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Golden-spider award winner 2007

Vina Mara Restaurant
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Overall:Average of 4.7 out of 34 reviews

Credibility Score: 26%
Visited: 17/12/2011
Posted: 14/02/2012
Newbie
User: irishwhiskeychaser
Joined: 14/02/2012
5 reviews
0 hats off
5.0
This has to be one of the best Fine Dining experiences in Galway, easily top 5. The food is of a very high quality and always has been. I have yet to get something that has had the slightest fault, I would not know if the chef has changed here over the last 5 years but the quality and craft has remained very high. It is also now very affordable due to some of the lunch and early bird menus available but you would not be disappointed paying full price. The restaurant itself has a lovely atmosphere even though if your a couple you may find that your table for two is in the line of passing traffic but everything else makes up for this. Staff are very attentive with out being intrusive. They are relaxed and polite and not overly fussy unlike other places that "pretend" to be up market, there is no pretence here only excellent service. I cannot but give 5 stars all the way.
Credibility Score: 9%
Visited: 18/11/2011
Posted: 06/12/2011
First Timer
User: penny123
Joined: 06/12/2011
0 reviews
0 hats off
5.0
I dined here with a group of girlfriends not so long ago and it was one of our finest Galway dining experiences yet. We arrived a little late but were shown straight to our table, which was tucked away in a corner. Our waitress was so friendly and knowledgeable about the whole menu, without being overbearing. We ordered wine recommended by our waitress - which was delicious, perfect with our food. To eat,we had a range of starters followed by seabass, black sole, steak and a lamb dish. All 4 were exceptional, with great fresh fish and lovely flavours from the meat. The atmosphere was relaxing yet there was a great buzz around with chatting guests and laughter throughout the night. We would rate this one our favourite dining experiences in Galway yet. Great value food and wine with excellent service. Thanks Vina Mara...we will definietly be back soon!
Credibility Score: 54%
Visited: 22/11/2011
Posted: 25/11/2011
Newbie
User: kazerenm
Joined: 15/12/2008
4 reviews
0 hats off
5.0
I dined here with my boyfriend. When we arrived at 7.15pm it was empty and we were shown to a table by a very friendly waitress. Several other parties arrived shortly after us which added to the atmosphere. We availed of the two-courses for €24 deal. I started with the Greek salad which had plenty of feta (yum). My boyfriend ordered the duck salad and he was very happy with it (as was I-I had to try it). We chose salmon and chicken for our mains, both were delicious. I substituted onion mash for the mustard mash that was supposed to come with the chicken, and this wasn't a problem at all. The only fault that we found was that dishes aren't served with vegetables-you have to order them seperately so it costs more. Overall, we really enjoyed our meal and the experience, and I would highly recommend this restaurant.
Credibility Score: 42%
Visited: 28/05/2011
Posted: 19/06/2011
First Timer
User: ufoley
Joined: 15/06/2009
1 reviews
0 hats off
3.5
Dined there on a Saturday night, a nice restaurant with pleasant staff. Unfortunately the food or service didnt live up to expectations. The food was way over priced, portions smallish & customer requests largely ignored. Definitely nothing special about this place to warrant main courses at an average of 24 euro. We're in recession & it looks like this restaurant is oblivious!
Credibility Score: 89%
Visited: 15/04/2011
Posted: 28/04/2011
Guru
User: mcginncf
Joined: 05/12/2008
33 reviews
0 hats off
5.0
Four of us went to Galway from Dublin for an overnight birthday celebration and checked out Menupages for a good restaurant prior. We were delighted with all that has been written here of this excellent little cuisine of fresh fish dishes, ambience, service and good eating experience. We took a while to browse the menus, particularly the 3-course dinner & bottle of wine for 2 at €67, but getting fresh fish from the west coast is not easy in Dublin, so once we saw the special on of John Dory, we all went for it. The starters were the only different dishes we had; of pork belly, smoked haddock, salmon & leeks and tossed salad. All great appetisers which we shared about. Meanwhile, the red & white wines we selected were served up with water jug and selection of breads and our party got underway. All the while, the staff served away without any intrusions upon us. The girls had the Warm Chocolate and Amoretti Pudding while he & I shared a mini cheese plate. Great to get an option for a smaller cheese plate too, and at €5 for each dessert, this is excellent value. We were the last to leave, but next time we'll be first back here to check out the next sea food special on.
Credibility Score: 9%
Visited: 04/03/2011
Posted: 01/04/2011
First Timer
User: abitetoeat
Joined: 01/04/2011
0 reviews
0 hats off
4.5
I booked a table for a small group of friends in Vina Mara restaurant on a Friday night in March. We were shown directly to our table when we arrived. There was no waiting or queuing. The atmosphere was welcoming and pleasant. Breads were served. We were given ample time to pursue the varied menu. Help re courses etc. was readily forthcoming. The food was very good. It was cooked to our satisfaction and every course was very well presented. The staff were attentive but not intrusive. It was a very nice meal. We will definitely return again. It is one of the best restaurants in Galway. - J.G. Galway.
Credibility Score: 61%
Visited: 30/12/2010
Posted: 10/01/2011
Connoisseur
User: nicolamp
Joined: 05/02/2008
14 reviews
1 hats off
5.0
This was a special Christmas / New Year night our with 2 great friends. Lively atmosphere but not intrusive. We were shown directly to our table, breads served. Al carte menu & set menu both presented. Generally we all go al carte because we're a picky bunch but on this occasion the set menu looked too good to pass up. I had the crab cake to start - crispy on the outside with a delicate crust. Filled with beautiful crab meat & little or no carb filler. The salmon risotto main course was delicious. Dessert was a chocolate indulgance. A thoroughly delightful evening. Can't wait for the next visit.
Credibility Score: 28%
Visited: 04/09/2010
Posted: 28/09/2010
Newbie
User: k2d
Joined: 03/09/2010
4 reviews
1 hats off
5.0
Went here for my partners birthday dinner and went for the 3 courses and bottle of wine for €67 which was served all night and had a wide selection on the menu- i was very impressed. Quite a small restaurant however staff were very nice! I had the steak which I had well done- I should have gotten done medium so my mistake however still tasty. The potatoes were delicious and every course was presented very well. Will deffinitely return. Worth getting the value menu however as otherwise it is very pricey!
Credibility Score: 49%
Visited: 31/07/2010
Posted: 04/08/2010
Connoisseur
User: thedcman
Joined: 30/06/2010
15 reviews
0 hats off
4.0
decided to try their value menu of 3 courses and a bottle of wine for €67 and it was a most enjoyable experience. We were looking to supplement the house wine for anice chablis but unfortunately they were out of stock that day(to be expected, sunday of race week in Galway). The 3 courses were all very well presented and tasted likewise and you come away feeling like we just had great value for money.
Credibility Score: 87%
Visited: 02/07/2010
Posted: 14/07/2010
Guru
User: ell30
Joined: 12/02/2007
48 reviews
0 hats off
5.0
on a visit to this resturant recently i had the seared duck while my husband had the pork and both were really good. service very good also, well worth visit for a special occasion as maybe little expensive
Credibility Score: 37%
Visited: 08/07/2010
Posted: 13/07/2010
Foodie
User: unadi
Joined: 18/03/2009
6 reviews
0 hats off
4.5
We ate here on a Thursday evening. The food was just excellent. The service is a bit relaxed but every need was catered for. We would definitely go back here again on our next visit to Galway.
Credibility Score: 30%
Visited: 03/02/2010
Posted: 05/02/2010
Newbie
User: maryoleary
Joined: 16/06/2009
2 reviews
2 hats off
5.0
I have dined in Vina Mara several times and have always enjoyed the experience. My most recent visit was to celebrate a friend's bitrhday with a group of 8. Nice atmosphere, service is always efficient and Vina Mara offers excellent value menus (not just early-bird) - €67 for a 3 course meal for 2 including a bottle of wine is brilliant value. The only niggle is that with some dishes one may need a veg accompaniment and these are extra. Overall though I would highly recommend Vina Mara - desserts are great and the birthday cake we ordered was really nice too.
Credibility Score: 53%
Visited: 12/08/2009
Posted: 13/08/2009
Connoisseur
User: suzannec
Joined: 08/07/2009
17 reviews
1 hats off
4.5
I was very satisfied after my first visit to this restaurant. Service was efficient and friendly and the premises was warm, clean and atmospheric. Above all, the food was delicious and wholesome. I ordered the baked, stuffed mussels to start and the baked pesto stuffed chicken with gratin for mains...both dishes were very well presented, decent sized portions and tasted divine! Regarding value for money, it was especially good...2courses with a glass of wine for 24 euro...outstanding value for top quality service and food and wine!Am looking forward to my next visit already;)
Credibility Score: 66%
Visited: 03/06/2009
Posted: 08/08/2009
Connoisseur
User: mona
Joined: 19/07/2009
15 reviews
1 hats off
3.5
I had often walked past this restaurant and longed to dine there. On a budget and with an early bird offer, the time had come to satisfy my curiosity. 3 course meal for 2 with bottle of wine for 67euro is undoubtedly a good deal but we were left disappointed. The starter of chowder was delightful if a bit too creamy and my mussels were stuffed with tomato and basil breadcrumbs which took away the fishy taste I so love. My main of mint cous cous with deep-fried tempura prawns and hollandaise sauce was an odd combination and didn't quite hit the spot. Mr. Mona had beef with veg and potatoes - nice but it resembled a Sunday carvery pub lunch. Dessert was a frozen berry pudding, quite boring but Mr. Mona's apple pie with cream was gorgeous. The chardonnay was the best aspect of the meal, fruity and smooth. Perhaps we were just unlucky but overall it was disappointing and I would not be in a hurry to return.
Credibility Score: 26%
Visited: 08/07/2009
Posted: 24/07/2009
Newbie
User: zink
Joined: 24/07/2009
3 reviews
1 hats off
4.0
Lunch is excellent value and excellent food. Possibly the best in Galway for lunch time.
Credibility Score: 90%
Visited: 12/06/2009
Posted: 16/06/2009
Guru
User: caitriona
Joined: 03/01/2007
46 reviews
1 hats off
4.5
We ate here on a company night out. The place is really charming and the waiting staff are brilliant. Not to mention the food was excellent. It is a little pricy but I would definitely recommend it if anyone was taking a trip to Galway and wanted good food in a handy location for going out afterwards.
Credibility Score: 34%
Visited: 30/04/2009
Posted: 18/05/2009
Foodie
User: pamjenks
Joined: 17/05/2009
6 reviews
2 hats off
5.0
I have eaten several times in this restaurant, both lunch and dinner and absolutely love the food! There is a lovely starter of sesame coated goats cheese which I highly recommend. For mains there is always a tasty fish dish, but also plenty for meat lovers. They have some great value offers at the moment: €10 for lunch which includes a coffee (I can recommend the organic salmon on basil mash) and €24 for a 2 course evening meal, inc a glass of wine. The service is professional and friendly, great wine and lovely homemade breads! Great spot!
Credibility Score: 53%
Visited: 14/03/2009
Posted: 15/03/2009
Connoisseur
User: Lalalala2
Joined: 26/10/2008
15 reviews
0 hats off
4.0
We had a good meal here last night. It is a little on the pricey side, but my meal was worth it. We both really enjoyed our starters, I had an inventive salad and DH had crab claws which were fantastic. My main was good (sea bass), cooked perfectly, however I didnt particularly like the accompanying sweet potato cubes. DH was a little disappointed with his duck main when compared to the standard of my sea bass, but still enjoyed it. Desert was good. The red wine list is extensive, and we both enjoyed our house reds and whites.
Credibility Score: 62%
Visited: 07/03/2009
Posted: 08/03/2009
Guru
User: Biaalainn
Joined: 02/11/2008
23 reviews
0 hats off
3.5
Ate here last night, it was my first visit, had never gone before as thought it was overpriced. Five of us had the early bird menu last night which seemed great value at 2 courses and glass of wine for €24 or 3 courses and glass of wine for €28. There is a catch however as we found out. Nothing is included with your main course, if you want veg or potato you have to pay extra. This i think is very unfair and misleading, our meals ended up costing us a fair bit more than we had planned. From my experience as a waitress (many years ago!) on a set menu your veg and potato is always included. The food here was lovely, but portions tiny. We were hungry again before the night was out. Wont be back.
Credibility Score: 31%
Visited: 14/02/2009
Posted: 19/02/2009
Foodie
User: spiddelo
Joined: 22/09/2008
7 reviews
0 hats off
3.5
Had lunch on Valentine day there. Quiet enough, so not much atmosphere but absolutely perfect. Staff attentive but not overbearing. Foods perfect, you knew this was way beyond what is typical. Next time its back for the early bird with a few glasses of wine.
Credibility Score: 26%
Visited: 13/01/2009
Posted: 13/01/2009
Newbie
User: brown123
Joined: 09/01/2009
4 reviews
0 hats off
3.0
Vina Mara is a nice restaurant but the main menu is very expensive.
Credibility Score: 23%
Visited: 15/12/2008
Posted: 02/01/2009
First Timer
User: Culinart
Joined: 02/01/2009
1 reviews
0 hats off
2.0
I had great expectations for Vina Mara having heard it twice won the Food and Wine award for best in Connaught in recent years and various other credible awards. Sadly if our meal is anything to go by then sadly, ouside of Dublin, I think Ireland still has a long way to go on the restaurant front. Me and my guest went for the early bird menu, which should be no excuse for bad food. Starters were bog standard fish cakes, well crab cakes that contained very little crab and lumpy breadcrumbs that hadn't been sieved, came with a tiny dizzle of sauce. We also ordered a very dry and tasteless chicken and duck terrine. Main courses didn't do much to save face for Vina mara. A dry confit duck leg on mash with a small amount of (possibly thickened?) jus, that was it! No veg, no garnish. I had Salmon on Tomato risotto which was nice I have to say but again lacked anything exiting, I came with a samll bit of tomato salsa but again that was it. This boring food I would expect in an above average Irish pub but not 'best in Connaught'. House red was fine, service was good, atmosphere fine but it was the food that let the place down and that is afterall why we go to restaurants isn't it.
Credibility Score: 42%
Visited: 08/12/2008
Posted: 08/12/2008
Connoisseur
User: shinthornton
Joined: 08/12/2008
16 reviews
0 hats off
4.0
Have eaten here a few times, always fab food. One of the best restaurants in the city. Early bird is great value. Always uses seasonal ingredients
Credibility Score: 87%
Visited: 04/12/2008
Posted: 04/12/2008
Guru
User: sas
Joined: 17/05/2007
57 reviews
0 hats off
4.5
I Ate here on a Tuesday, and even though the Restaurant wasn't full, it still had a bit of an atmosphere! THe early Bird menu is excellent value here, and the food was very well presented and delicious! The service was second to none! I'd highly recommend this restaurant and I'm really looking forward to returning soon!
Credibility Score: 45%
Visited: 26/11/2008
Posted: 26/11/2008
Connoisseur
User: lisap
Joined: 27/11/2007
14 reviews
0 hats off
3.5
total top class restaurant i will deffo come back to this restaurant it is just superb!!! well worth it, the early bird is a great offer 28euro including a glass of wine for a three coarse!! you just cant beat it
Credibility Score: 69%
Visited: 13/09/2008
Posted: 14/09/2008
Connoisseur
User: brighteyedlass
Joined: 12/09/2008
17 reviews
0 hats off
5.0
My friend who lives in Galway brought me here for lunch. It was a place he wanted to try for a while. The food was excellent, I had pan fried sea bream on a bed of saute greens with roast potatoes. The sea bream had a tomato salsa on top. The whole combination of flavours was amazing. I had the smoked haddock and prawn chowder for starters, lovely flavour though a tad too hot. It was really good value, 18.50 for 2 courses. Simple food cooked to perfection!
Credibility Score: 26%
Visited: 18/07/2008
Posted: 19/08/2008
First Timer
User: gralebia
Joined: 19/08/2008
1 reviews
0 hats off
5.0
My boyfriend and I choose this restaurant on my birthday for a meal just for the two of us. We were very impressed with the service, we didn't feel rushed at all and the waiter took the time to chat to us and explain different items on the menu. He also gave us complimentary Cava on hearing it was my birthday. A very nice touch that really impressed us. The food was presented beautifully, and tasted fab. We had 2 Steaks with all the trimmings, 2 starters that were small but perfect as appetisers. Overall we both really enjoyed the experience, and despite having an expensive bottle of wine 50 the total bill cam in at under 150.00. Well worth it for a very enjoyable eve. Will definitely be going there again.
Credibility Score: 45%
Visited: 07/05/2008
Posted: 12/05/2008
Foodie
User: gstar
Joined: 29/11/2006
7 reviews
0 hats off
3.0
Heard a lot about this restaurant was in Galway so went for lunch, lovely place very well set up, but for all its awards food wasn't great there seemed to be olives in everything, crab & potato cake wasn't too bad but didn't really excite me, my main of sea-bream and wilted green's was a great dish except for the half litre of oil it came swimming in, my partner had a tomato and mozz salad even she admitted its hard to go wrong on that "safe food" she said, on to the home made ice cream, not sure if it really is, wasn't smooth and creamy like home made is too many ice crystals, never got the tea we ordered either if it was busy I wouldn't mind there was only 3 people in the room, very disappointing over all after hearing so much good about this place
Credibility Score: 90%
Visited: 23/03/2008
Posted: 26/03/2008
Guru
User: orl
Joined: 12/01/2007
85 reviews
0 hats off
4.0
Good without being amazing. The portions are very small. Service was good and an optimal location for a group as food would suit most people. You would need side orders though.
Credibility Score: 53%
Visited: 05/09/2007
Posted: 04/02/2008
Connoisseur
User: dkil79
Joined: 04/02/2008
11 reviews
0 hats off
5.0
Got the early bird menu here a while ago. Opted for the starters and mains with a glass of wine option. The dinner was lovely and the ambiance vrey nice. Thought the staff were very attentive without being in your face. Have recommended this place to friends and it hasn't disappointed. Worth a visit
Credibility Score: 29%
Visited: 03/03/2007
Posted: 11/12/2007
First Timer
User: FoodieH
Joined: 11/12/2007
1 reviews
0 hats off
5.0
I got a voucher for this restaurant and went with very little expectation. My partner and I enjoyed the meal thoroughly. I had the Duck and all the accompaniments were unbelievable. I never had food this well complimented before. The whole dish seemed to have the perfect texture and taste. The staff are also friendly and attentive. The side orders were generous too, and while pricey, it is well worth it for a special night. Definitely to be recommended it for a romantic meal. The staff are friendly and attentive.
Credibility Score: 88%
Visited: 09/11/2007
Posted: 14/11/2007
Guru
User: allhailhomer
Joined: 15/06/2007
103 reviews
0 hats off
2.5
Very disappointed with this restaurant. It's name preceded it all the way across the country (where it was recommended to me). I looked forward to it when an opportunity to visit some friends in Galway arose. While the service was good and the restaurant itself was nice, the food was very poor for the price charge. Ate out in a pub for less than half the price the following night and it was a lot nicer.
Credibility Score: 63%
Visited: 21/04/2007
Posted: 10/11/2007
Connoisseur
User: munchie
Joined: 15/05/2007
18 reviews
0 hats off
5.0
Vina Mara is a Mediterranean experience not to be missed. It's the kind of restaurant you hope foreign tourists judge us on! I can't wait to go back to Galway to book in here again. Well deserved awards.
Credibility Score: 67%
Visited: 08/09/2007
Posted: 28/10/2007
Guru
User: Squeakm
Joined: 22/11/2006
22 reviews
0 hats off
5.0
This is my friend's favourite restaurant. She wanted us to all go out for a girly nite and so we agreed. It was a great choice of restaurant. Every one of us felt the same after the meal. The food was fabulous, the portion sizes very generous and well worth every penny we paid. There was something for everyone on the menu and for vegetarians there was a very good selection. Every bite was enjoyed, not one of the 15 of us were unhappy, in fact we all found the food delicious. The staff were very friendly and attentive and the atmosphere in the restaurant was lovely. Relaxed with an element of fun.


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