Location: Waterford
Top Restaurants in Waterford
Where to Eat in Waterford: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Waterford (from Old Norse Veðrafjǫrðr, meaning "ram (wether) fjord", Irish: Port Láirge) is a city in Ireland. It is in County Waterford in the south east of Ireland and is part of the province of Munster. The city is situated at the head of Waterford Harbour. It is the oldest and the fifth most populous city in the Republic of Ireland. It is the eighth most populous city on the island of Ireland. Waterford City and County Council is the local government authority for the city. Waterford is known for Waterford Crystal, a legacy of the city's former glass-making industry.
Things to do in Waterford
1. L Atmosphere Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 461 reviews
Tucked away within a quaint townhouse in the heart of Waterford City, L`Atmosphere is an authentic French bistro and wine bar run by Arnaud Mary and Patrice Garreau since 2005. Expect fresh and seasonal cuisine prepared by Arnaud and dedicated chef and served by a courteous and professional staff. A multy award winning eatery fearuring a unique variety of local fish and sea food, you will also find the best of Irish beef, poultry, lamb and when in the season wild game. Quality, local ingredients cooked with precision and flair are the emphasis. Sofisticated desserts prepared exclusively by pastry chef Patrice Garreau provide a suitable ending to mouth-watering meal. Alternative try a selection of the finest Irish and French cheese. Eamon Barrett advising of "Wonderful food, elegantly cooked and served, showing a deep culinary culture. This small but perfectly formed bistro is truly not to be missed
Reviewed By johngill - Waterford, Ireland
We wanted somewhere a bit special for a celebratory lunch and decided on l'Atmosphere. What a good choice. The food was terrific - scallops and chicken roulade followed by risotto and the beef bourguigon. Couple of glasses of champagne, a couple of house wine carafes and two creme brûlées later we were two very happy people.
We will definitely be back and cannot recommend the restaurant highly enough.
2. Bodega!
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 687 reviews
In the heart of Waterford City is a restaurant that champions the local food experience. Vaguely Spanish in decor with a funky eclectic mix of food and ambiance that may well be described as Mediterranean. Most definitely, not a conventional Irish restaurant experience. Critics and regulars alike acknowledge this place is fun and different. With early bird menus from €23, this is an affordable treat in a relaxed atmosphere. But it's worth persevering according to the critics:" With its warm Mediterranean colour, this place would bring the sun out on the darkest of days" Georgina Campbell "Much loved menu that hits all the right buttons" The Irish Times"It's a dream vision of owners - Cormac & Donagh - who stamp their left field imprimatur on the excellent food & the fine drinks that make folk flock here in their droves" John & Sally McKenna"Bodega! Gives the taste of the med, and also the vigour & joie de vivre of the med" Bridgestone Guide
Reviewed By BrownDawn
We come here regularly to celebrate special occasions and are never disappointed. The food is lovely as are all the staff, wines, cocktails and craft beers, it used be very dark in here with only candlelight but the lighting has improved or maybe someone me flicked the light switch.
3. La Boheme
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 481 reviews
La Bohème Restaurant is housed in the vaults of the Georgian ‘Port of Waterford’ building – an historic property which has been associated with the local Chamber of Commerce for many years.Proprietors Christine and Eric Théze have patiently restored this magnificent space to create an inviting and intimate atmosphere. Its original flagstone floors, limewashed walls and vaulted ceilings are unique and particular to Waterford. The design of the restaurant is sympathetic to the architecture of the building, with influences of New Baroque. The restaurant combines ornate antiques and decoration with modern touches creating an eclectic, decadent interior.La Bohème is a restaurant where the pleasures of the table are in accord with the décor, blending modern delicacies with recipes passed down from generation to generation. Enjoy an aperitif at our beautiful pewter bar while perusing the menu and whetting your appetite.‘Here at La Bohème we pride ourselves in going the extra mile to give our customers a dining experience beyond comparison’
Reviewed By EddieOnTour - Waterford, Ireland
We went here for a family celebration. It is our favourite restaurant. The meal was sublime - we ate from the market menu and everything was beautifully cooked with excellent service run by a very professional restaurant manager. Nothing was too much bother and we had the most fantastic meal and evening!!! Well worth a visit if you have never eaten here before.
4. McLeary's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 640 reviews
Reviewed By deedeedoheny - County Wexford, Ireland
On Dec.23rd, under extreme pressure as were heading to Declan O'rourke in the theatre Royal with an hour to spare the lovely Mcleary's fed us with fantastic food, beautiful wine, waited on by lovely staff, kept their promise had us done and dusted with time to spare to get to the theatre royal . Thanks to all at mcLearys for helping make our night fantastic . Look forward to a return visit under less pressure! Amazing restaurant.
5. The Granary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 537 reviews
Located off O'Connell street Waterford. We serve freshly prepared breakfast,lunch and are available for private functions.
Reviewed By ChandakA - Bengaluru, India
We were passing by Waterford & decided to have our lunch here. Ordered a salad & a soup & both surpassed our expectation. Staff was extremely friendly, they even recommended stuff which turned out to be really good. We followed up food with hot chocolate & chai latte, which came along with a tasty almond biscuit. Would recommend the place to all.
6. Emiliano's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 834 reviews
Reviewed By Adeleg6689 - County Wexford, Ireland
Me and my partner and our best friends (also a couple) went here last night and it was absolutely amazing. I had been told about this restaurant by loads of people so went to see what all the fuss was about and there's a good reason as to why so many people love it. The restaurant itself is really homey and snug. The staff are excellent and the food is even better. Fair enough it's not the quickest but you can't rush perfection. Which is what our meals were. Can't recommend this place any more. It's an authentic Italian where all the staff are also Italian. I have a strawberry allergy and in most restaurants the waiter/waitress always look at me funny but it was not even the tiniest issue. Once again absolutely amazing.
7. Sheehan's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 486 reviews
Breakfast served 10am to 12.30pm Lunch/Bistro served from 12.30pm to 4.30pm Evening Value & A la Carte served from 5pm
Reviewed By gillmoore2004 - County Waterford, Ireland
I cam here on Saturday night with my husband and parents and we really enjoyed the meal. We were seated upstairs by the window and it was a lovely cosy setting with a good atmosphere as the restaurant was full. We ordered the soup, fishcakes and garlic mushrooms to start. All were very tasty and enjoyed by all. There was a lovely salad with the fishcakes which was a very tasty accompaniment. Form mains 2 had the steak, one had the fish and chips and I had the sizzling chicken with rice. The sizzling chicken was delicious. Those having the other mains also commented on how much they enjoyed them and we all agreed the portion size was perfect. 3 of the party had desserts opting for ice-cream, the meringue roulade and the crunchie cheesecake. Again no complaints from the table. The crunchie cheesecake in particular was amazing. The waiters were efficient and attentive throughout which added to the experience. All in all, a very enjoyable evening.
8. The Gingerman
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
Gastro pub in Waterford city centre.
Reviewed By Gonzo185 - Cork, Ireland
Stopped by for a coffee, while shopping. Around lunchtime, the place had a lovely vibe, a couple of floorstaff whizzing around, always with a quick word for customers, regulars or not, it would seem. Delightfully decorated with antique adverts and paraphernalia, very interesting stuff. Food was flying out of the kitchen and this place has a loyal clientele it would appear. Will have some food on next visit.
9. The Munster Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 397 reviews
Reviewed By eduncan1212 - Denver, Colorado
My (now) husband and I got married in Waterford (traveled from the US) and wanted an authentic Irish Pub experience for our rehearsal dinner. The Munster Bar was more than willing to accommodate our large party and were so easy to work with. They provided an excellent preset menu at a reasonable price and even booked us a 4 piece band to play for our guests. The staff was so attentive and friendly the 4+ hours we spent at their bar. Our party danced the night away listening to live music and drinking tasty beverages. Thank you for giving my husband and I an experience of a lifetime and for treating me and my guests like family!
10. The Olive Tree
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 434 reviews
Tapas Bar located in the Viking Triangle at the Heart of Waterford.
Reviewed By holly74limerick - Doha, Qatar
We were visiting Waterford for winterval and stumbled upon the olive tree
It has a lovely ambience and lovely food
The portions are a little on the small size but were incredibly tasty
It was a little over priced for what you are getting, for example
An 18euro cheese board but only a few crackers - prawns in oil very good - meatballs very good
The staff looked rushed off their feet and had to be reminded to bring stuff out - nice place - would definitely go back
