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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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Milly33

Oleander wrote: »

I love the Fish Wife on McCurtain St, I think they do the best chips in the city. Haven't tried Chish & Fips but that is such a good name for a chipper.

I do like the fish wife too but only for certain things. the haddock is yummie. Scampi ick and the guniess stuff nothing new..

it is very hard to find a good fish and chip place. Where this Chish & Fips place

Oleander

pwurple wrote: »

I never remember them having scampi. Certainly don't do them now. Was it somewhere else?

No, it was definitely at KC's, about four years ago, obviously it wasn't a big seller if it's not on the menu now, I always said I would never go back there for scampi.

pwurple

Oleander wrote: »

Totally agree with you, KCs is very overrated. I don't like their chips (whatever potatoes they use), I got scampi a few years ago

I never remember them having scampi. Certainly don't do them now. Was it somewhere else?

Oleander

I love the Fish Wife on McCurtain St, I think they do the best chips in the city. Haven't tried Chish & Fips but that is such a good name for a chipper.

Oleander

rob316 wrote: »

I think when you queue for 30 mins in the rain, wind or shine you will have built up such a hunger anything will taste amazing. I've had it numerous times but its so overrated, stingy portions and just greasy. Some things are nice in there but no worth the wait.

The Fish Wife on McCurtain St is head and shoulders above any chipper in the city IMO. Honourable mentions then for The Golden Fry (not what it was though) and Chish and Fips in Crosshaven.

Totally agree with you, KCs is very overrated. I don't like their chips (whatever potatoes they use), I got scampi a few years ago and they were so mean with the portion (it was €9 for five small pieces). I was livid and stupid not to go back and complain and very rarely when nothing else is open and I've had a few drinks, I'll get their cheese burger, it's always flat and squished like they haven't put any love into it!! I prefer McDonalds burgers by far. Now saying that, I will try their King Creole some day as people do rave about it.

Malari

rob316 wrote: »

I think when you queue for 30 mins in the rain, wind or shine you will have built up such a hunger anything will taste amazing. I've had it numerous times but its so overrated, stingy portions and just greasy. Some things are nice in there but no worth the wait.

The Fish Wife on McCurtain St is head and shoulders above any chipper in the city IMO. Honourable mentions then for The Golden Fry (not what it was though) and Chish and Fips in Crosshaven.

I don't frequent chippers very often, but I've there a couple of times, and it's been nice, I agree. Although I had to order my 3rd choice - they were sold out of my first two choices!

Chipper aficionados: where is best in the city to get thin, crispy, well-done chips? I hate the big fat rare chips you get in some places.

pwurple

Malari wrote: »

What makes KCs so good? Next to all the other chippers/burger joints.

I was there once I think, about 10 years ago, but it didn't stand out to me as anything special.

Good quality meat and fish from local suppliers, in proper bread, with real mayo etc. Which is what a lot of other traditional chippers do... so far so good, the basics are right.

If you go in and get a sausage and chips, it's the same as any other good traditional chipper that cuts their own spuds. If you branch out a bit and get something like their blue cheese and bacon burger, or the king creole pitta, then that's the stuff you don't see in other places. That's the special bit.

Then you become a regular and start asking for your own creations, which they do perfectly without batting an eyelid.

YOM!

I like the golden fry as well for fish, except the bastards have gotten my change wrong or forgotton part of my order a couple of times now which makes me angry.

Not tried the fish wife, just because it's not on my regular path, but I'll get there some day.

rob316

Malari wrote: »

What makes KCs so good? Next to all the other chippers/burger joints.

I was there once I think, about 10 years ago, but it didn't stand out to me as anything special.

I think when you queue for 30 mins in the rain, wind or shine you will have built up such a hunger anything will taste amazing. I've had it numerous times but its so overrated, stingy portions and just greasy. Some things are nice in there but no worth the wait.

The Fish Wife on McCurtain St is head and shoulders above any chipper in the city IMO. Honourable mentions then for The Golden Fry (not what it was though) and Chish and Fips in Crosshaven.

Malari

What makes KCs so good? Next to all the other chippers/burger joints.

I was there once I think, about 10 years ago, but it didn't stand out to me as anything special.

rob316

dan185 wrote: »

Appreciate the fish recommendations.

I ignored them all and had my first KCs instead. Holy Jesus. It was incredible.

You should of went to the Fish Wife, now that is incredible!

dan185

Appreciate the fish recommendations.

I ignored them all and had my first KCs instead. Holy Jesus. It was incredible.

Markcheese

the beer revolu wrote: »

Ah now.
Surely you're joking?
I had one of the worst meals of my life there.
They tried to serve us instant coffee, amongst other abominations.

It's a long long time ago that I was last in there - but seriously it was good - once - as I said I've no idea if it's still going or even how long ago it's gone -

And I get told off by my family for being a critical fecker -

sporina

Oleander wrote: »

On recommendation from 'Loire' I went to 'On The Pigs Back' in Douglas last Saturday for brunch. So, off we went in and it was busy and the girl told us to wait. So another couple came in after us but went around the other way so it looked like they were ahead of us, five mins passed and the same girl looked at me and I said, "table for two please" and she had just given someone else our seat so we were annoyed and just left and went to Puccinos instead (in Douglas), I love that place, it is always buzzing, and they are so friendly, they have a great choice on their menu, they do breakfast all day and it's good value. I will always go back to Puccinos in Douglas but I've heard bad reviews about the one in Ballincollig, pity cause they're a good business. I will go back to 'On The Pigs Back' but I will go very early!! I was really annoyed with the girl who worked there, she should know who is first. I've dealt with the same girl before and on both occasions I got the impression she was stressed, she doesn't smile often but other staff in 'On The Pigs Back' are nice.

i miss puccinos from the city centre - a great loss

sporina

the beer revolu wrote: »

Ah now.
Surely you're joking?
I had one of the worst meals of my life there.
They tried to serve us instant coffee, amongst other abominations.

if it is still open - it should not be..

put it this way - nothing goes to waste there - not even customers left over veg… fact

Oleander

On recommendation from 'Loire' I went to 'On The Pigs Back' in Douglas last Saturday for brunch. So, off we went in and it was busy and the girl told us to wait. So another couple came in after us but went around the other way so it looked like they were ahead of us, five mins passed and the same girl looked at me and I said, "table for two please" and she had just given someone else our seat so we were annoyed and just left and went to Puccinos instead (in Douglas), I love that place, it is always buzzing, and they are so friendly, they have a great choice on their menu, they do breakfast all day and it's good value. I will always go back to Puccinos in Douglas but I've heard bad reviews about the one in Ballincollig, pity cause they're a good business. I will go back to 'On The Pigs Back' but I will go very early!! I was really annoyed with the girl who worked there, she should know who is first. I've dealt with the same girl before and on both occasions I got the impression she was stressed, she doesn't smile often but other staff in 'On The Pigs Back' are nice.

Oleander

nomeban wrote: »

Went to that Rooster PilPil place in Ballincollig last night.

Other than the strange name (they don't sell any turkey!) it was feckin delish.

Got a Lebanese half chicken - it's just a half chicken cooked on a charcoal grill and given to you straight up. Really delicious and marinated in spices and the best part is the charcoal grill flavour.

Also got a chicken wrap - yummy. When I think of wrap I think of the cold dry plastic chicken Centra crap - this is far from it.

Each main comes with a choice of 2 sides so it wasn't just a half chicken lying on the plate.

Great value too - 26euro for 1 starter, 2 mains, 4 sides.

I will be returning. Thumbs up.

There is a one of these restaurants in Douglas, sounds good, but, stupid question here, do they cater for veggies? I'm not but boyfriend is.

Malari

I've had excellent whole sea bass in Elbow Lane, and in Orso. Both are nice to sit at the counter if you are a lone diner.

Second vote also for Electric Fish bar. It's a little more tapas-style I suppose, but really top quality.

northgirl

pwurple wrote: »

Orso, I like the food... but god almighty it's pokey! The tables must be 12 inches square, you're squashed in on top of the table next to you.

Last time I was there I was next to a really annoying table of hipster dubs. Girls were mopey wearing glass-less glasses and the guys were a gaggle of waxed mustaches. All poking their food to bits looking for hidden gluten, and talking about their next tv3 gigs. I like a teensy bit more space between me and the unwashed masses so I don't have to resist the urge to slap them out of their vacuous jibber jabber.

I've had the monkfish there, which was the only fish available every time I've been. Fish specials have all been gone.

For fish, try the electric fish bar
http://www.electriccork.com/fish-bar/

Depends when you go, was just giving my tuppenceworth.

pwurple

northgirl wrote: »

my favourite restaurant in Cork at the moment is ORSO and they usually have good fish specials AFAIK

Orso, I like the food... but god almighty it's pokey! The tables must be 12 inches square, you're squashed in on top of the table next to you.

Last time I was there I was next to a really annoying table of hipster dubs. Girls were mopey wearing glass-less glasses and the guys were a gaggle of waxed mustaches. All poking their food to bits looking for hidden gluten, and talking about their next tv3 gigs. I like a teensy bit more space between me and the unwashed masses so I don't have to resist the urge to slap them out of their vacuous jibber jabber.

I've had the monkfish there, which was the only fish available every time I've been. Fish specials have all been gone.

For fish, try the electric fish bar
http://www.electriccork.com/fish-bar/

the beer revolu

dan185 wrote: »

I went to the Liberty Grill as I was working around the corner in the evening so was easy to get to. Great shout though, I've never had a steak cooked as well as I ordered as that was, medium rare was perfect.

Happy to take more recommendations for a restaurant tonight. Got more time this evening so can drive local! Fish would be nice.

For a lone diner, Elbow Lane is fantastic.
You can sit at a comfortable counter and chat with the friendly staff. Food is simple yet unusual. Great meat and whole grilled fish.

northgirl

dan185 wrote: »

I went to the Liberty Grill as I was working around the corner in the evening so was easy to get to. Great shout though, I've never had a steak cooked as well as I ordered as that was, medium rare was perfect.

Happy to take more recommendations for a restaurant tonight. Got more time this evening so can drive local! Fish would be nice.

Love Liberty Grill for steak, my favourite restaurant in Cork at the moment is ORSO and they usually have good fish specials AFAIK

dan185

I went to the Liberty Grill as I was working around the corner in the evening so was easy to get to. Great shout though, I've never had a steak cooked as well as I ordered as that was, medium rare was perfect.

Happy to take more recommendations for a restaurant tonight. Got more time this evening so can drive local! Fish would be nice.

the beer revolu

Markcheese wrote: »

best steak I ever had in cork was in the four liars, up by the firkin crane, dunno if it still exists -

Ah now.
Surely you're joking?
I had one of the worst meals of my life there.
They tried to serve us instant coffee, amongst other abominations.

Markcheese

pwurple wrote: »

Are you driving? Best steak in the country is The Thady Inn... just west of ballincollig.

If you're limited to the city, I think Elbow Lane's T-bone steak is the best of them at the moment (but not open Mondays!). Liberty grill also good. Both are supplied by the same butchers/farm anyway afaik.

I hadn't thought of the Thady inn , with years - a bit out of town though - best steak I ever had in cork was in the four liars, up by the firkin crane, dunno if it still exists -

what the hell!

nomeban wrote: »

Perhaps it's another new craze? There are Asian street food places allover the place too.

The rooster "pil pil" one is halal though. So Muslims can eat there too. Not sure about the "pirirpiri".

edit: I just did a bit of googling.

Rooster "Piri Piri" is a massive UK chain, and the Douglas branch is their first "international" opening. Menu seems fairly yummy.

It seems the Rooster "PilPil" in Ballincollig opened in October, and "Piri" opened in Douglas in November. Both have pretty much identical menus but they are not related.

It's confusing alright.

Always thought they were the same place but obviously not! Went to the Douglas one on Saturday for lunch and it was really nice. Got steak kebabs and then the half chicken. They only give one side which was a bit stingy but I got the sweet potato fries and they were the best I've ever had. The chicken and steak was damn tasty too. Look forward to going back and much try the Ballincollig spot too.

pwurple

Are you driving? Best steak in the country is The Thady Inn... just west of ballincollig.

If you're limited to the city, I think Elbow Lane's T-bone steak is the best of them at the moment (but not open Mondays!). Liberty grill also good. Both are supplied by the same butchers/farm anyway afaik.

rob316

Tried the El Mercado place on Friday. Really enjoyed it, tasty fresh and well presented.
Me, the OH got the €24.95 sharing menu between us. Really good value I thought, plenty of food. Included
2 sides (sweet potato fries and fries with chilli)
Chicken Tacos x 3
Tostada x 2
Quesidiila x 3

Great service too. My only criticism is there was very little spice in the chilli.

Look forward to going again.

Malari

dan185 wrote: »

I'm in Cork on business for a few days and really fancy a steak tonight. Looking for recommendations from those in the know

Staying in the Kingsley and budgeting about 20 quid. I'll be eating alone so not somewhere that I'll stick out like a sore thumb.

Cheers

If you head into Washington St, the best steak I've had in Cork was in Liberty Grill. I like my steak blue and that's exactly how they do it

It's a nice casual spot and if you get a bench seat by the window it's a nice spot to look out or read while you eat.

dan185

I'm in Cork on business for a few days and really fancy a steak tonight. Looking for recommendations from those in the know

Staying in the Kingsley and budgeting about 20 quid. I'll be eating alone so not somewhere that I'll stick out like a sore thumb.

Cheers

nomeban

Perhaps it's another new craze? There are Asian street food places allover the place too.

The rooster "pil pil" one is halal though. So Muslims can eat there too. Not sure about the "pirirpiri".

edit: I just did a bit of googling.

Rooster "Piri Piri" is a massive UK chain, and the Douglas branch is their first "international" opening. Menu seems fairly yummy.

It seems the Rooster "PilPil" in Ballincollig opened in October, and "Piri" opened in Douglas in November. Both have pretty much identical menus but they are not related.

It's confusing alright.