The best restaurants in Waterford

20/08/2025: We went here for my best friends birthday. The food was lovely but that was the only positive. The food was late and staggered arriving from the kitchen; meaning we all couldn’t eat at the same time. When we questioned where the desserts were, we were barked at and told to sit back down. When we finished food; me and my boyfriend had to leave early, we wanted to pay separately. This was ok however when I went to tell the girl my order and what I had, she cut across me and said the waitress will tell me. I found this very insulting as I would never give an incorrect order when paying. The waitress continued to interrupt us each time we went to tell her our order to which I responded, I know my order I don’t need you to tell me like I’m not gonna pay. The staff were ignorant, very abrupt and made the atmosphere extremely unpleasant for those who remained behind for my friends birthday. I will not be going back here and tbh this restaurant left a sour taste in my mouth. They say 1st impressions are key. This was my 1st and last time going to La Fontana. I do not recommend this restaurant to anyone, life is too short for bickering!

20/08/2025: I booked a group dinner for my birthday. The staff were very attentive and helpful with securing an available time slot. They regularly checked in with me by ringing me to confirm numbers throughout the week leading up to the booking. I thought this was very thoughtful of them. However, on the night the service was very poor. The orders for food and drink were taken quickly which was good. The main courses were brought out promptly. The plates were cleared before people were finished their meals and a few of the party were being haruanged about whether they were finished. The desserts took an hour and a half, and half were brought out and the other half afterwards. The wait staff snapped at me when we asked for the other desserts. At the point of payment, it was not mentioned to me at the time of booking, over the phone when they contacted me, when we arrived and were seated nor was there any visible signage that we could not pay separately. The owner of the restaurant, an older Irish woman, shouted at my friend when she tried to request that the party of 13 people could pay separately and brought up how it was not mentioned at any point leading up to us paying. The staff continuously interrupted and cut across us every time we tried to list out what we ordered and jumped ahead to say that we had to take for xyz drinks etc. Overall the food tasted incredible however the atmosphere created by the rudeness of the staff and the delay of food was unpalatable. I would not be coming back here, even just for a date as the experience was unpleasant and we had the feeling of being rushed out the door.

14/10/2025: We stayed in the tower hotel for a weekend break The room was top quality, The hotel is in a great location on the quays to stroll around waterford city. Attractions nearby include the medieval museum the vikings tour among others. The pier 37 food was just great waiting staff was awesome and they were very welcoming and attentive throughout the service. Great hotel, will come back.

08/10/2025: Room was clean and tidy, decor needed some bits of attention but was largely fresh. Staff friendly, pricing was reasonable and breakfast was good.

14/10/2025: Kids love it.. they love playing and having a good time with friends

01/10/2025: Great place but some kids undisciplined can ruin the atmosphere. Go in ready for the worst so you are not disappointed 😀

04/09/2025: The best croque monsieur I've ever had!

01/07/2025: Really friendly vibe and good coffee

09/07/2025: Vegan and vegetarian options only, it's ok but I have had better elsewhere. ***Update as requested by the owner- reviewing experience from three months ago. Had "the garden gate" and a matcha latte.

22/05/2025: Super surprise in finding this place for vegetarian and vegan food. We had three full plates normally costing € 10.50 were priced down to €5.50 as it was after 1 pm. Food was very tasty and I am not easily impressed.

16/06/2025: Fantastic atmosphere with live music, even on a Sunday. Jam on Thursdays is supposed to be an experience.

06/09/2025: Really good. Where a kg of mussels means a kg of mussels! Lively food all round.

24/08/2025: One of my favourite restaurants in Waterford. I had a lovely meal there Friday evening with my daughter for a special occasion. The food was delicious as always. The staff are very friendly, welcoming and helpful. Highly recommend Espresso for eat in or take away.

30/08/2025: Food ok, long wait times, room too loud and had a bad smell. Large group beside us yelling and not told to quite down

11/08/2025: Amazing thai food reasonably priced. We ordered mixed starter, soup and pad thai along with the duck curry. Beautiful food and a beautiful setting.

04/11/2025: Nice coffee ☕️ but no wagon wheels

03/11/2025: I only visited the restaurant: Great location, renovated, fast service, good price

09/09/2025: Really good food, served in a great environment by lovely staff. Consistently good.

01/08/2025: Lovely friendly place with excellent food and fabulous 👌 staff, really enjoyed everything, thanks and look forward to returning again. Irish couples here for the festival 😍

30/08/2025: Food is amazing have tryed nearly everything always here with the kids and husband.. Staff are so nice and friendly.

20/07/2025: The first red flag for us was there was only person on service and waited a long time to make our order . That said he was a good guy just over run. As to the food the meat balls for starter were over cooked yet sauce was nice . The mains were dreadful and like something you would give to your dog with the leftovers from yesterdays dinner . Roast potatoes reheated and you would need a chainsaw to cut through them . Chicken over cooked and roast parnips and carrots were limp and soggy and on a bed of tasteless mash. Gravy tasted like bad wine. Left without having the deserts as we didnt have high hopes after was we were already served.

24/10/2025: I love their food, I have to confess that. Their coffee is amazing and high quality, and the food is all tasty, especially the acai bowl and sandwich. In the sandwich, there are really nice veggie pickles which are a sweet and sour blend perfectly. Highly recommend.

11/09/2025: they serve amazing coffee and quick bites, love it

02/09/2025: Only went for pre wedding drinks, nice atmosphere and great pint of Guiness

23/08/2025: Good local pub with plenty of sports coverage, great staff and drinks offers.