McLeary's in Waterford

In town overnight, called into McLeary’s looking for a table for 2 without a reservation, no availability but was kindly told they’d have one in 20 mins. A brief walk by the river and we were back and table ready as promised. Staff were excellent, menu was extensive, food was excellent and atmosphere was cosy and jolly. Price was easily justified by the quality and service - I’d highly recommend and will be back if I’m in town again! 10 / 10

There were 3 of us in McLeary’s for dinner and we all really enjoyed it. The food was excellent, especially the steak, which was cooked perfectly. We also had a few cocktails and they were really good. The staff were friendly and the service was great without feeling rushed. Nice atmosphere as well, very relaxed and easy going. Would definitely go back again next time we’re in Waterford.

Landed in Waterford after a brutal travel day for a business trip, running on fumes and stubbornness, with one single-minded craving: Irish stew. Naturally I let Claude navigate me to the nearest option, bc clearly AI + impulsive hunger decisions go hand in hand. Restaurant #1: closed. Permanently. A cheerful little "retired" sign taped to the window let me know the owner beat me to the finish line of exhaustion. Fair enough, respect the hustle. Restaurant #2: genuinely lovely pub, drowned my disappointment in a Guinness there... turns out they don't actually serve food. Just a bar. Waterford really testing my resolve at this point. Third time's the charm: McLeary's. Thank god. The waiter, an absolute legend, took one look at my starving-but-slightly-tipsy state and parked me in the pub next door for my 30 min wait, where I naturally kept "researching" the Guinness situation. He then personally walked me back to my table, somewhere between pleasantly buzzed and full-blown hangry at that point. Ordered the steak with scallops and, genuinely, it came out actual medium rare. Not medium. Not rare. MEDIUM. RARE. As ordered. A miracle. Scallops piled on top like a small delicious monument (see photo). No notes. And one more recommendation: eat fast, so you have still some lust for the dessert! Side referral: While waiting, I grabbed a book off their shelf and rediscovered Terry Pratchett, who is sooo hilarious.l! Ideally in the original English bc the man's wit doesn't survive translation. So all in all: 6 stars for the best Irish stew I never actually ate.

Fish Specials are worth ordering - quality and quantity. One of the few fish restaurants in Waterford open in the afternoon/ early evening.

The most beautiful steaks served by the loveliest & attentive staff. Highly recommend booking a table to ensure getting a table.

Amazing food & service. We walked in with no booking & managed to get a table. The prawns starter was to die for & we both had the 6oz steak which was also outstanding. Really lovely staff & atmosphere. Would highly recommend!!

Clean place, a good range of hot fresh foods on the menu, coffee and iced lattés. Comfortable booths, some outdoor seating. Decor bland. Very convenient after visiting the garden centre and hardware stores. Plenty of parking right outside.

The owner worked us in tho this busy restaurant was full. I ordered a fish pie which was superb, added some veggies which I was almost too full to eat, and G ordered plaice and loved it. We were so glad to have found this wonderful restaurant.

Had the soup of the day which was the veg soup , fish pie and a couple of pints of Rockshore lager. Soup was delicious as a starter....but when you came to the fish pie it was creamy and delicious...great friendly service... would come back. Rockshore lager is drinkable but would probably choose something else in future. Restaurant was full but within 10 mins I was sat...on that basis I would recommend booking.

This is probably one of the best restaurants in Ireland! I’ve been travelling the country for almost 40 years and I can safely say this is right at the top!