Cleanliness review insights for Dublin, Ireland, Restaurants

A Massive Decline in Quality – Chaotic, Freezing, and Disappointing I visited Hyderabadi Kitchen on a busy Saturday night in mid-February, and the entire experience was nothing short of chaotic. I actually visited this restaurant when they first opened, and back then, the ambiance, service, and food were top-notch. Unfortunately, it feels like they are taking their customers for granted now. Here is a breakdown of why this visit was so frustrating: • Freezing and Noisy Atmosphere: We were seated near the main door, which wouldn’t have been a problem if there was actually a heater to warm the place up. To make matters worse, the door must have slammed open and shut at least 100 times during our meal. Between delivery drivers rushing in and out, the constant, loud slamming noise completely ruined our appetite. • Hygiene and Layout Issues: Shockingly, kitchen staff were carrying kitchen waste and garbage right through the main restaurant passage while we were trying to eat. This is a massive issue and incredibly off-putting. • Severely Understaffed: For a busy Saturday night, there was only one server handling the floor, which heavily contributed to the chaotic environment. • Subpar Food: We ordered Biryani, Dabeli, and Chicken Fried Rice, and the quality was very poor. The Chicken Fried Rice was so overwhelmingly spicy that I couldn’t even finish half of it. • The "Bottled Water Trap": Because the food was intolerably spicy, we naturally asked for some tap water. The server told us they only serve bottled water and refused tap water. Considering they are serving excessively spicy dishes, forcing customers to pay for bottled water feels like an absolute trap. It is a real shame to see a place that started with such high standards fall this far. The service is now subpar, the dining environment is uncomfortable, and the food has lost its touch. I won't be returning anytime soon.

A bit dirty in the dining area. Self serving and so small tables. The plates are plastic and not ideal for eating in. Overall the food was nice and well seasoned.

A bit of a mixed bag for my dinner visit. The restaurant is beautiful and suits a romantic dinner. We had a relatively attentive waiter. Unfortunately halfway through the evening my wife pointed out the glass I had been drinking from had a lipstick stain on it, which indicates it was not clean or not cleaned properly. It was replaced when I alerted the waiter. My steak was probably top 5 steaks I've had in a restaurant and that's saying something, given the number of steaks I've eaten! My wife's ravioli dish was average tasting and a smaller portion than she would have liked. I ordered a cocktail purely for the aesthetic of a flaming passion fruit, as per the description. To my disappointment, it arrived with no flame. Im not sure if it had gone off before it got to me, or it was never done. Overall, the place is a bit pricier than average, and maybe warranted, but like I said at the start, a bit of a mixed bag in my experience.

A Dirty night in Dublin, where the Hateful 8 gathered for a big birthday for the litigator, who truth be told was not dealing well with his big number. Gazing over the Hopperesque corner of South Circular Road and Clanbrassil street, one would never have imagined such a Hipster establishment appearing. This was my second visit so looking forward to a ’new broom’ in the kitchen. Negronis and champagne all around to kick off and then presented by a wonderful young waiter who proceeded to tell us about the tasting menu that was the only menu on offer, with one choice of lamb or mackerel for the main course. The service was impeccable all round. This is where the trouble starts. Some of the courses appeared to be works in progress reminding me of the Regret Rien restaurant in a Mike Leigh movie where the selections were hilarious concoctions ; and I am just about coming around to the idea that at 60 Euros a head one should be taking part in some experimental cooking. However, there were some aces, the slice of swede turnip and the mackerel were stand out accompanied by a potato farl. The bread and butter were to die for. Fast forward to the bill, which left me floored at just under 900 for 8 people, and I cannot recall paying so much other than some rare visits to Michelin Starred places. It is accepted that there was a lot of wine consumed. Creative cooking with such super service should always be rewarded, but some more standout dishes are required. I will be back in 2020 for another go.

Fancy having dinner in… a church? Don't worry, the Irish have long ago turned this idea into a business. And you have to give them this: it looks absurdly good. This place makes a first impression before you even get a chance to look at the menu. The restaurant is located in an 18th-century, restored church with stained-glass windows, an organ, and a huge nave, which creates a “wow” effect even for people who normally get excited by nothing more than a receipt with no errors. In the evenings, live music and Irish dancing are added, making it more of a show than a dinner. Some will be delighted, others will feel like they're at a very loud wedding they weren't invited to. The menu is safe: classic Irish cuisine and some international standards. Burgers, fish & chips, seafood. The food is… adequate. Sometimes even very good. This is a place where food plays a supporting role in a performance titled “look, we're drinking Guinness in a church”. The service, on the other hand, is polite and efficient. The prices are a bit high, but you're paying for the central location, spectacular interior, and the “Irish experience for tourists” atmosphere.

Review rating: 5.0

I had the lasagna which was really dry and my husband had the chicken breast in a creamy mixed vegetable sauce( carrots, courgettes, peppers and onions) with saffron with roast potatoes. There was not peppers, onions or courgettes and saffron. The sauce wasn’t creamy either. It was yellow and tasted like cheap chicken soup with butter mixed. The breast of chicken looked like it was cut in half and flattened. All this for €21 for each meal. Definitely overpriced. Floor was dirty with food on it and staff kept hitting off my husband’s chair every time they passed which was a lot because we were seated near the door. There was a cooking class there also which got really loud and messy(I’m guessing the class had a few drinks). They should do these classes in the evening rather than during the day. It’s my first and last time going there and really disappointed with the overall experience.

Review rating: 2.0

A Massive Decline in Quality – Chaotic, Freezing, and Disappointing I visited Hyderabadi Kitchen on a busy Saturday night in mid-February, and the entire experience was nothing short of chaotic. I actually visited this restaurant when they first opened, and back then, the ambiance, service, and food were top-notch. Unfortunately, it feels like they are taking their customers for granted now. Here is a breakdown of why this visit was so frustrating: • Freezing and Noisy Atmosphere: We were seated near the main door, which wouldn’t have been a problem if there was actually a heater to warm the place up. To make matters worse, the door must have slammed open and shut at least 100 times during our meal. Between delivery drivers rushing in and out, the constant, loud slamming noise completely ruined our appetite. • Hygiene and Layout Issues: Shockingly, kitchen staff were carrying kitchen waste and garbage right through the main restaurant passage while we were trying to eat. This is a massive issue and incredibly off-putting. • Severely Understaffed: For a busy Saturday night, there was only one server handling the floor, which heavily contributed to the chaotic environment. • Subpar Food: We ordered Biryani, Dabeli, and Chicken Fried Rice, and the quality was very poor. The Chicken Fried Rice was so overwhelmingly spicy that I couldn’t even finish half of it. • The "Bottled Water Trap": Because the food was intolerably spicy, we naturally asked for some tap water. The server told us they only serve bottled water and refused tap water. Considering they are serving excessively spicy dishes, forcing customers to pay for bottled water feels like an absolute trap. It is a real shame to see a place that started with such high standards fall this far. The service is now subpar, the dining environment is uncomfortable, and the food has lost its touch. I won't be returning anytime soon.

Signal: 0.0%

A bit dirty in the dining area. Self serving and so small tables. The plates are plastic and not ideal for eating in. Overall the food was nice and well seasoned.

Signal: 0.0%

A bit of a mixed bag for my dinner visit. The restaurant is beautiful and suits a romantic dinner. We had a relatively attentive waiter. Unfortunately halfway through the evening my wife pointed out the glass I had been drinking from had a lipstick stain on it, which indicates it was not clean or not cleaned properly. It was replaced when I alerted the waiter. My steak was probably top 5 steaks I've had in a restaurant and that's saying something, given the number of steaks I've eaten! My wife's ravioli dish was average tasting and a smaller portion than she would have liked. I ordered a cocktail purely for the aesthetic of a flaming passion fruit, as per the description. To my disappointment, it arrived with no flame. Im not sure if it had gone off before it got to me, or it was never done. Overall, the place is a bit pricier than average, and maybe warranted, but like I said at the start, a bit of a mixed bag in my experience.

Signal: 0.0%