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The Restaurant Recommendation Thread

Faith

There's been a crazy number of threads recently looking for restaurant recommendations, so I'd like to start a specific thread for it. Please post below about your favourite restaurants - why you like them, what price range they are, what type of food they serve, if they have an early bird, opening hours if you know them, where they're located. If you could include a link to the website, that would be great. The more details, the better. This is not a thread to post negative reviews - there's a thread in the main Food & Drink forum for that if you like. Basically, I want this thread to be full of recommendations, not positive and negative reviews. That being said, you can disagree with a recommendation briefly if you really feel the need to, but you must have a really valid reason such as an awful experience, rather than "I don't really like the food" or "It's too expensive".

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kingtut

Debub wrote: »

Hi - I am quite new here and just saw the above few posts.... not taking away anything from tastes or quality of food, but in my opinion India restaurants in Ireland are always disappointing for us. We are/were Indians (now Irish and in Ireland for about 11 years). Haveli is the only one we sometimes go to as they make food separately for us (usually in a group). None of them really make Indian food :-) but that's just us, most of them are quite popular. A major thing that 'Indian' restaurant do really badly is the 'spicy' bit.... Spicy should be from spices, but here its just loads of red chili powder poured in - which is not good. Spicy should only be spicy when you are eating and the feeling should go away after a while not stay with you till next morning still burning at both ends :-) (tho there are regions in India that do use red chill powder extensively as well)

A lot of people tend to confuse 'spicy' and 'hot' which also doesn't help!

I'd say 90% of Irish people have never had an authentic Indian curry (myself included) but I look forward to a trip over there some time to see what the locals cook and what the different regions have to offer.

mrpdap

Debub wrote: »

Hi - I am quite new here and just saw the above few posts.... not taking away anything from tastes or quality of food, but in my opinion India restaurants in Ireland are always disappointing for us. We are/were Indians (now Irish and in Ireland for about 11 years). Haveli is the only one we sometimes go to as they make food separately for us (usually in a group). None of them really make Indian food :-) but that's just us, most of them are quite popular. A major thing that 'Indian' restaurant do really badly is the 'spicy' bit.... Spicy should be from spices, but here its just loads of red chili powder poured in - which is not good. Spicy should only be spicy when you are eating and the feeling should go away after a while not stay with you till next morning still burning at both ends :-) (tho there are regions in India that do use red chill powder extensively as well)

Hi Debub,
Have you tried Iyers?

Debub

Hi - I am quite new here and just saw the above few posts.... not taking away anything from tastes or quality of food, but in my opinion India restaurants in Ireland are always disappointing for us. We are/were Indians (now Irish and in Ireland for about 11 years). Haveli is the only one we sometimes go to as they make food separately for us (usually in a group). None of them really make Indian food :-) but that's just us, most of them are quite popular. A major thing that 'Indian' restaurant do really badly is the 'spicy' bit.... Spicy should be from spices, but here its just loads of red chili powder poured in - which is not good. Spicy should only be spicy when you are eating and the feeling should go away after a while not stay with you till next morning still burning at both ends :-) (tho there are regions in India that do use red chill powder extensively as well)

BullBlackNova

kingtut wrote: »

Cool thanks I must check it out!

I would rate Eastern Tandoori and Bombay Palace very highly although I think you will find that most indian places cater to a 'mild' palate. When I go to Bombay Palace I typically order off menu and allow the chef to experiment as he wishes.

I've been to Haveli for takeaway and thought it was pretty nice. It's actually the closest to me but I'd rather go to Eastern Tandoori or Bombay lol

Haveli's eat-in menu has pleny of options that aren't on their takeway menu. Well worth a visit IMO. Love Indian food and Haveli is my favourite in Cork.

kingtut

the beer revolu wrote: »

Yes.
South Indian vegetarian. More of a cafe than a restaurant. Snacks and small plates but plenty to choose from if you are hungry, too. It's not really a restaurant atmosphere. Tiny, small tables, fast turnover of customers, no wine.

I eat there at least once a week. Love it and find it crazy good value for the quality. I guess it's not for everyone, though.

I wouldn't be bothered eating in any of the Indian restaurants in Cork - though, I have heard good things about Haveli in Douglas. Having said that I've heard good things about other Indian restaurants in Cork and been disappointed.

Cool thanks I must check it out!

I would rate Eastern Tandoori and Bombay Palace very highly although I think you will find that most indian places cater to a 'mild' palate. When I go to Bombay Palace I typically order off menu and allow the chef to experiment as he wishes.

I've been to Haveli for takeaway and thought it was pretty nice. It's actually the closest to me but I'd rather go to Eastern Tandoori or Bombay lol

the beer revolu

kingtut wrote: »

Never eaten in Iyers, is it an indian?

Yes.
South Indian vegetarian. More of a cafe than a restaurant. Snacks and small plates but plenty to choose from if you are hungry, too. It's not really a restaurant atmosphere. Tiny, small tables, fast turnover of customers, no wine.

I eat there at least once a week. Love it and find it crazy good value for the quality. I guess it's not for everyone, though.

I wouldn't be bothered eating in any of the Indian restaurants in Cork - though, I have heard good things about Haveli in Douglas. Having said that I've heard good things about other Indian restaurants in Cork and been disappointed.

kingtut

pwurple wrote: »

Isn't there tequila jacks, and also something like "burrito and blues" around?

I'd love a decent mexican spot as well tbh. Maybe I'll email wahaca and ask them to open in cork.

That and indian food are sadly lacking.

I wouldn't run a restaurant for all the money in the world though. The stress!

And yes, I know iyers is awesome, but it's not open in the evening when I can go there.

I went to Tequila Jacks once and wasn't all that impressed although compared to Cafe Mexicana it was good.

I think Cork is pretty good for Indian (I have never had a bad meal in Spice of India or Eastern Tandoori).

Never eaten in Iyers, is it an indian?

pwurple

Cherry_Cola wrote: »

There is no good Mexican food in Cork, full stop. There was a place a year or two ago where the Oak Fire pizza place is now that was good but it didn't last long unfortunately.

Isn't there tequila jacks, and also something like "burrito and blues" around?

I'd love a decent mexican spot as well tbh. Maybe I'll email wahaca and ask them to open in cork.

That and indian food are sadly lacking.

I wouldn't run a restaurant for all the money in the world though. The stress!

And yes, I know iyers is awesome, but it's not open in the evening when I can go there.

kingtut

Rfrip wrote: »

Agreed. It’s muck

100% agree. Cafe Mexicana is the worst mexican I've had by far! I recall getting the tortillas which appeared to be kept seperated by what looked like toilet paper (no clue why they needed to be seperated in the first place!)

[Deleted User]

RINO87 wrote: »

Cafe mexicana is not only the worst mexican but possibly the worst place to eat in town full stop. Frozen, microwaved muck.
I asked for extra chili peppers in there once and they couldn't even do that, presumably as they don't actually have any!

Agreed. It’s muck

Cherry_Cola

There is no good Mexican food in Cork, full stop. There was a place a year or two ago where the Oak Fire pizza place is now that was good but it didn't last long unfortunately.

rino87

fin12 wrote: »

I thought Cafe Mexicana was supposed to be the best place in Cork for Mexican food, I’ve never been there but my friend was there a few week ago and said the food was lovely.

Cafe mexicana is not only the worst mexican but possibly the worst place to eat in town full stop. Frozen, microwaved muck.
I asked for extra chili peppers in there once and they couldn't even do that, presumably as they don't actually have any!

the beer revolu

Curb Your Enthusiasm wrote: »

Any recommendations for a nice brunch in town? Something not too pricey ideally. Thanks!

The oyster (if they do brunch midweek).

sean1_3

Curb Your Enthusiasm wrote: »

Any recommendations for a nice brunch in town? Something not too pricey ideally. Thanks!

The eggs benny in Ali's kitchen are amazing. €13 I think but it's my favourite

H8GHOTI

Curb Your Enthusiasm wrote: »

Any recommendations for a nice brunch in town? Something not too pricey ideally. Thanks!

I like The Bookshelf over by city hall.

limnam

Curb Your Enthusiasm wrote: »

Any recommendations for a nice brunch in town? Something not too pricey ideally. Thanks!

Brick Lane

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Any recommendations for a nice brunch in town? Something not too pricey ideally. Thanks!

limnam

Markcheese wrote: »

Are in Elbow lane during the week,
Really enjoyed the whole thing, menu is fairly short, (but thats okay),
Weakest part of the meal was the pork ribs (main), not falling off the bone, and the main flavour was their sauce (which was really nice), in saying that I didn't leave any,
High lights were grilled leeks with romesco (it was a side dish but I'd have it as starter any day), and the ice cream sandwich dessert....
Definitely going back, ill probably go a steak next time...

Their T bone's are one of the best steaks I've ever had.

Markcheese

Ate in Elbow lane during the week,
Really enjoyed the whole thing, menu is fairly short, (but thats okay),
Weakest part of the meal was the pork ribs (main), not falling off the bone, and the main flavour was their sauce (which was really nice), in saying that I didn't leave any,
High lights were grilled leeks with romesco (it was a side dish but I'd have it as starter any day), and the ice cream sandwich dessert....
Definitely going back, ill probably go a steak next time...

Markcheese

Are in Elbow lane during the week,
Really enjoyed the whole thing, menu is fairly short, (but thats okay),
Weakest part of the meal was the pork ribs (main), not falling off the bone, and the main flavour was their sauce (which was really nice), in saying that I didn't leave any,
High lights were grilled leeks with romesco (it was a side dish but I'd have it as starter any day), and the ice cream sandwich dessert....
Definitely going back, ill probably go a steak next time...

sporina

Missyelliot2 wrote: »

Ate in the Iberian Way on Douglas Street. What a find! Food is absolutely delicious - best tapas ever!

never been but yes, heard that its the best for tapas

Missyelliot2

Ate in the Iberian Way on Douglas Street. What a find! Food is absolutely delicious - best tapas ever!

fin12

sporina wrote: »

ha ha i had fajitas there once and they were soo bad it was funny - like i really could have made better at home myself with a supermarket kit - and thats when i was a student (tastebuds have developed a lot since then)

I thought Cafe Mexicana was supposed to be the best place in Cork for Mexican food, I’ve never been there but my friend was there a few week ago and said the food was lovely.

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Had Iyer's this evening. Divine coconut rice and masala dosa, washed down with a mango lassi! Finished off nicely with a Chai Tea. Ridiculously good value for money too.

sporina

Slim Charles wrote: »

Beautiful. Inspired me to try them in cafe mexicana....possibly the worst main I've ever had in my life.

ha ha i had fajitas there once and they were soo bad it was funny - like i really could have made better at home myself with a supermarket kit - and thats when i was a student (tastebuds have developed a lot since then)

nerwen

fin12 wrote: »

I had the chicken fajitas there before , were lovely! Any have the fish tacos there?

One of my buddies did, he's a big fish taco guy and loved them.

Slim Charles

fin12 wrote: »

I had the chicken fajitas there before , were lovely! Any have the fish tacos there?

Beautiful. Inspired me to try them in cafe mexicana....possibly the worst main I've ever had in my life.

fin12

nerwen wrote: »

Went to Tequila Jacks yesterday, enjoyed the food as I have before; shortrib tacos are really good, and their refried beans are great.

Once again, the service was not the best. They changed some drinks around and forgot others, we had to ask them a few times to fix mistakes, including finally fixing the bill which had drinks on it that we were served by mistake.

It's a shame the service there is so variable, it makes me really hesitate about going back even though I do like their food.

I had the chicken fajitas there before , were lovely! Any have the fish tacos there?

nerwen

Went to Tequila Jacks yesterday, enjoyed the food as I have before; shortrib tacos are really good, and their refried beans are great.

Once again, the service was not the best. They changed some drinks around and forgot others, we had to ask them a few times to fix mistakes, including finally fixing the bill which had drinks on it that we were served by mistake.

It's a shame the service there is so variable, it makes me really hesitate about going back even though I do like their food.

Seamai

fin12 wrote: »

Hi guys, thanks for the recommendations, I went to Electic this evening. Fish was lovely but was so happy to find out that do Brewdog Punk IPA on drought so will be going there now a lot more ðŸ™‚

I wouldn't count on Brewdog being on draught in two months time, my experience of the Electric is that they change their on tap beers more than most of us change our smalls. Every time I find something I like there, it seems to be gone by my next visit. I'm not sure I'd consider anything from Franciscan Well "craft" any longer, the quality of their beers seem to have gone south in the last few years since the were taken over by Molsons.