Cafe Essence - North Down

The restaurant is located on the upper floor of a renovated terrace house, making it relatively small with a limited number of tables for two to six people. The... read more The restaurant is located on the upper floor of a renovated terrace house, making it relatively small with a limited number of tables for two to six people. The menu offers two courses for £27.50 and is BYOB as the restaurant is not licensed, with a £1.50 per person glass charge. Our party of six ordered dishes such as steaks with a £6 supplement, rack of lamb, and a special of silver hake with tomato, chorizo, and baby boiled potatoes. The seafood salad starter was basic and lacking in flavor, while the steaks and hake were also underwhelming. The presentation and taste of the main dishes left much to be desired, with the sides being watery and tasteless. The lack of vegetables served with mains was explained as a cost-saving measure. Desserts like creme brulee were a highlight, but the overall meal was not worth the high cost of £67 per couple without drinks. Despite the mixed food quality, the staff were friendly and accommodating.

My husband and I had a fantastic meal at this restaurant for my birthday. We enjoyed lobster and scallops for starters, delicious lamb for the main course, and... read more My husband and I had a fantastic meal at this restaurant for my birthday. We enjoyed lobster and scallops for starters, delicious lamb for the main course, and an amazing peanut butter ice cream dessert. We will definitely be returning!

We were lucky enough to get a cancellation on the date we required.. always booked well in advance. Whilst the surroundings aren't fancy the food was delicious.... read more We were lucky enough to get a cancellation on the date we required.. always booked well in advance. Whilst the surroundings aren't fancy the food was delicious.. good wholesome home cooking, as we like it and it arrived with a smile. Rack of lamb and fish of the day hake didn't disappoint. Bring your own alcohol .. always a bonus : We'll be back very soon plan to make this a regular.

Went with group and chose meal before the night. Had a starter of Pate which wasn't too bad but main meal arrived luke warm. Didn't want to make a fuss on the n... read more Went with group and chose meal before the night. Had a starter of Pate which wasn't too bad but main meal arrived luke warm. Didn't want to make a fuss on the night as l was with a group who I'd not met before. Main consisted of 2 squares of dauphinoise potatoes some long stem broccoli and pork fillet that wasn't particularly tender. Needless to say, l won't be returning.

On a wet Thursday night, what a gem of a find!! Spoilt for choice with the menu. However I throughly recommend the amazing Crispy beef starter and the hake in L... read more On a wet Thursday night, what a gem of a find!! Spoilt for choice with the menu. However I throughly recommend the amazing Crispy beef starter and the hake in Lobster Bisque was out of this world. Succulent, juicy and full of flavour. Excellent value for money as it is a bring your own wine. Summary- YUM!