee and the sandwiches and salads looked excellent too. Nice, fresh and spacious with authentic Italian feel. Best of luck to them.

northgirl

Had a bite in Ali's Kitchen in Rory Gallagher place yesterday, a delicious cinnamon bun with cream cheese frosting - delish

confusticated

Footoo wrote: »

Just had this today and all I can say is FINALLY a permanent structure in Cork that does Falafel right. Good coffee as well.

Had the original falafel and it was flawless. Might be more adventurous and try their other ones in next couple of weeks - although still unsure of the idea of Canadian, American etc falafels.

Went here today after recommendations here, got the original as well and it was lovely. Massive though, you'd want to be hungry!

sporina

confusticated wrote: »

Went here today after recommendations here, got the original as well and it was lovely. Massive though, you'd want to be hungry!

is there seating there?

sozbox

sporina wrote: »

is there seating there?

about 8 seats in the walkway I think. Nice coffee too!

Bacchus

Footoo wrote: »

Just had this today and all I can say is FINALLY a permanent structure in Cork that does Falafel right. Good coffee as well.

Had the original falafel and it was flawless. Might be more adventurous and try their other ones in next couple of weeks - although still unsure of the idea of Canadian, American etc falafels.

I've had the Italian and Mexican. Both yum. Probably prefer the Italian. Lovely mozzarella in it.

sporina wrote: »

is there seating there?

As sozbox said, there's 5/6 tables for 2 in the walkway of Winthrop arcade. Most people seems to just take away, both times I've been there was no problem grabbing a seat.

sozbox wrote: »

Been in here a good bit over the last few weeks, amazing coffee and the food is supplied by the lads at Filter. No better place to kick back with a book/paper for an hour or so.

Most of the food is homemade by the owner. They do get in some stuff from a place that also supplies Filter but I don't think they get food from Filter itself.

Great place alright but the original (Alchemy) is still the best. Langford Row is brighter and more airy but Alchemy has little corners you can settle into that just have a better cosy factor.

Nonoperational

Donovans in Midleton this week. Probably the best 27.50 early bird I've had.