Delicious Britain & Ireland: 2009
When you take your tongue out sightseeing in Britain or Ireland, what are its favorite taste treats? (Or does it just want to go back home?)
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Good Meal at Ffiona's
A friend in London recommended a great restaurant on Kensington Church Street called Ffiona's. It serves classic British food like Steak and Kidney Pie and roast lamb and the atmosphere is intimate and local. Ffiona was very friendly and fun. We are in London for another few days and I will be making another visit.
Ffiona's Restaurant, Kensington
London, UK Wed 11/25/2009
Favorite Restaurant in London
My favorite restaurant in London is a family bistro, Orsini's located at Thurloe Place across from the V&A Museum. The risottos are wonderful and you are treated so well. My friend was feeling a bit under the weather and a very lovely simple risotto was especially prepared for her. I enjoyed the best risotto with seafood! This was my third trip to London and one of many stops at Orsini's.
Beverly Francis
East Granby, CT USA Thu 10/15/2009
French Restaurant, Edinburgh
French restaurant, Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland. Petite Paris - here, I ordered the fish of the day and my friend, a delicious pasta with mushrooms and veges. These were meals to remember. And, the friendly staff will always be remembered. Prices on spot!
Beverly Francis
East Granby, CT USA Thu 10/15/2009
Licensing Changes for Scotland's Bars and Restaurants
I just got back from a trip to the UK and we found out that the licensing laws for Bars and Restaurants in Scotland has changed. Children must be out at 20:00. Many restaurants and bars have decided to just ban children all together. I was 17 and if I was just a year older I wouldn't have had a problem but my sister and I both being under 18 had trouble finding places to eat in Scotland.
England is a different story, from what we experienced in Yorkshire (Leeds, York, Hull) was that children are generally welcomed. I do not know the time restriction placed on children in bars and restaurants just that we did not have trouble.
If you are 18 you must have a photo ID to enter most of the places with those restrictions. Signs posted everywhere saying that if you didn't look 25 you would be carded.
FL USA Wed 10/14/2009
ireland food
just back from two weeks in republic of ireland. incredible food throughout, really as good or better than italy or france. my thoughts: kilkenny--marble city pub, hibernian cafe or langton's. little andy's awesome local pub. kinsale--jim edward's very good, an seanachai decent food, best music in kinsale. dingle--goat street cafe is fresh, different and awesome, do not miss the global village, best meal in ireland, much better than gordon ramsey's at powerscourt. have fun, jeff
jeff leach
naches, wa USA Sat 09/26/2009
Best lunch in Oxford
In Oxford, near the Bodleian Library- down Holywell Street is an exceptional and very reasonable takeaway sandwich shop. The name is "The Alternative Tuck Shop" - A Tuck shop being a small food store. Do not confuse this shop with the slimy 7-11 clone "The Tuck Shop" which is much closer to the Library. It is called the Alternative for a reason! There is a large array of different sandwiches, paninis, bakery items and drinks available. About every single sandwich combination is less than three pounds. They allow you to choose your bread and everything else- and list different combinations possible- organized very thoughtfully by meat selection (Or primary ingredient) and then offering different variations. I was able to get a large and hearty sandwich, drink and brownie for five pounds. On top of that, the three guys who run the shop are very friendly and gladly explain the menu. The only downside is there aren't any seating options, but there are some grassy areas nearby and the University Parks aren't too far. Also, the store gets very crowded with locals at lunch- but regardless of how crowded it is, the food is prepared and handed over within a minute or two and even though the sandwich is only prepared after you have ordered it (many sandwich stores in town only give you ready-made sandwiches displayed in a window). Having spent a month in Oxford, I have found the Alternative Tuck shop to be the greatest value, tastiest and efficient lunch location.
Paul
Los Angeles, CA USA Tue 09/22/2009
St.Martins-In-The-Fields crypt food
The cafe in the crypt of St.Martins-In-The-Fields is a wonderful place to have lunch. I am not fond of buffets, but this one is done right! You can have just coffee and muffin, or have a full meal and the price is not too expensive...even for London. If you go on concert days, you can have lunch in the crypt and then pop next door to the church at 1:00 for a free concert. On Fridays they serve fish and chips which was very tasty. Facing the church, go to the left side and enter the crypt thru the glass enclosure.
YUMMY!
JR
Portland, OR USA Tue 09/22/2009
Good food in West Country
I found that I loved almost every type of food in Brittan. A favorite for Sunday dinner or carvery is Red lion Pub in Avebury. If you do the Stonehenge or Great Henge tours, this is the best place. Best Yorkshire pudding ever.
Many of the grocery stores have little cafe's or restaurants inside and offer cheap breakfast or a quick sandwich and soup. Usually under 4.00 pounds. I had the best coffee in England in a little pub outside of Weston-super-Mare. and the best Cream Tea...Jane Austen's tea room in Bath. see my posts on www.ukviewfromayankeebird.com
linda
asheville, nc USA Thu 09/10/2009
**RUDE SERVICE AT NATIONAL GALLERY DINING HALL**
In the month of August, we visited the National Gallery Dining Room, anticipating great food and ambiance. As we entered the establishment, no one was there to greet us...waited 10 minutes..had to summon someone to help us...was told we had to wait 15 minutes, so "go walk around or something"...we chose to wait at the restaurant..after 25 minutes, we asked how long it would be...told be still have to wait..after 35 minutes, were finally seated...waited another 10 minutes...no water...no waiter...summoned someone for service...told us to wait...waited 10 minutes...summoned again...told us to wait...waited another 10 minutes...finally our order was taken by the manager who was very rude...at this point we just wanted some food...so we ordered the afternoon tea..he looked at us as if we were crazy...so much that we had to make sure to ask if it's ok to order it...i've never been treated like that at any restaurant..i was appalled at the kind of service and behavior at such a prominent establishment...don't even get me started about how we had to get the bill...the manager went around to every other table asking how everything was...except for us...deliberately avoiding us...i think they have to get their act together...especially if they want to continue the reputation of the national gallery...i will NEVER return there nor make any recommendation to go there...in retrospect, i don't know why we wasted our precious time there....
Mina
Naperville, IL USA Mon 08/17/2009
Yummie for me and maybe you
We travel and end up at winery tours or sipping preseco (sp?). Although I'm no wine drinker (hate it actually), I wasn't offended by others who are. Having an open mind when you travel helps everyone enjoy themselves, especially those that may be traveling with you! So what may be yummie to me..may actually be yummie for you too, at least give it a try...Don't judge others by what they enjoy and they probably won't judge you for not.
Becky
St.Cloud, FL USA Sun 08/16/2009
Cote Bistro, Kensington, London
I happened upon Cote Bistro at the end of a LONG walk through Hyde Park. It's located on a little cobblestone street, just off Kensington High Street. A charming candlelit interior, contemporary French cuisine & wine at affordable prices. We had an appetizer, entree, bottle of wine, and dessert for under 30 GBP a piece!
Marisa
Chicago, IL USA Sat 08/15/2009
Great restaurant in Dublin
Had a wonderful meal at the Chatham Brasserie in Dublin before doing our pub crawl. Just found it by accident.
Shirley land
Rome, GA USA Sun 08/09/2009
Slug and Lettuce
In London visit the Slug and Lettuce pub. It is near Westminster and has excellent fish and chips. Slug and Lettuce is located on Chicheley Street. Mondays are 50% off.
Brandon
Cincinnati, OH USA Fri 08/07/2009
Good food in South Oxfordshire
The Boar's Head pub in the centre of Ardington near Wantage (about 10 miles south of Oxford) serves great food in both the bar and restaurant. However, there are only about 15 seats in the restaurant so be sure to book first. To find the pub, turn off the road to Wantage into Ardington and look for the church in the middle of the village, the pub is next door.
Blewbury nearby (about 3 miles south of Didcot parkway station) is a very picturesque village with a couple of pubs, the Red Lion is the better of the two. You can take a walk up the Iron Age fort next to the village to build an appetite or even carry on over to the Sweet Olive in Aston, just over a mile away.
Alex Elderfield
Blewbury,, Oxon USA Mon 08/03/2009
Best chips in England
While in Bath, try O'Neil's, an Irish pub in Gascoyne Place (on Barton St., between Trim St. and Upper Borough Walls). My sister and I stopped in there on recommendation from our innkeeper, and it was fabulous! For £15.50, we both got an excellent light dinner, including a pint of beer, main course, and dessert. I had a burger and chips -- we both agreed that the chips were the best we had in England.
Carl S
Redmond, WA USA Sun 07/26/2009
Cullinan's Doolin, Co. Clare, Ireland
If you want to splurge on a gourmet meal, Cullinan's is your place. Reservations are required. My salmon was wonderful, and the hazelnut, toffee, and gooey chocolate tart for dessert was heavenly!
Tina
Santa Ana, CA USA Sat 07/18/2009
Out of the Blue in Dingle, Ireland
Out of the Blue in Dingle, Ireland does wonderful fresh seafood only with fresh food, never frozen, and no chips! Not pub grub, but fresh caught seafish straight from the docks means the daily menu varies. Two seatings nightly for 30+. Reservations recommended.
John Bunting
Arvada, CO USA Tue 07/14/2009
favorite london eateries
my best meals in london to date: st johns (near the smithfield meat market; specializes in, of course, meat -- go there with an open mind) and j sheekeys (off charing cross road; extremely fresh seafood). recommend avoiding covent garden restaurants based on personal experience (bad chicken that forced me on a tea and crumpets diet for three days).
zack
md USA Sun 06/28/2009
Indian restaurant in London
We had a very tasty south Indian meal at Kerala, a small restaurant just off Oxford St. You can take a break from shopping and have lunch there, or do dinner. It's open 7 days/week, and the prices are very reasonable. 15 Great Castle St., phone: 020 7580 2125
Rosalyn
Berkeley, ca USA Fri 06/19/2009
London Food
I went nuts over the Food Court at Harrod's.
Annilow
Clay County, FL USA Tue 06/16/2009
Great fish restaurant in London
One of the best fish restaurants I've eaten at over many trips to London is The North Sea Fish Restaurant. It's located at 7 Leigh St within walking distance of the Russell Square tube stop. The prices are reasonable (even for London) and the food excellent.
Rich C.
Malvern, PA USA Mon 06/08/2009
Newquay, England The Griffin Restaurant
We had several meals at the Griffin and the food was wonderful. There is always a special of the day but a simple menu as well as a bar. Excellent pub atmosphere.
Vicki Blake
Spring, Texas USA Sat 05/30/2009
La Taverna - Italian Food In Waterford, Ireland
Arrived in Waterford, Ireland on Sat. April 18, 2009. After checking in at The Belfry Hotel we went walking around the area to find something to eat. We had a 4 & 7 yr. old with us so we needed a kid friendly place. Even though it was still early most places were closed or didn't meet our needs.
After walking for a while we finally asked a security guard for a recommendation nearby and he sent us to La Taverna at 54 High St. Pizza or pasta, just what the kids had wanted as well as the three adults (we had eaten our share of fish and chips and beef and ale pies so a change was needed). The restaurant was a small place but had a few tables downstairs and more seating upstairs so we were seated there and ordered our pizzas. Very delicious!! They have a very unique way of serving your pizza. It was uncut and they give you a pair of scissors to cut it with. A first for us! The kids were getting restless so momma and the kids went back to the hotel which was just around the corner. My husband and I finished up and were discussing getting some dessert but decided we really didn't need it, so we waited for the check then decided to go downstairs and ask for the check and pay for our meal. As we were standing there checking out I noticed their tiramisu and commented on how good it looked. The owner asked if we wanted a sample so we said yes thinking it would be a taste like they give you at the gelato shops. He said you go sit up front and I'll bring you some. Here he came with two plates of the very delicious tiramisu that they make themselves, pulled up a chair and visited with us for 20 - 30 minutes, was so nice and friendly. We got ready to leave and asked how much we owed him and he said it was on him just give him a good recommendation. Would not think of giving them anything but a raving review. Even though we were in Ireland, for a while we felt like we were in Italy with the food and decor being so authentic. Although not in Rick Steves Ireland book that we were using as a suggested place to eat, I would recommend it be checked out for further listings.
Elaine Ownby
Rockwall, TX USA Sat 05/23/2009
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on London's Fleet street is a great little pub with really good food. I love the Scottish beef (Scottish beef is made from cows in the Scottish highlands, completely natural and the best beef I have ever had).
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is around the corner from Samuel Johnson's house and he, as well as Charles Dickens, were regulars in this place.
Robert Marcus
New York, NY USA Thu 05/21/2009
Bonnie Brae, Loch Lomond
Excellent fish. Chips are good too, but the fish was the best we had in all of Scotland and England. It's along A82 just after a curve heading northbound. It was our first day and it was my first notepad entry so I don't have more details.
Alan
Charlotte, NC USA Sun 04/12/2009
Jann's Cakes, Dunvegan
EXCELLENT cakes both traditional and tea varieties. Good tea and coffee too. I nice stop for other fresh baked goods as well. This website has a picture: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/978014
Alan
Charlotte, NC USA Sun 04/12/2009
The Victoria, near the station
We had a tasty morsel and a pint. It was food and it was cheap. Yes there's better out there, but if you're looking for a bite to eat near the station or after the theatre it's worth a shot.
DO NOT go to a fancy overpriced place near Trafalgar Square with tons of desserts in the window. I know, I know, what about the back door??? Well this is a front door place all right, but some of us think with our sweet tooth sometimes.
Alan
Charlotte, NC USA Sun 04/12/2009
London and elsewhere
While waiting for my paycheck to post to our bank account, and down to our last £3.32, I came up with a great picnic lunch for my husband and me. From Sainsbury's next to Holborn tube station - loaf of bread, sliced ham, egg salad, potato salad, potato chips/crisps, yogurt, 2-liter of diet coke, and a box of Jaffa cakes. Everything store brand, total £2.74.
Once said paycheck posted the next day, we ate at Wagamama near St. Paul's in London - buy one, get one free, if you have a London Pass. Very good food, and reasonably priced.
2 places farther afield: The Boldon Bite in West Boldon - HUGE portions of fish. St. Deiniol's Library, west of Chester about 7 miles in Wales - fantastic evening meal for the residents, filling cooked breakfast, and a nice selection at lunch.
Andrea
Laramie, WY USA Tue 03/17/2009
Eating in Inverness
Just found a fantastic new restaurant in Inverness, Scotland. Madisons in Church Street has pizza, pasta, burgers and special dishes to suit everyone and the prices are really reasonable. Check it out at www.madisons.eu. I have just been and it is excellent. You must have the creme brulee
Bob
Nimes, France Sat 03/07/2009
UK food
As a Englishman can I suggest the Whetherspoon's chain of Pubs - very cheap drinks (including Tea/Coffee) and good pub food at cheap cheap prices
They are in all major towns and often open at 9am for breakfast
Gary
Bristol, USA Mon 01/26/2009
Tas Turkish Restaurants in London
We enjoyed excellent meals at Tas. The grilled lamb was outstanding. Turkish restaurant, with table clothes, a bit of splurge for us with main meals about £10. Dined down the street from the British Museum and passed by a branch on Borough High Street. Other locations, too: http://www.tasrestaurant.com/
Chip
IA USA Wed 01/14/2009
Pass on Live Bait
Had an unfortunate experience eating at "Live Bait", an upscale fish place in London near Covent Garden. It had been recommended to me by others, but it was pricey, had stale bread, and worst of all - my fish and chips (the signature dish) came out raw! When the dish was replaced, the fish had bones and the sides I ordered never appeared. Definitely wish I'd stuck to the pub for this meal!
Nik
Huntington Beach, CA USA Thu 01/08/2009
Cheap and Chic London SoHo Noodle Restaurant
Just came back from London. I would like to recommend the 'Cha Cha Moon' restaurant (www.chachamoon.com), which we found by accident, just be seeing the line in front of it and trying it out. It is cheap and chic. It is located next to Carnaby and Regent Streets. Entree prices were in the 5 GBP range. I recommend the 'Seafood Ho Fun' or the 'Jia Xiang Beef Ho Fun'. We went there three times over an eight days stay in London. Go and check it out, I am sure you will also love it !
Justin Ayres
Ellicott City, MD USA Sun 01/04/2009