Good restaurant in Bray?

Macha

Hi guys,

Meeting a friend for dinner during the week in Bray and I'm beginning to come to the conclusion that there isn't a good restaurant in Bray!

Anyone have any recommendations?

t

Prenderb

There is a nice Italian restaurant, I can't remember precisely where, but it's just the promenade side of a railway bridge, and I know it's down the Heather House end of the prom. I'll see if I can't Google-map it.

http://www.braytourism.ie/restaurants/campo_de_fiori.htm

^ It has a Google map too. It's quite nice there.

_blank_

Pizzas and Cream near the Dart station.

It's fairly informal, but the Ice-Cream is bleedin' delish.

My gf is from Bray, I'll point her in the direction of this thread.

John Mason

have to agree with you tbh.

bray is a much worse place for loss of Escape

there is a new italian where escape is, its not too bad and the one across from it, isnt too bad either.

my parents seem to like this selbys place, havent been to it myself though

_blank_

Moved to Wicklow from Food & Drink, where I belive this will get a better response.

Eoin

This place gets good reviews barracuda - still haven't been yet though.

RuggieBear

barracuda can be very hit and miss. have had good meals there and had some terribe ones there. Bit pricey too

mikedragon32

RuggieBear wrote: »

barracuda can be very hit and miss. have had good meals there and had some terribe ones there. Bit pricey too

Totally agree Ruggie.

I've had some great meals and some terrible ones in Barracuda. The service isn't great and on my last two visits they've mucked up the orders.

Also, the toilets aren't kept in great condition, tiles missing from the walls, floor not mopped etc. If they're like that about the areas you can see, it does raise the issue of what it's like in the places you can't see.

I've always been tickled by the fact that it's a seafood restaurant located directly above an aquarium.

Eoin

mikedragon32 wrote: »

I've always been tickled by the fact that it's a seafood restaurant located directly above an aquarium.

You could be eating a slow learner.

molloyjh

Yikes you could be in a spot of bother. Pizzas and Cream is a real love it or hate it place. I'm afraid I'm the latter. Haven't been into Barricuda as I've heard so many mixed reviews. To be honest if I were you I'd go the extra distance and head to Greystones. There's LOADS of good resteraunts in there from Italian (Bochellis is a decent cheap and cheerful) to Indian (Chakra is gorgeous). As for The Hungry Monk on the main street, well if you can get in there I'd well recommend it.

Either way check out menupages.ie for ideas for Bray if thats where you're gonna end up.

cormie

Prenderb wrote: »

There is a nice Italian restaurant, I can't remember precisely where, but it's just the promenade side of a railway bridge, and I know it's down the Heather House end of the prom. I'll see if I can't Google-map it.

http://www.braytourism.ie/restaurants/campo_de_fiori.htm

^ It has a Google map too. It's quite nice there.

Had a meal here just recently. Excellent food and excellent service, I don't drink and was only having water and the jug of water never emptied, once it got low, it was replaced with a new one. I was with a group of about 15 and I try to be vegetarian when I can and they were very accommodating to me and paid me special attention even when dealing with such a large group. Oh and the waitresses are very hot :pac:

Alun

I like Campo de Fiori too, much better than the old Escape IMO. OK, it was a bit 'quirky', and the owner was even more so, but the food in my view was very average. Also, it's funny that people still refer to the Campo de Fiori as a "new" restaurant .. I reckon it's been there at least 4 years, anyone know for sure?

As for the Barracuda, it's always been the building itself that puts me off .. if you walk behind it along the prom, and look up towards the first floor restaurant (above the public toilets) it always looks decidedly grubby to me.

BTW the missus was telling me today that the Weeping Thaiger in the Village Arcade in Bray appears to have closed down. I don't know what it is about that location, but no-one seems to be able to make a go of it for more than 18 months without going out of business.

foxy06

Barracuda is lovely if you get them on a good day and the scenery is unbeatable.
Shelbys is nice but a bit quick. You could be in and out in an hour after a 3 course meal.
The Jasmine is a lovely Chinese and I love the booths.
Pizza and Cream has the nicest Pizzas I have ever tasted but I know some people that don't like the clay oven taste.
The Tower Bistro is a little gem hidden in the Martello. Good food and service and they have an early bird menu that you simply won't beat in Bray.

Krusty_Clown

Agree with a few of the previous posters:
Barracuda - had some good meals but most of the most recent ones have been poor. I'm not going back in a hurry.
Shelby's Brassery - Serves up some very good food at a very good price (particularly the early bird), but the dining experience is quite hurried.

Greystones has a wealth of good choices, and is only a Dart Stop away!

Lil' Smiler

What about the Tower Bistro in the Martello? I've never actually eaten in there coz I go for the pub grub, is meant to be nice.

On that note, anyone had pub grub in the Maretello lately? I'm not loving it so much

Dr Strange

Lil' Smiler wrote: »

What about the Tower Bistro in the Martello? I've never actually eaten in there coz I go for the pub grub, is meant to be nice.

The Tower Bistro got really nice quality food there. We go there from time to time and have never been disappointed. Same with Campo (love their pasta and side orders of spinach). The few times I went to the Barracuda it was good. No complaints. But then I am a meat man and love my steaks/crispy ducks/pork chops ....etc. So i cannot speak for seafood.

A very nice brunch is to be had at the Esplanade Hotel on Saturdays and Sundays. I recommend eggs benedict with creamed spinach and the homemade burger (yes, I know these are two dishes but it is a mixture of breakfst and lunch after all)

bernard0368

Barracuda is overpriced and the food more often than not is terrible. The tower bistro has a good rep also the thai place up the arcade on the main street.
Pizza and cream really is a love hate type place. I love it the best pizzas around but can get very busy.

Lil' Smiler

Is the Thai place up the arcade not closed? Nothing ever lasts when it moves in there anyway!

I really wanna try that campo de fiori place. i rememember about 2 years ago, I went on a Monday night in August because i got my exam results, went at about 7 and it was full, completely full and no tables til about 9.30!!! crazy!

Palazzo across the road from it is ok, haven't been in a while but was never anything special but certainly somewhere I wouldn't avoid going to

Alun

Lil' Smiler wrote: »

Is the Thai place up the arcade not closed? Nothing ever lasts when it moves in there anyway!

That's what my wife said the other day ... she was walking up there and noticed it looked all closed up. They're usually open for lunch, although I suppose they could have decided that wasn't worth it and only open in the evenings. I'll take a look myself if I'm down there any time soon.

John Mason

the campo de fiori place is really nice.

not a huge fan of barccuda, too many hit and misses with it.

Does any one else miss Escape? i loved that place, i really did, i would love a bit of their bunratty pie right now and some of their chocolate orange cookies

Ludo

Cafe Greko (hope it isn't closed or anything as I left Bray a year ago) on the Main Street by the town hall is very nice also and very reasonable. I didn't think I would like Greek food but it is good and also very handy for Duffs next door for a nice few pints afterwards!

Royale with Cheese

Weeping Thaiger is gone. I greatly mourn its loss. Tasty tasty curry. Never actually ate there though, just takeaway.

foxy06

Ludo wrote: »

Cafe Greko (hope it isn't closed or anything as I left Bray a year ago) on the Main Street by the town hall is very nice also and very reasonable. I didn't think I would like Greek food but it is good and also very handy for Duffs next door for a nice few pints afterwards!

Sorry to inform you but yes it's closed! Don't know what it is in Bray with restaurants. they just don't seem to last. The Weeping Tiger is gone altogether, not just closed at lunch and Kask that was down the seafront where Cassonis was (and is now back!) is closed too.

Lil' Smiler

Ludo wrote: »

Cafe Greko (hope it isn't closed or anything as I left Bray a year ago) on the Main Street by the town hall is very nice also and very reasonable. I didn't think I would like Greek food but it is good and also very handy for Duffs next door for a nice few pints afterwards!

Yep it's gone!! was there once but was really nice!!

CHD

McDonalds in the town hall :pac:

Lil' Smiler

Ah ha ha ha... actually now that you mention it, Henry and Rose hasn't been as good as it used to be!

Pablo Sanchez

Campo de Fiori is a nice spot, genuinly italian, although have been there four times and i have found the food hit and miss sometimes, sometimes excellent, sometimes not so good!

Lil' Smiler

I'll definitely have to check it out over the summer!

I've heard mixed reviews about the new place Shelby's on the main street that it's nice but menu isn't hugely varied

Wally Runs

Way late for this thread (or early), but cafe Greko is to reopen soon as CafeBarDeli. It is being fitted out now. (up near the town hall).

RuggieBear

same crowd as the one on Georges St?

Wally Runs

Yep, same menu, decor the lot. I would say another two weeks and it will be open.

Dr Strange

Wally Runs wrote: »

Yep, same menu, decor the lot. I would say another two weeks and it will be open.

Sounds nice, have to check that. I saw the Cafe Bar Deli sign alright but didn't know when exactly the official opening was.

Lil' Smiler

Mmmm sounds nice, I'll definitely be making a trip there!

Dr Strange

Preusse wrote: »

A very nice brunch is to be had at the Esplanade Hotel on Saturdays and Sundays. I recommend eggs benedict with creamed spinach and the homemade burger (yes, I know these are two dishes but it is a mixture of breakfst and lunch after all)

Unfortunately, I found out yesterday that the brunch menu has been replaced by a simple bar food menu. No reason was given and the staff who served me didn't understand it either as the brunch menu seemed really popular. What a pity. Where do I get eggs benedict or eggs florentine now (in Bray or close by)?

The Chessplayer

Lil' Smiler wrote: »

Mmmm sounds nice, I'll definitely be making a trip there!

Here's my tuppence on the whole affair:

Cafe Bar Deli is just what the main street needs. Greek place and Soprano's were total flops, so maybe a well-known franchise like that will bring the punters back. The Jasmine was always a half decent spot, a survivor from the old days with Jim's Discount Store next door.

Down the beach:
Didn't like Escape to be honest. Fair enough Gay Tom was a bit of a legend, but the Italian restaurant really is a cut above the rest.

Palazzo, across the road, is a dreary mediocre affair.

Barracuda is safe enough, if not a bit pricey. Had dinner in there the other night, but was stuck sitting near the kitchen door. So dark was it that everytime the door swung open I was nearly blinded.

Never made it down to Kask, but I still say the Cassonis make the best chips in Bray. In fairness to them though, it wouldn't be hard to make a go of anything like that down beside the Star and Dawson's.

Pub grub:
The Martello pub grub is really awful, but I have heard good reports about the Tower Bistro (from my Ma), although it might cost you an arm and a leg.

I wouldn't recommend the Porter for anything other than a standard homemade burger, they'll make you wait an hour and you'll probably get better food at half the price next door in Jim's. If it's just a humble toasted special that you're after, then head down the Hibo.

Carvery-wise, the Vevay Inn is the best in Bray. Kavanagh's in Little Bray used to do some decent pub food too.

Agree with above poster that it is a brutal state of affairs that a man can't get eggs benedict in Bray without having to scurry off down to Greystones and pay 20 euro for breakfast. I will drop into the Esplanade and have a word.

Lil' Smiler

The Chessplayer wrote: »

Cafe Bar Deli is just what the main street needs. Greek place and Soprano's were total flops, so maybe a well-known franchise like that will bring the punters back. The Jasmine was always a half decent spot, a survivor from the old days with Jim's Discount Store next door.

I was only talking about Sopranos over the weekend. I have to say i loved it and was sorry to see it go. Only ate at greek place once, i thought it was nice and always seemed busy enough going by it.

I wouldn't recommend the Porter for anything other than a standard homemade burger, they'll make you wait an hour and you'll probably get better food at half the price next door in Jim's. If it's just a humble toasted special that you're after, then head down the Hibo.

Yeah I'm not a fan of the Porterhouse food it has to be said, was there a couple of weeks ago and I wasn't too impressed.

sharonann

to be honest, not many places in Bray !!!!!!!!
pity eh.

Eoin

Lil' Smiler wrote: »

Yeah I'm not a fan of the Porterhouse food it has to be said, was there a couple of weeks ago and I wasn't too impressed.

Likewise; quite underwhelming stuff. I also prefer paying for food after I have eaten.

sharonann

exactly!! if you want a good restaurant go out of Bray, it is a shame as good restaurants are badly needed in Bray

Ginny

Palazzos, have the monkfish, Tower Bistro have the Chocolate fondant dessert.

waves

Tower Bistro do a good reasonably priced early bird.

The Campo de Fiori deli does good good snacks/mezes and good coffee.

Shelbys was good the times I was there but I thought the portions (dessert especially) were on the small side.

I avoid a chinese restaurant which doesn't even include bok choi on the menu so the Jasmine is out. It was pretty dreadful last time I ate there with little or nothing for vegetarians. I'd opt for the take-away up the road, China Garden for some authentic fare.

Barracuda - I have never enjoyed a meal there. Food is never up to scratch.

Palazzo's - I quite like it there. They do a good lunch deal for a tenner. Starter, main and drink.

Betelnut (Mermaid) - the most expensive coffees in Bray. What's worse is it tastes dreadful.

Martello - the bar food had improved since they changed the menu. And, it's much improved with the new frontage

Looking forward to Cafe Bar Deli opening. Hopefully they'll improve the lay out.

As for Indian, the little take away by the side of The Martello do some very authentic dishes.

But, what I do like is the Harbour Bar allowing you to order take away and eating it there. They did last year anyway - they supply the cutlery and plates. So you can have your Pizzas and Cream pizza and a pint down by the harbour.

Lil' Smiler

eoin_s wrote: »

Likewise; quite underwhelming stuff. I also prefer paying for food after I have eaten.

I agree too! I find that quite rude.

waves wrote: »

Martello - the bar food had improved since they changed the menu. And, it's much improved with the new frontage

But, what I do like is the Harbour Bar allowing you to order take away and eating it there. They did last year anyway - they supply the cutlery and plates. So you can have your Pizzas and Cream pizza and a pint down by the harbour.

Funny, I thought that the quality of food has gone down!! hehe!

Harbour bar is not for me.. i have not been in there since my underage days i think now!

foxy06

waves wrote: »

But, what I do like is the Harbour Bar allowing you to order take away and eating it there. They did last year anyway - they supply the cutlery and plates. So you can have your Pizzas and Cream pizza and a pint down by the harbour.

I love the Harbour! Never heard of that but it sounds like something they would come up with alright. They are so laid back it's hilarious.

The Chessplayer

The Town Hall would be a great place for a classy old-world restaurant and beer hall. I know that previously a restaurant there failed miserably, but that was back when Bray had the Brewmaster, O'Shea's, Loppy's and Mud's.

Would be great to see the focus back on the main street. It's a brutal state of affairs to have McDonald's in the Town Hall. I'm sure they would do just as well if they set up on the Southern Cross or somewhere like that, with a big dirty drive-through.

Ludo

Lil' Smiler wrote: »

I was only talking about Sopranos over the weekend. I have to say i loved it and was sorry to see it go. Only ate at greek place once, i thought it was nice and always seemed busy enough going by it.

I liked them both. They were very reasonable and food was good considering the prices. They were always busy also (at weekends anyway whenever I went there or passed). Apparently Sopranos closed due to a financial disagreement between the owners and not due to it losing money or anything (could be wrong but that is what I heard).

I was gutted when the Tree of Idleness closed though...that was a great little place.

Eoin

Ludo wrote: »

I liked them both. They were very reasonable and food was good considering the prices. They were always busy also (at weekends anyway whenever I went there or passed). .

I didn't think too much of the Greek place - I was there shortly after going to Greece on holidays, and the food wasn't too similar. Also, the staff seemed a little surly. The layout didn't lend itself well when the place was quiet - it felt like eating in an empty canteen.

The Chessplayer wrote: »

Would be great to see the focus back on the main street. It's a brutal state of affairs to have McDonald's in the Town Hall. I'm sure they would do just as well if they set up on the Southern Cross or somewhere like that, with a big dirty drive-through.

I think it's nearly an embarrassment that McDonalds are in the town hall.

Lil' Smiler

Ludo wrote: »

I liked them both. They were very reasonable and food was good considering the prices. They were always busy also (at weekends anyway whenever I went there or passed). Apparently Sopranos closed due to a financial disagreement between the owners and not due to it losing money or anything (could be wrong but that is what I heard).

I was gutted when the Tree of Idleness closed though...that was a great little place.

Yup that's true about Sopranos. The couple, a really really nice couple infact, were seperating and couldn't decide who'd take it. Tara actually opened up Diva in greystones

foxy06

Lil' Smiler wrote: »

Yup that's true about Sopranos. The couple, a really really nice couple infact, were seperating and couldn't decide who'd take it. Tara actually opened up Diva in greystones

And the menu in Diva is very similar to the one in Sopranos and the food is good.

Eoin

Lil' Smiler wrote: »

Yup that's true about Sopranos. The couple, a really really nice couple infact, were seperating and couldn't decide who'd take it. Tara actually opened up Diva in greystones

That's a shame when a restaurant closes for that reason. I think the same happened to a really nice place in Dalkey too.

MagDee

i'd recommend going to Greystones to the Royal Palace chinese restaurant near the shopping centre there. I just moved to Bray but nothing caught my eye enough to check it out, so in the area Greystones would be my recommendation.

Eoin

MagDee wrote: »

i'd recommend going to Greystones to the Royal Palace chinese restaurant near the shopping centre there. I just moved to Bray but nothing caught my eye enough to check it out, so in the area Greystones would be my recommendation.

Yeah, you're pretty spoilt for choice in Greystones - I really miss living there.

That said, you probably also have most of South Dublin as an option as well if you're going to travel that far.