The Restaurant Recommendation Thread

Not much fine dining in Cork City to be honest. Not in the sense that you have it in Dublin. Lots of good, more relaxed options but I wouldn't call them fine dining.

Cafe Paradiso is at a pretty high standard. Good options could also include Jacques Restaurant, Star Anise or Oysters in the Clarion. The restaurants at the Hayfield might also be worth a look.

ABajaninCork wrote: »

Has anyone been for afternoon tea at the Hayfield Manor? I've heard good things about it, but wanted some other opinions.

I was there about a year and a half ago and I wasn't at all impressed - the sandwiches they served were stale and the cakes/patisserie style desserts were way too sweet and seed to all be mousse based and just not very nice. The scones were ok but then you'd expect a nice scone really. The surroundings were lovely and the waitress was very pleasant but I wouldn't go back. It's not worth 25e IMO, especially now having been to the Westin in Dublin and Fota Resort (my favourite at only 17e pp) since.

We went to Maryborough House last month for a Confirmation lunch (something like €28pp, can't remember exact cost) and I wasn't a bit impressed. The seafood chowder was quite tasty but had VERY little seafood in it. It came with no soda bread (the first time ever, when I have ordered chowder) and the staff seemed surprised when I requested it, which amazed me!

My pork main course was completely over-cooked and chewy and the vegetables arrived about 5 minutes afterwards. I accept that they were busy but the service was very slow and it took forever to pay the bill. Overall, not a good experience.

paintinglasses wrote: »

Myself and my boyfriend went to the Gourmet Burger Bistro last night. It was amazing. Great selection of burgers but its not just burgers they do! My chicken burger was nicely full without everything just falling out the bottom. Chicken wings are amazing and the staff are lovely.

Only downside... I was too full to try out the desserts! Will definitely be going back!

wow i am surprised - i had a chicken fillet burger there once and it was tough as old boots.. my opinion glorified burger and chips.. price same..

paintinglasses wrote: »

Myself and my boyfriend went to the Gourmet Burger Bistro last night. It was amazing. Great selection of burgers but its not just burgers they do! My chicken burger was nicely full without everything just falling out the bottom. Chicken wings are amazing and the staff are lovely.

Only downside... I was too full to try out the desserts! Will definitely be going back!

Is this the place at the end of Patricks hill?

Agree if it is, Got a burger and Onion rings in there a few weeks back, it was hands down the best burger I've ever had, I've noticed places asking recently how would you like your burger cooked, I always get it well done.

Isn't burger mince dangerous not cooked?

It's down to the fact that minced meat has had a much larger surface originally for bacteria to live, when minced this surface can be inside too, not being cooked, where as steak, the inside never comes in contact with outside bacteria.

I'm sure I've been asked how I want my burger cooked in Gournet burger, Soho, East Village in Douglas and one other place maybe the Woolshed.

Mmm, feel like burger tonight now! I usually order mine medium, if the restaurant will cook it that way. It's less about the colour and more about the temperature it's cooked to though, that means it's safe.

sporina wrote: »

wow i am surprised - i had a chicken fillet burger there once and it was tough as old boots.. my opinion glorified burger and chips.. price same..

I was there last night, disappointing food, lovely staff. I had the chicken burger which was nice but I don't think I've ever been served a burger before without any salad. The plate was totally bare except for the burger. Not even a couple of leaves inside the bun!
There was a really hard sell going on for the brownies also. Order any hot drink and get a brownie for a euro, sounded great except what came out was little more than a mouthful..no cream or icecream and then they forgot to bring one of the hot drinks which meant we were charged €3 for one of the brownies.
They had techno blaring the whole time as well. Used to love that place but definitely won't be back again.

Is the Woodford any good? Was Gunna try it Friday.
Any recommendations?

Didn't realise the Woodford did dinners now, thought it was only lunch. Every time I've eaten there I liked it though!

evilivor wrote: »

Apparently The Ambassador restaurant on Cook Street a Sino/Cork institution, is closing down shortly.

I read on another thread that it's been sold to Penneys

Ah, that's a shame.

pwurple wrote: »

Restaurant awards ireland were on last night.
Cork winners:

Best restaurant - fenns quay.
Best chef - kevin ahern, sage restaurant midleton
Best hotel restaurant - the presidents room, longueville house
Best casual dining - nash 19
Best gastropub - the electric
Best wine experience - the black pig, kinsale
Best customer service - market lane
Best kids menu - the cornstore

Must go to Sage - I have heard great things about it!

Was in Market Lane myself last Wednesday for the early bird and it was delicious and customer service was indeed very good.

I had soup for starter - celeriac, chicken and chorizo (delicious) with a slice of soda bread

For main I had smoked haddock with a bacon and cabbage potato cake, spice carrot puree and a cream sauce - gorgeous

For dessert I had scoop of homemade vanilla bean ice-cream - beautiful and so creamy

Then had a cup of tea after

All of this for 20e! I thought it was great value and the staff were lovely. Can't wait to go back; I had been a good few times in the past (like a few years ago) to Market Lane and I wasn't as impressed as others but the food is excellent now I must say.