Gordon Ramsay @ Powerscourt, Powerscourt

Dined at the Chef's Table. The overall experience was amazing and I would definitely recommend it. I would have loved to have tried the tasting menu, however, we were a party of seven and opted for the a la carte. The food was fabulous and so impressively presented. Hopefully will be lucky enough to return and give the tasting menu a go.

Went here for Sunday lunch today. We were a party of six adults and two girls aged 10 and 13, and were seated in a semi-private area (curtain could optionally be drawn). This suited us really well as we could converse and banter easily amongst ourselves. The first thing I noticed was crumbs on the floor under the table, which was surprising, as there was otherwise good attention to detail. The staff were extremely pleasant and obliging. The menu was quite limited, though it made it easier for people to decide! We were presented with a good choice of fresh breads to start with and a choice of still, sparkling or tap water. One of our party has a wheat/gluten intolerance, and was presented with two delicious gluten-free rolls, which she really appreciated. The kids were presented with their own, quality menu. I had the seafood bisque to start with, which was substantial, but tasty. My main of pork shoulder was good, except the mashed potatoes were a bit salty. The rum-and-raisin ice cream filled profiteroles with toffee sauce were not so much to my taste - the choux pastry was minimal and not chewy, and I prefer cream and chocolate sauce, but then I did order it... The prices were €37 for three courses, €29 for two and €24 for kids' three courses (note cheaper than the advertised offer on this website). A great selection of petit fours was presented with the coffees (which were extra). Everyone was happy with their food, with clean plates all round. Given the level of service, the setting and the quality of the food, I think this is excellent value and I'll be back! The toilets are a little tricky to find, but very clean and luxurious, with a separate wheelchair facility. I had to walk over to the restaurant entry desk to get/pay the bill, but the staff member I dealt with was very patient and accommodating when my credit card refused to work after several tries.

Really enjoyed the ambiance and the comfort and warmth of the dining room. Some points on the staff, too many maitre d' types wandering around, many of whom were incredibly hard to understand. The waiter serving the bread was equally as hard to understand. The tomato bread was delicious but the only one out of the selection that was anyway extraordinary. I had a lovely goats cheese and caramelised onion tart to start with. Really good size. My dining partner had scallops which were lovely albeit quite cold. I also ordered a glass of their Rioja to have with my meal which at €10 per glass I felt could be filled a little bit more. The waiter also dripped the red wine on the tablecloth while pouring - a real pet hate! For main course we both chose Steaks. We were watching the staff all evening (you have no choice with the way the tables are arranged for twos) and noticed one waiter appear from the kitchen with two main courses in hand and looking a little lost as nobody seemed to be waiting for them! The wine spilling maitre d' glanced at us and it was at that point we realised it was our steaks sitting there hovering and getting cold! Waiter didn't think they were ours as our starter plates had never been cleared! Such bad service and no apology to us when the steaks were then brought over to us given we had witnessed all of this! Steaks obviously slightly cold, both steak sauces had a film on them as they had obviously been sitting in the kitchen so long but the broccoli and mushrooms we requested made up for it! I had a rhubard crumble and my partner had profiteroles for desert, neither of which were anyway like what it said on the tin and I think they should warn you about that. My poached rhubard was also cold which I was surprised at. Lovely petit fours followed. Glad to say I went but can't imagine Gordon would be impressed!!!Maybe that's why he has since reviewed the spot!