Harley's Cafe / Bistro
Harley’s Cafe / Bistro is in the village of Portlaw. It is easy to get to, with plenty of parking directly outside and on the adjoining streets. It is a casual, but well appointed, comfortable little cafe that seems to be well supported by locals and visitors.
Although maybe not immediately obvious to everyone, there is a theme to this cafe, and the first clue lies with the name. The Chef / Owner is obviously a Motorbike enthusiast and there are subtle clues to this within the decor. Not biker themed in an overbearing way, but done very tastefully, with a few interesting items dotted around, amongst other interesting pieces of artwork and decor.
The service here is very efficient and friendly, and they are only too happy to cater for any specific requests to your order. If he gets time, the Chef / Owner always takes time out from his station to check on his customers and have a friendly word, making it seem a very personal homely place to visit.
The food quality here is fantastic. I have called here for lunch a good while ago, but on this occasion, as is my usual, a full breakfast was the reason for my visit. First the tea and coffee comes out, both good quality ( The Barista Bay coffee in particular is very nice, being sourced from a local coffee supplier in Dunmore East) Next to arrive is the two big slices of toast. Proper slabs of bread, no cheap pre sliced bread used for the toast here. I am not sure if it is made in house, or sourced locally, possibly from someone with a background in the former Portlaw bakery (That was lovely bread too). But either way, it's nice to get two big slabs of toast.
The breakfast was great value for what you get. All the ingredients are of a very good quality, and cooked to perfection. The addition of chips is slightly unusual, as opposed to hash browns, or fried potato slices etc as you might get elsewhere… I always think the addition of chips converts a Full Irish breakfast into an all day Grill, just a technicality, but chips are not a morning food… I'm sure it's written in the rules of life somewhere….
As I mentioned previously, Harleys has a great selection of menu items, not only for breakfast, but also for lunch. Also on offer is a lovely range of cakes, desserts and sweet treats! It does not serve evening meals, as it is open from 10 till 3 each day except mondays.
Overall, a nice comfortable friendly cafe with great quality food at reasonable prices. A great place to visit on its own or to include while visiting other attractions in the area such as Curraghmore house, The Waterford Greenway, The Waterford Suir Valley Railway, or Mount Congreve House and Gardens.
Fork In The Road
.
29 June 2025
10.0
Delicious food, amazing coffee, casual and friendly atmosphere and super nice employees. I recommend this place for breakfasts and lunches, for coffee and free time spent at a table
Konrad Mazur
.
19 June 2025
10.0
Love Harley’s if it’s breakfast for a full Irish , lunch for chicken and chorizo pasta , something sweet like their daily homemade scones (pear and white chocolate is my fave - you just can’t go wrong
Spotless is the only worth to describe the cleanliness of
The place and the bathrooms well you could eat your food
Off the floor
Staff always so friendly and excellent
Value for money
Capuchinos and sourdough bread are to die for
Damien Power
.
07 May 2025
10.0