The Old Couch Café in Waterford

Exceptional food, will come back for more !

I'll preface this review by saying that I'm nobody or nothing to the food game. I enjoy cooking and messing about in the kitchen at home. I booked the tasting menu at Mara with my wife for our wedding anniversary because once a year we are absolutely worth it. The restaurant is small, only eight tables but immediately felt like stepping into your cooler friend's living room. The lighting was soft, the furniture quirky and the music gloriously familiar. The front of house staff were lovely, the food was genuinely exquisite, nothing short of a gastronomical triumph! I'm not going to attempt to explain an eleven course meal 🤷 The following afternoon I was standing outside a shop staring at the world through my open mouth when I spotted Chef Martin. I approached him and we chatted for a few minutes. He is an incredibly humble and chilled out individual. I cannot recommend Mara highly enough.

Absolutely incredible tasting menu. We had the best evening here. Thank you so much for giving us a truly memorable evening.

We had an wonderful experience of the 11 course tasting menu. The space is small but well designed and the food was truly excellent. We had been at Michelin star restaurants the two days previously and Mara definitely held its own against these in terms of the food. Interesting use of seafood and local produce. The tasting menu gave great value for money, I was struggling for room by the end! Service was friendly (appreciated the glass of fizz on learning it was our honeymoon) and we hope to be back!

We had an outstanding meal at the this wonderful gem of a restaurant in Waterford. The food, the service , the understated decor allow the food to be the centre of the show where it should be. It is so wonderful I want to keep it a secret but that would be unfair. I highly recommend you visit and experience this wonderful restaurant. Catherine

Phenomenal from start to finish. Can't wait to go back!

Food crafted with ingenuity and served with attentive care.

Only had coffee quick service nice location in the harbour

Exquisite execution of the tasting dinner with wine pairing

The surprise highlight of our trip. Some of the most delicate, mouthwatering and perfectly curated dishes (we had the tasting menu) with a wine pairing that blew us away. Luis and Gaston are perfect hosts. A place I will come back to again and highly recommend!