The Harbourmaster

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#799 of 2,693 Restaurants in Dublin€€ - €€€, Irish, Bar, Vegetarian friendly

+353 1 670 1688+ Add website

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Hours

Mon

12:00 - 23:30

Tue

12:00 - 23:30

Wed

12:00 - 23:30

Thu

12:00 - 23:30

Fri

12:00 - 0:30

Sat

12:00 - 0:30

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What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

3.5

585 reviews

#799 of 2,693 Restaurants in Dublin

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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CUISINES

Irish, Bar, International, Pub

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, After-hours

features

Location and contact

Dock Offices Custom House Dock Ifsc, Dublin D01 W0X8 Ireland

+353 1 670 1688

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Is this an European restaurant?

Yes

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About

he Harbourmaster is located in the heart of Dublin’s ever growing and bustling business district, the IFSC. Our fabulous former Dock Office / Harbourmaster house was first built in the 1830’s and later transformed into a pub and restaurant in the 2000’s. Both the bar and restaurant have undergone cutting edge design transformations in the last year and we continue with exciting developments, all to be revealed throughout 2018!! The Harbourmaster is renowned for it's delicious, great quality and reasonably priced food, which can be enjoyed in the stylish restaurant and newly renovated cocktail bar or in the Old-Style Main Bar which still retains its dock house character. With our classic function rooms, nooks and crannies, the Harbourmaster is the perfect setting for any occasion however large or small! No matter what your need, our friendly team of professionals are at your service!

CUISINES

Irish, Bar, International, Pub

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, After-hours

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Table Service

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3.5

585 reviews

Excellent

174

Very good

173

Average

Poor

Terrible

Oonagh M

Tubbercurry88 contributions

Enunicate clearly when ordering!

Jan 2020 • none

Ate here before a show at the weekend with my hubby. The food was delicous and service pretty prompt. My husband had the 3 course deal which was amazing value and the only suggestion he would have would be a little more sauce on the caesar salad. There was a shock when the bill arrived as I was charged for a stone fillet instead of the stone ribeye whcih I had ordered - a €10 difference! When I queried this, the waitress was extremely defensive and curt saying she "heard" fillet, and it was an Irish waitress so there was no language barrier to cause confusion. I never have fillet steak it's always ribeye or striploin - either at home or when out. I paid the extra money but the incident was upsetting, in particular her rudeness.

Written 13 January 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

romac48

Brussels159 contributions

Dinner in the bar area

Apr 2022 • none

The Harbourmaster presents an attractive impression but the food experience in the bar area is less so. The menu focuses on international rather than local choices and the proportions provided are less than what could be expected for the price asked; i chose the beer batters cod with chunky chips which was more batter than fish. In addition the tartare sauce and mushy peas were served in non recyclable plastic mini containers. More suprising was the presence of a 'Mr Pipi' - toilet attendant in the bathrooms. This is a practice I have only found (and still exists) in Belgium and in former Eastern European Communist countries up (where it has disappeared as of the mid 1990s). It is a social anomaly and its existence in a restaurant pitching at a certain level of client customer is very strange indeed.

Written 2 May 2022

rory k

Hi Ronan, I agree completely re. the plastic containers, I have learned that we reverted to these from the porcelain ones as they kept getting thrown in the bin in error and re-ordering was costing a small fortune, we are currently looking into a paper option - so huge thanks for highlighting. We are usually renowned for generous portion sizes so I'm very sorry about this, the issues has been raised and hopefully there won't be a repeat. All other issues are being addressed internally so huge thanks for taking the time to give your feedback to help improve our service.

Written 13 May 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Hazel C

9 contributions

Great start poor finish

Nov 2022 • family

Had pil pil prawn starter ...delicious still bubbling when it came to the table . Catch of the day with chips peas and tartre sauce ...let down to say the least the peas came in the tiniest ramekin I've ever seen barely more than a teaspoon in volume fish was cod but the batter was thick which meant I was scraping bits of stodgy batter off and even worse frozen skinny fries at almost 18 euro a portion I'd have expected hand cut chips to be honest. The wait staff were great attentive and quick with the exception of the gentleman that came to tell us our table was required in 15 minutes...very very loudly, made everyone feel like a schoolchild being scolded and he was also quite sharp with the other wait staff when he messed up our drinks order and they tried to give him a heads up . Overall its a shame because a few tweeks and I'd have rated 5 plenty other places with probably better value in the area

Written 6 November 2022

Klong1256

Dublin1 contribution

Make Sure You Go Early

Mar 2020 • friends

The evening started pleasant enough, staff were friendly and attentive. Unfortunately one of the group was delayed until 19:50 due to an unforeseen accident on the railway line. We ordered quick enough, starter was nice, pasta that I had was very over cooked, my 16 year old daughter makes a better pasta. Dessert menu was put in front of us, we were asked a few times if we wanted to order, I told the waiter we would let him know when we were ready. He then came to us about 20:25 and told us the kitchen was closing at 20:30 and the coffee machine would be "turned off". The air conditioning was then put up to the max, obviously to get us to leave, it was so cold I had to put my jacket on. I am appalled at the treatment we received, the waiter said it states on the website that the kitchen closes at 20:30 but the only evidence I can see is that the menu states until 20:30 but it doesn't say the whole restaurant will shut down at this time, why take a booking for 19:30 if this is the case, surely people need a little more time than this. In addition there was no wine list for my friend, the waiter said that the wine was being "changed" and really didn't seem to know much about what it was changing to. I went for a night out with a few friends that I used to work with 20 years ago, we don't meet up very often and we were looking forward to a nice catch up, with nice food and surrounding. We clearly didn't get that !!

Written 13 March 2020

johnleonard20

Dublin39 contributions

Poor menu

Jul 2020 • couples

My wife and I availed of a special offer on pigs back. The menu had a very poor selection of food, unless you like steak of various weights. I myself don’t eat steak, so I just had chicken wings and chips for my main. My wife had steak which came with a sub charge, because I guess that had to cook it. I question the sub charge, because my meal didn’t cost the price of a main meal, but sub charge was still applied on the bill. The chicken wings came in a bowl, some where just bones, and frankly they looked like they were collected from left overs from other guests. We did complain. Drinks where also very dear,€670 for a bulmers. You’re also put on the spot when settling bill. You are giving an option on card reader, to tap yes to leave a tip, or no, whilst the waitress waits beside you. I felt bad and explained to waitress, I would normally leave a tip, but the food was so poor and drink so dear I would not leave a tip. Will not be back

Written 21 July 2020

roryk924

Hi John, thanks for your feedback - €6.70 is the standard cost of a Pint Bottle of Bulmers - did you get a small bottle by mistake ? The pigsback vouchers you speak of are exceptional value for just €12.50 per person you have the option of a lamb dish worth €19.95, a salmon dish worth €17.95, a chicken dish worth €14.95 and a veggie option along with a side dish worth €4 for two people and a tea or coffee to finish so plenty to choose from aside from the variety of steaks. Sorry to hear that your chicken wings weren't up to scratch, these should have been replaced immediately when you complained, humble apologies about that - I appreciate the feedback so this does not happen again. The tip notification on the card machine is standard in most venues, customers generally like to have the option to tip, I know I do when I go out - totally understandable though in this situation when you weren't happy with your food.

Written 31 August 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

paddyak

Nelson15 contributions

Played a blinder

Jan 2020 • family

We were here a couple of weeks ago for a 30th and booked a table for 14. The table was ready when we arrived early and the staff were quick about getting everyone a menu and took our orders. The food came out all together which is a challenge when dealing with such a large group and further more everyone enjoyed their meal. I had the big burger and it was awesome. The staff were super patiant as we hung around well after the restaurant closed to take 5 million selfies with the maid of honour! Thanks for looking after us!

Written 22 January 2020

Joseph C

2 contributions

The worst Chicken wings in Dublin by far

Aug 2020 • friends

I went for food with a friend at lunchtime. We both got the chicken wings. They were clearly old and re-fried. They were dry and tough to eat. They smothered them in sauce trying to save them. By far the worse chicken wings I have ever eaten I made a complaint to the manager he said ‘ no one has said that before’ then walked off and nothing was done Shocking food, shocking service.

Written 29 August 2020

johnleonard20

Dublin39 contributions

For the manager

Jul 2020 • couples

You’re response to my review, was quite condescending. The menu we where giving on our night, had none of the options you mentioned. I did have a pint, and it did cost €670. Just because €670 may be the standard cost of a pint in Dublin, doesn’t mean it’s acceptable . The food was off a very poor standard, I’m only raging I didn’t read all the other bad reviews you have. Aren’t you great that you always leave a tip, I also always leave a tip, just found it uncomfortable to have card reader Put in my face, with options for yes or no to leave tip, call me old fashioned, I prefer to leave tip on the table, so it goes directly to the floor staff. Won’t be back.👎

Written 1 September 2020

Mary D

Dublin2 contributions

Harbourmaster

May 2022 • business

The harbourmaster has always been a much loved after work venue for almost 20 years. I have always enjoyed my nights there and in particular the atmosphere. The bar was always so atmospheric. However I observed disappointing changes on my most recent visit. I think there must be new management. When I first arrived the bar has long rows of tables joined together with 30 or more people around them. The nice pub atmosphere was gone. I certainly would not stay if just out for a drink. The food was fine but nothing special. I enjoyed the cesar salad. It was strange to have fish and chips with 3 plastic containers on the plate with ketchup, and the mushy peas in it. The dessert was tasteless and very manufactured. It tasted like it was bought in. After each course and I had to go searching for cutlery or spoons etc. if I asked the staff they forgot. . The staff seemed very under pressure and stressed. Our server was very nice and did his best and we gave him a generous tip as he was the one positive. The bar staff looked stressed and were unfriendly. Two of our group could not make it at the last minute. We were a large work group. At the end we were charged an extra €50 for the two that did not show up. I have heard of this policy for Christmas events but it was s shock to my party. So be very careful when booking this place. By coincidence we have another event next week and it was planned for there. i am so sorry to see a much loved place turn into a manufactured experience where it’s all about the money and and not about the customer or quality of experience. It was such a handy spot but I am on the look out for a replacement.

Written 30 May 2022

Ella Rose

Lincolnshire31 contributions

Great food and quick service

Jun 2022 • none

Quick and satisfying food in a very comfortable setting next to the harbour/docks. Servers were very attentive and it was a reasonable price for a quick spot of lunch. Perfectly situated next to the EPIC Irish Museum.

Written 14 June 2022

Mark H

Dublin11 contributions

Awful Meal, awful management.

Apr 2023 • couples

Went for my partners birthday and we were extremely disappointed. The service was lacking in every sense, although they were kind there was nobody to wait tables, take drink/food orders and when stuff was ordered it took asking again to actually get the drinks to the table. The management are to blame and not the staff, nowhere near enough staff for a bank holiday and the table designation for each staff member didn't exist. The food was poor also, prawns were good but the nachos came out with no guac or sour creme and the chicken on top was a breast that pretty much came out whole instead of shredded. The catch of the day was like mush and resembled baby food. People seated beside us waited 15 minutes for menus after being seated and their drink order took 30 minutes to arrive before even ordering their meal, I don't know how this place makes any real tangeable profits with the way it's being ran. Would never return here and would turn people from going also given how poor it was. The only thing this place has going for it is the staff members that actually tried through a busy service, the management need a sacking and people who know how to run a restaurant need to be brought in ASAP to save this sinking ship.

Written 9 April 2023

ClaireB

1 contribution

Didn't even get in!! Dress Code enforced on family at 3pm on an empty Monday afternoon

Jul 2020 • none

So disappointed yesterday, made reservation for a table at 3:30pm for late lunch, got to Harbour Master Bar & Restaurant at 3'ish and saw every table in the place empty, we thought about leaving as zero atmosphere but said we made a reservation so given the times we are in and circumstances we would be nice, honour our reservation and not cancel. The waitress met us and asked us very nicely to wait a moment, she returned with another person who I assumed was the person in charge. He told us they had a "dress code" and that no tracksuits allowed. My son was in tracksuit pants but in no way looked untidy or undesirable. He had no problem with my daughter or my choice of clothes thankfully. I wasn't mad about his shirt to be honest (not a uniform and no tie!) but I didn't hold that against him :) Anyway when he said this I said - "are you serious - the place is empty", he wasn't happy I had interrupted his flow and said "I was about to tell you I could offer you the big table in the corner where you would be out of sight" He could take our money but we could not be seen by other customers (again - the place was empty). The more I think about it the more upset I get, I understand a dress code, and, appreciate that places have to have them, but seriously, with no other customers at 3pm on a Monday afternoon! He was prepared to take our money but HIDE us away. WE LEFT! We spent our money in Mckenzies and really enjoyed our lunch. Won't be going back to Harbour Masters Bar & Restaurant any time soon!

Written 28 July 2020

roryk924

Hi Claire, thanks for your feedback and very sorry that you didn't enjoy your experience with the Harbourmaster. Yes unfortunately we do have a dress code for several reasons including no tracksuit bottoms, that is certainly not to say that your son did not look well, untidy or undesirable simply just that he was wearing tracksuit bottoms, very sorry that you felt that way on the night. I have let the manager know to re-access his choice of shirt :-)

Written 31 August 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Conor B

1 contribution

Horrendous and insulting service, grim and overpriced food, DO NOT COME

Aug 2023 • couples

Staff were incredibly rude to us throughout the meal, we asked for steak but with onions instead of mushrooms, normally met with a swift "of course!" in most places but we were quickly told no it is not possible, for whatever reason. So we asked for no mushroom on our steaks anyway and out they came with a big mushroom on top of both, and both cremated despite asking for them cooked medium. We sent them both back only to have our waitress come out and show us the steak and say the chef said it was cooked properly, and let me tell you there was not a smidgeon of red left in the steak so if the chef here thinks that's medium then serious changes are needed in the kitchen. Surprisingly then we were told the manager was on his way despite not asking to speak to him at all, just for him to once again tell us we were wrong and that the steak was cooked as we had asked, which it simply wasn't. At this point we were very tempted to get up and go but we waited to see what came out, and when we did get our steaks they were unimpressive, still overcooked and looked and tasted like they had been boiled. Extremely disappointing for the extraordinary €37 you have to pay for it. Our waitress (named on the receipt as Daniella) then very sarcastically asked us if everything was okay now in another show of rudeness and disrespect. Will definitely not be coming back and would strongly recommend against ever coming here for the shockingly poor service, and mediocre, overpriced food which doesn't even come the way you ask for it.

Written 7 August 2023

Ingrid

14 contributions

Not as Expected

Jun 2022 • none

I celebrated my birthday at Harbourmaster yesterday as I found the restaurant to be a nice warm place based on my previous experience (3 years ago). However, I found it disappointing that it's not the same as before. The music was too loud, usher at the reception wasn't too welcoming and attentive, tables were very low (that we and other customers we saw had to slouch to adjust to the height of the tables), service was poor in general. When my mom asked the server upon ordering if they provided a birthday treat for celebrants, she said she'll give a cake with a candle. We waited for it but it never came; nor any birthday greeting. :( When I asked one of the other servers to take our photo, he did it but I saw on his face that he didn't want to do it (not even a smile from him and he looked impatient). Lastly, when we asked another one of the servers to pack our leftover for takeaway (we over-ordered and leftover was still plenty), he gave us "the look" which made me feel unwelcomed due to that request. It's just disappointing as the food is excellent and serving was generous. It's a shame that the service is so poor.

Written 26 June 2022

Grace

4 contributions

Terrible food, terrible service, even worse management

Aug 2023 • couples

We had a terrible experience in this restaurant. The bar and dining room resembled a kids play barn with toddlers uncontrolled running rampage. This was dangerous for the kids with wait staff walking around with hot food and was not a pleasant experience for other guests. There was also a notice when booking that stated no tracksuits, which was obviously not enforced.. The food and service were also awful. The first evidence of this became clear when our starter was thrown on the table before our drinks. We ordered steaks medium and with no mushrooms, they came out with mushrooms and overcooked to the point of being grey and like rubber. We then had two members of staff including the manager come to our table to tell us we were wrong and our steaks were in fact medium. We felt that as a young couple there was a presumption from the manager that we didn’t know what we were talking about based on his attitude, as he told us we were wrong about our food. He would do well to learn some respect (and how to cook a steak) if he expects people to pay €37 for a steak. When the steaks came back out they were still grey, clearly boiled and flashed, despicable for such a price. As an aside, we also asked if we would be able to substitute onions for mushrooms and were told no. This is really poor considering there are clearly onions available elsewhere on the menu and again we are paying €37 for the meal. As well as this the service was poor; we were constantly asking for basic utensils. Definitely do not spend your money at this restaurant.

Written 7 August 2023

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THE HARBOURMASTER, Dublin - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor