Mary Barry's Restaurant in

23/06/2025: Thoughtful vegetarian options seem rare in this part of town, but Riverside Bistro Doolin delivered. The Vegetarian Val Au Vent—a flaky, buttery pastry with a creamy mushroom filling—was thoughtfully made for those who aren’t after a plant-based meat imitation. The staff were kind and offered spot-on recommendations.

22/06/2025: Riverside Bistro Doolin – Good Food, Minor Flaws in the Details ⭐ Overall Impression: Overall, I was satisfied – the food tasted good, the ambiance pleasant. A few minor details in the service and execution could be improved. Hence, 4 out of 5 stars. ⸻ 🍽 Food • The starter tasted good and was a decent size. • My main course, a burger with fries, was also good, but it lacked some seasoning (e.g., pepper), and the sauce was very sparing, which made the burger seem a bit dry. • The fries were served without ketchup or mayo, which was a shame – especially since no one asked if everything was okay after serving. • After the starter, no new fork was offered, so I was initially without cutlery for the main course. ⸻ 🧑‍🍳 Service & Atmosphere • The service was friendly, but very reserved – no one actively asked how we were, either during the main course or during clearing. • The ambience is quiet and well-maintained, albeit rather simple. The background music was pleasant and at a good volume – it fit the atmosphere well without being intrusive. After the main course was finished, the waiter didn't come back and asked if we wanted anything else, which was really very weak since we had ordered something else. Unfortunately, the candles at our table weren't lit, but those at empty tables were, which is a clear lack of attention. ⸻ 💰 Value for Money • The price is a bit high for a bistro, which would be acceptable with more attentive service. • The taste was convincing overall, but there's still room for improvement in the details. ⸻ 💬 Conclusion A solid bistro with good food. The food is good, the ambiance is perfect – but a little more attentive service would round out the experience. 4 stars – recommended, although there is room for improvement.