Bramley Lodge in Fota

Very tasty food. Fabulous pear and goat's cheese empanadas.

Spent a few days doing some volunteer work, today was our journey home. We decided to take things easy, reward ourselves and who could ignore the beautiful weather. A visit to Spike Island, meant that we had to plan lunch nearby. I remembered Bramley Lodge from when I lived in Cork almost 20 years ago, Google, menu looked good. So I rang and booked a table for 3. It had changed and expanded since I was last there. Outdoor seating areas, some covered, others just with parasols. Bigger carpark. Seated with ease, glasses and water on our table closely followed by amazing menus. We had cheated and looked online during our morning drive, the menu lived up to form. My 2 amigos had already chosen before I had completed the phone call to make the booking. The Food. Seafood Chowder, main course size: "If you can see many different seafood (and several are almost attempting to climb out of the bowl" That's a really good chowder. When the diner is using the crust of the homemade brown bread to clean the bowl. Well.... Pasta, of course I bring someone who lived in Italy for over a decade, and at 10am in the morning I'm being asked about the pasta. (I'm still hoping that we can get a table.) So I can with confidence say, from the guy who lived in Italy, "that is one of the best pasta dishes I have ever had, right up there with my favourite Rome and Italian meals . Me, I was just busy, finding somewhere to eat, making sure we made it the boat on time, trying to find free parking. Well you know you have done it. I had to read the menu. As a retired chef, I do read the small print. I was still undecided, because there were so many options that I wished to taste. But waiter taking the order, I opted for the Seafood Skewers, not just something I had never tried before, something I had not seen on a menu before. Well I offered my compatriots would you like to taste, before I even tried myself. They declined. They did not get a second chance. I realised as I was finishing my delicious food that all three of us, ate our meal, together, without the need for conversation. Excellent food, form my memory, it was great, today, I'll make it simple, We all 3 will be back.

Absolute must-visit! Hands down one of the best seafood chowders in Ireland! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ​Bramley Lodge is an absolute gem. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and relaxed, and the service is top-tier—attentive, friendly, and efficient even when busy. ​The star of the show, without a doubt, is their seafood chowder. I’ve tried chowder all across Ireland, and Bramley Lodge serves one of the very best I have ever had. It is rich, perfectly seasoned, and absolutely packed with fresh, high-quality seafood. Paired with their delicious fresh bread, it’s comfort food at its absolute finest. ​Everything about our visit was spot on—great food, beautiful surroundings, and fantastic hospitality. Whether you're making a quick stop or sitting down for a relaxed meal, do not miss this spot. We will definitely be back!

Atmosphère quiet and fast service.

Yummy food and fun goat friends 💚

10/10 Breakfast and great coffee

Really lovely place, good food and lovely hospitality.

Stopped for a late lunch Highly recommend Food was perfection Staff were exceptional Great value for money Will definitely eat here again

We stopped here after our visit to Fota Wildlife Park and we’re so glad we did. From the moment we arrived, the staff were so friendly and accommodating. I had the chicken skewer curry and it was absolutely incredible, genuinely one of the nicest meals I’ve had in a long time. I was enjoying it so much, but the portion size was really generous and I just couldn’t finish it. My partner and daughter happily finished the rest for me and they both absolutely loved it too! My partner also ordered the duck, which was gorgeous. Everyone at our table thoroughly enjoyed their meals. For the kids, we ordered the chicken tenders and chips, which were exactly what you’d expect and went down well. My youngest chose the tomato pasta, but she’s an extremely fussy eater and only ended up eating the garlic bread and chips. We brought the pasta home and had it later ourselves, and it was absolutely delicious too. One thing worth mentioning is that the kitchen takes a short break from 5:00–5:30pm before the evening menu starts. Even though we arrived during that time, they very kindly offered to prepare the kids’ meals for us, which we really appreciated. Fantastic food, generous portions, excellent service and a lovely atmosphere. We’ll definitely be back the next time we’re in the area. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Chowder and fish and chips were delicious, best I ever had. And the service was brilliant. 10/10