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.

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.

We enjoyed breakfast here daily throughout our stay and dined for dinner three evenings. The food quality and service were outstanding. read more We enjoyed breakfast here daily throughout our stay and dined for dinner three evenings. The food quality and service were outstanding.

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.

We were lucky to have a charming window table at Gulfstream, perfectly arranged so we felt like the only guests in the bustling restaurant. Despite being full,... read more We were lucky to have a charming window table at Gulfstream, perfectly arranged so we felt like the only guests in the bustling restaurant. Despite being full, Kevin and his team provided personalized service that made us feel right at home. The food was outstanding. We started with tuna tartare canapés, wild mushroom arancini, and saffron crab. Kevin recommended a fantastic off-menu Côtes du Rhône that exceeded our expectations. I opted for the half lobster while sharing some of my partner’s fillet steak, creating the perfect surf and turf experience. The unforgettable whiskey cream sauce paired beautifully with caramelised shallots, enhancing the dish in a way I can’t fully describe. The Munster cheeseboard was exceptional, served with homemade biscuits—the only restaurant I've been to that offers enough biscuits and crackers for the cheese—alongside a spicy chutney. We enjoyed a very reasonably priced Moscato to accompany our dessert. Securing a table at Gulfstream can be challenging, but it’s well worth the effort. This restaurant offers the best dining experience I’ve had in Ireland, and globally, Gulfstream ranks in my top three dining destinations, alongside two Michelin-starred establishments. The menu truly impressed every step of the way.