Decent place in waterford to eat for 80e including drinks?

ding_dong

Looking for a (what appears to anyway ) upmarket place to eat out tomorrow evening.

Two people and I'm looking to get a bottle of wine/two drinks in for the price as well.

It's a nice occasion, so looking for a nice place. I know the budget isn't high, but I'm a poor student at the moment!

Dickys Back Garden

McCleary's in High Street might fit the bill, think it's €21 for starter, main course and tea/coffee. Bottle of wine for circa €20 too so maybe get a second one in or a couple of desserts or drinks!! Lovely place, lovely atmosphere, great grub and run by two sound local lads. But usually heavily booked at weekends so best ring asap!! Lots of choices now though, seems it took a recession to see a boom in quality, value and choice in Waterford restaurants! Ironic really, pub scene suffers and restaurants prosper!

sparkling sea

Cant go past L Atmosphere Restaurant - they do an fab €20 3 course and glass of wine

sillysocks

La Palma is lovely and also do an early bird for around 20/25, or Bodega. A lot of places might already be busy so worth ringing to see where's available.

7vens

I would have to say Mc Leary's also. I was there a few weeks ago and it was fabulous. 2 starters, 2 mains and a bottle of Prosecco for €67!

ding_dong

Dickys Back Garden wrote: »

McCleary's in High Street might fit the bill, think it's €21 for starter, main course and tea/coffee. Bottle of wine for circa €20 too so maybe get a second one in or a couple of desserts or drinks!! Lovely place, lovely atmosphere, great grub and run by two sound local lads. But usually heavily booked at weekends so best ring asap!! Lots of choices now though, seems it took a recession to see a boom in quality, value and choice in Waterford restaurants! Ironic really, pub scene suffers and restaurants prosper!

Looks great.......alas they are booked. Earliest appointment is 5pm. grrr!

Anyone else got a great suggestion? Thanks!

JPA

sillysocks wrote: »

La Palma is lovely and also do an early bird for around 20/25, or Bodega. A lot of places might already be busy so worth ringing to see where's available.

Bodega have a slow food menu for €29, good value.

angelfalling

La Boheme has lovely French food and its very classy. I really like Bodega, though. Lots of character and the food is always amazing.

7upfree

McLearys every time.

lewisdhead

+1 for L'Atmosphere.

kaef

La Boheme - market menu 4courses 30E

TheVandal

Bodega for me. I love that place and the food is bang on.

mozattack

7vens wrote: »

I would have to say Mc Leary's also. I was there a few weeks ago and it was fabulous. 2 starters, 2 mains and a bottle of Prosecco for €67!

Especially if you like starters from the 1980s!

mozattack

L'Athmosphere, Bodega and La Boheme...

La Palma and Emilianoes too.

For even cheaper and yum, look at Chez Ks

7upfree

mozattack wrote: »

Especially if you like starters from the 1980s!

Can't beat it. Where else will you get steak included on an early birth for €19.99. And the best customer service you're likely to see in a restaurant anywhere. That's why the two lads are booked out weeks in advance. They must be doing something right.;)

There are other restaurants which can only be described as serving what's best described as pretentious, high-priced samples. But hey - you keep paying - they'll keep charging.

Wanderer2010

Cant believe nobody mentioned Kafe Karma on the Quay, very reasonable menu and the food is delicious plus a great atmosphere.

deisemum

mozattack wrote: »

Especially if you like starters from the 1980s!

Retro dishes are making a comeback, egg mayonnaise, florida cocktail, sherried grapefruit and prawn cocktail remind me of the comedian Micky Flanagan recalling dates in the 80's

mozattack

7upfree wrote: »

Can't beat it. Where else will you get steak included on an early birth for €19.99. And the best customer service you're likely to see in a restaurant anywhere. That's why the two lads are booked out weeks in advance. They must be doing something right.;)

There are other restaurants which can only be described as serving what's best described as pretentious, high-priced samples. But hey - you keep paying - they'll keep charging.

They are doing good 'cos so many dopes go out and get the same crap every night, "steak, well done please". That is why and that is why Garlic Mushrooms or Ceasar Salad or Vol-u-vents are exciting to some.

mozattack

deisemum wrote: »

Retro dishes are making a comeback, egg mayonnaise, florida cocktail, sherried grapefruit and prawn cocktail remind me of the comedian Micky Flanagan recalling dates in the 80's

I agree if done in a different way, re-invented, e.g. I was with someone who had chicken kiev in Campagne in Kilkenny but it was modernised.

7upfree

mozattack wrote: »

They are doing good 'cos so many dopes go out and get the same crap every night, "steak, well done please". That is why and that is why Garlic Mushrooms or Ceasar Salad or Vol-u-vents are exciting to some.

Nope. They are doing well because they are two nice guys who know how to treat customers well, and who serve food which is appealing to those customers.

As I said, I'm sure there are people who, insanely, want to pay top price for pretentious food and if that's the case good luck to them.

Lastly, a minority of people hate to see locals getting on for whatever reason. I say good luck to them. A job well done. I think the Trip Advisor reviews speak volumes for the place.

http://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g186638-d1986578-Reviews-McLeary_s-Waterford_County_Waterford.html

mozattack

7upfree wrote: »

Nope. They are doing well because they are two nice guys who know how to treat customers well, and who serve food which is appealing to those customers.

As I said, I'm sure there are people who, insanely, want to pay top price for pretentious food and if that's the case good luck to them.

Lastly, a minority of people hate to see locals getting on for whatever reason. I say good luck to them. A job well done. I think the Trip Advisor reviews speak volumes for the place.

http://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g186638-d1986578-Reviews-McLeary_s-Waterford_County_Waterford.html

This is the same tripadvisor who has Harlequin as number 2 in Waterford.... that says it all. Ha-ha... Michelin star on its way!!!

mozattack

Also what is your definition of "pretentious food"?

7upfree

mozattack wrote: »

Also what is your definition of "pretentious food"?

Over priced, low volume.

7upfree

mozattack wrote: »

This is the same tripadvisor who has Harlequin as number 2 in Waterford.... that says it all. Ha-ha... Michelin star on its way!!!

Now you're being pedantic!:D

mozattack

7upfree wrote: »

Over priced, low volume.

Where though, is Cliff House Hotel, Campagne or Old Convent any of the said?

Pro Hoc Vice

mozattack wrote: »

Especially if you like starters from the 1980s!

80's starters are all the rage at the moment prawn cocktail, Mellon and ham etc. are on all the faddy food shows.

Max Powers

Definite thumbs up for harlequin, often forgotten about as its out of the way and 90% of Waterford probably doesnt know it.

Is it time to ban the use of the phrase 'says it all' in this forum, reason being its overuse by the naysayers. I think it should be binned along with people doing finger inverted commas and the word 'twerking' 'twerk'.

7upfree

Max Powers wrote: »

Definite thumbs up for harlequin, often forgotten about as its out of the way and 90% of Waterford probably doesnt know it.

Is it time to ban the use of the phrase 'says it all' in this forum, reason being its overuse by the naysayers. I think it should be binned along with people doing finger inverted commas and the word 'twerking' 'twerk'.

Where IS Harlequin Max? I hadn't heard of it until now.

mozattack

Max Powers wrote: »

Definite thumbs up for harlequin, often forgotten about as its out of the way and 90% of Waterford probably doesnt know it.

Is it time to ban the use of the phrase 'says it all' in this forum, reason being its overuse by the naysayers. I think it should be binned along with people doing finger inverted commas and the word 'twerking' 'twerk'.

Harlequin is average... can never understand the buzz about it on boards.ie.

Jambo

mozattack wrote: »

Especially if you like starters from the 1980s!

+1 If you go out for dinner you want a dining experience not something you can do at home yourself

Totally Tropical

7upfree wrote: »

Nope. They are doing well because they are two nice guys who know how to treat customers well, and who serve food which is appealing to those customers.

As I said, I'm sure there are people who, insanely, want to pay top price for pretentious food and if that's the case good luck to them.

Lastly, a minority of people hate to see locals getting on for whatever reason. I say good luck to them. A job well done. I think the Trip Advisor reviews speak volumes for the place.

http://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g186638-d1986578-Reviews-McLeary_s-Waterford_County_Waterford.html

The last time i spoke about McLearys i was accused of being a PR man for them but if you just want some simple wholesome fair and if foie gras cuisine isn't your thing.Then McLearys is the place for you.I mean like the food and value is great and to top it all off the two owners are so welcoming and accommodating towards their customers.They really do go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and happy.So there you are begrudgers there may be a recession but it hasn't stopped these two lad's from operating a thriving and successful business.A lot of restaurant owners from around the country could do with learning from the way they do things in McLearys.

7upfree

Totally Tropical wrote: »

The last time i spoke about McLearys i was accused of being a PR man for them but if you just want some simple wholesome fair and if foie gras cuisine isn't your thing.Then McLearys is the place for you.I mean like the food and value is great and to top it all off the two owners are so welcoming and accommodating towards their customers.They really do go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and happy.So there you are begrudgers there may be a recession but it hasn't stopped these two lad's from operating a thriving and successful business.A lot of restaurant owners from around the country could do with learning from the way they do things in McLearys.

Well said. +1 to all of that.

allthedoyles

Saw an ad outside the Tower the other day , where you can get a 4 course + bottle wine for €59.95

sparkling sea

I'd give McLeary amiss if I were you, you'd make better at home. On saying that if tinned tuna in a wrap is your thing then you wont be disappointed.

7vens

Since when did this thread become 'slate McLeary's'? The OP asked for suggestions for places to eat. Instead a lot people would rather give out about 1 particular restaurant!

Max Powers

7upfree wrote: »

Where IS Harlequin Max? I hadn't heard of it until now.

Patrick street

7upfree

sparkling sea wrote: »

I'd give McLeary amiss if I were you, you'd make better at home. On saying that if tinned tuna in a wrap is your thing then you wont be disappointed.

They must be doing something right though. They're booked out weeks in advance.;)

mozattack

7upfree wrote: »

They must be doing something right though. They're booked out weeks in advance.;)

One Direction sell out but does that make them good or Westlife for that matter...

Good luck to them if their punters want food I had for my Communion and are happy to go out and pay for that pub grub in a restaurant.

I would say they are very good hosts and deserve a break though.

7upfree

mozattack wrote: »

One Direction sell out but does that make them good or Westlife for that matter...

Good luck to them if their punters want food I had for my Communion and are happy to go out and pay for that pub grub in a restaurant.

I would say they are very good hosts and deserve a break though.

You sound very bitter towards them for some reason? Two local lads, very good at what they do, serving food that obviously appeals to the majority, and, above all, at the right price.

Sounds like they are two very astute businessmen who are extremely conscious of good customer service also. You can see that attitude coming through in all of their staff.

deisemum

mozattack wrote: »

I agree if done in a different way, re-invented, e.g. I was with someone who had chicken kiev in Campagne in Kilkenny but it was modernised.

Or to use the buzz work deconstructed.

Dickys Back Garden

mozattack wrote: »

One Direction sell out but does that make them good or Westlife for that matter...

Good luck to them if their punters want food I had for my Communion and are happy to go out and pay for that pub grub in a restaurant.

I would say they are very good hosts and deserve a break though.

The danger about threads like this is that somebody who might benefit from a competitor being subjected to negative comments can cut loose in an over the top manner. If you had a bad experience there or the menu is not to your taste fair enough, you're entitled to your opinion. But to be so dismissive of a hugely successful local venture because you dislike the menu makes your opinion largely irrelevant.

For me, a restaurant experience involves far more than just the menu. The quality and the choice of food, the ambience, the atmosphere, the location, the service, the value and for me, the notion of supporting enterprising, enthusiastic and frankly very decent local people contributes to the whole package! These are my own criteria and for me, McLeary's ticks all the boxes. But, each to their own I suppose, but I certainly won't be dissing any other of the quality restaurants around, and there are many, we're spoiled for choice right now!

Wanderer2010

If i may chime in, I have been to McLearys 7 times in the past 2 years and not once have i had a bad experience with the staff- they are very friendly and helpful and know their stiff when it comes to the wine list. Is the food the best I have ever had? Nope. but for a decent evening out with a lovely atmosphere I wouldnt go past it. My only flaw? You ring them up and order a table for four at 7pm, the very first thing they say is "No problem but you have to be gone by 9pm", well thats fine but you could have waited a tad before letting me know that, leaves a bit of a bad taste with me.

7upfree

Dickys Back Garden wrote: »

These are my own criteria and for me, McLeary's ticks all the boxes. But, each to their own I suppose, but I certainly won't be dissing any other of the quality restaurants around, and there are many, we're spoiled for choice right now!

In a nutshell. It is great to see such choice on offer. People have their favourites, and McLearys would be at the top of my list. And many others.

7upfree

allthedoyles wrote: »

Saw an ad outside the Tower the other day , where you can get a 4 course + bottle wine for €59.95

I tried that offer in the Tower twice. The first time was so-so. The second time was very nice.

billywilly

mclearys steak house on high street, the lads do top quality grub and are very reasonable priced. TOP NOTCH

Wanderer2010

billywilly wrote: »

mclearys steak house on high street, the lads do top quality grub and are very reasonable priced. TOP NOTCH

Never heard of them

sparkling sea

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

If i may chime in, I have been to McLearys 7 times in the past 2 years and not once have i had a bad experience with the staff- they are very friendly and helpful and know their stiff when it comes to the wine list. Is the food the best I have ever had? Nope. but for a decent evening out with a lovely atmosphere I wouldnt go past it. My only flaw? You ring them up and order a table for four at 7pm, the very first thing they say is "No problem but you have to be gone by 9pm", well thats fine but you could have waited a tad before letting me know that, leaves a bit of a bad taste with me.

Can't agree with you wouldn't rate it at all, the food was disappointing

billywilly

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

Never heard of them

is that you chicken ?