Gulfstream - Clonakilty

My wife and I ate at Gulfstream twice during our four-night stay. The scallops took around 40 minutes to arrive, which was somewhat disappointing. For our main... read more My wife and I ate at Gulfstream twice during our four-night stay. The scallops took around 40 minutes to arrive, which was somewhat disappointing. For our main courses, I chose the roast turbot while my wife opted for the chicken with Parmesan fries. The desserts were delightful. On our second visit, I started with oysters and my wife had smoked salmon, followed by ravioli that lacked flavor. My steak, however, was fantastic, and the desserts were exceptional once again.

We were excited to return to Gulfstream after some time away. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed and quickly seated. The staff impressed us wit... read more We were excited to return to Gulfstream after some time away. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed and quickly seated. The staff impressed us with their friendliness, attentiveness, and efficiency. The assortment of breads served before our appetizers was both impressive and delicious. The Scallops and Beef Cheek dishes were outstanding, with the Beef Cheek incredibly tender. For my husband’s birthday, he enjoyed the exquisite Lobster Thermidor, while I chose the Halibut served with all the classic sides. We were so pleased with our meal that we skipped dessert, but the petits fours that came with our coffee were a delightful finishing touch. Overall, we had a wonderful and relaxing evening and look forward to trying more dishes from Gulfstream’s menu on our next visit.

Our experience at Gulfstream was outstanding, highlighted by attentive service and breathtaking views. The menu featured a wonderful variety, and we savored eve... read more Our experience at Gulfstream was outstanding, highlighted by attentive service and breathtaking views. The menu featured a wonderful variety, and we savored every dish. We look forward to coming back and sincerely thank the entire team for making our visit so memorable.

Exceptional cuisine, stunning atmosphere, and welcoming, well-informed staff combine to make dining at Gulfstream an unforgettable experience. read more Exceptional cuisine, stunning atmosphere, and welcoming, well-informed staff combine to make dining at Gulfstream an unforgettable experience.

Why write a review? Will anything improve? Will management reach out with a refund or voucher? Will they take steps to enhance customer service or food quality?... read more Why write a review? Will anything improve? Will management reach out with a refund or voucher? Will they take steps to enhance customer service or food quality? After three visits for lunch, I have to say no. This is my first review, and I’m not one to leave negative feedback, but Gulfstream, posing as a 4-star restaurant, seriously needs a wake-up call. Step 1: A simple greeting upon entering is basic hospitality. Instead, we were bluntly asked, “What’s your name?” No welcome, no warmth. Step 2: Meals should arrive together. My chowder came 5 minutes after my companion’s BLT—and without the promised bread. Just a bowl. The waitress only realized we were missing bread after some time and then admitted there wasn’t enough. The BLT featured a tired salad, a stringy rash of bacon, and a pile of nacho chips (cheap Aldi-style) for 14 euros. The chowder was watery but acceptable, priced around ten euros. Not impressive so far. Step 3: For dessert, ordering was a challenge. The unhelpful maitre d’ struggled with my order of a muffin (€3.25) and a slice of coconut chocolate cake (€6). The muffin eventually arrived, but the cake took another ten minutes. When my companion commented on the delay, we were met with a sour look and a half-hearted apology. No offer to compensate or make up for the poor service. We paid €40. The serving staff hovered awkwardly, spoiling the dining experience by waiting too closely for finished plates instead of discreetly observing. Who trains these staff? Does management even care? Or is this all just about the money? We will not return and strongly advise others to avoid Gulfstream at Inchidoney Hotel. It’s a shame to tarnish a beautiful spot with such a disappointing meal and service. I don’t expect any response from management or an explanation for this poor experience. Somewhere, the spirit of the Celtic Tiger seems to be alive—rip-off Ireland certainly still exists, especially down Inchidoney way.