The Old Couch Café in Waterford

Genuinely the best dining experience in Ireland- the best mix of top quality food and excellent service - Mara is an experience not to be missed.

Absolutely exceptional. The food was incredible and the service was amazing! Couldn’t recommend it enough.

Starters excellent ordered steak poor cut badly cooked like a boot very disappointing. Very expensive. Bread brought without plates .Luckily the Michelin star was not assessed when we were there, would rather pay for good food than the privilege of going to a Michelin star . Not consistent

Mara is a lovely, intimate restaurant that really stands out in the city’s dining scene. We chose the à la carte menu and paired it with a crisp Albariño. The meal began beautifully with a mini brioche and Guinness bread served alongside an exceptional miso butter—so good we immediately asked for more. Starters Beef gunkan: A delicious twist on beef tartare, served over warm rice. Bouillabaisse: Rich, flavourful, and generously filled with prawns and fresh fish. Mains Miso haddock: Light, flaky, and perfectly cooked, served with tender broccoli. Picanha steak with chimichurri: Full of flavour and wonderfully tender, paired with roasted baby potatoes. Dessert Basque cheesecake: Creamy, comforting, and the perfect finish to the evening. Everything from start to finish was excellent, and the interaction with the staff was warm, genuine, and attentive. We noticed other diners enjoying the tasting menu, and they seemed just as delighted with their experience. Mara is a refreshing change from many other options in the city. Luis and his team are doing something special here, and they truly deserve the support. Highly recommended.

Amazing. Recommend the tasting menu

First class restaurant. Top class food and service. And happy customers.

An amazing gastronomic experience that blends Spanish and Irish flavours in a relaxed environment with excellent service

Had been hoping to try Mara for a while now and went for their Harvest Festival tapas menu last night - it did not disappoint! The atmosphere of the restaurant feels really special, the service was great and the food was unique and delicious. Special mention for the burnt basque cheesecake which was amazing! Looking forward to visiting again soon.

On a quiet Sunday evening we had a ovely inventive tasting menu with Luis fusing Japanese cuisine with Irish produce and his Spanish influences. Also great wine pairings!

I had been looking forward to dining at Mara for the longest time - and it did not disappoint. From start to finish, the experience was absolutely top class. Luis and his team are nothing short of phenomenal. Their attention to detail, warm hospitality, and passion for what they do shine through in every aspect of the evening. The highlight? The Basque cheesecake. It was out of this world - easily one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. Everything about the meal was memorable, from the beautifully crafted dishes to the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. We will definitely be returning. If you're in Waterford, Mara is an absolute must-visit. You won’t regret it.