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Hours
Sun
9:00 - 17:00
Mon
9:00 - 17:00
Tue
9:00 - 17:00
Wed
9:00 - 17:00
Thu
9:00 - 17:00
Fri
9:00 - 21:00
Sat
9:00 - 21:00
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PRICE RANGE
€5.00 – €25.00
CUISINES
Irish, Cafe, European, Healthy
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Are the prices at this restaurant mid-range / moderate?
Details
About
GROW HQ is the home of the GIY movement. We are a food education centre with gardens, cafe, bistro, cookery school and rowing lessons. We showcase the benefits of growing some of your own food by serving delicious, organically homegrown fruit and veg. All of our produce is local and seasonal. Our meat, poultry and eggs are also organic, free range and local. Our chef prepares these top quality ingredients with an intelligent, simple and innovative style to create mouth watering, wholesome, nutritious meals. GROW HQ is designed to inspire and empower everyone to Grow, Cook and Eat local and seasonal. Besides breakfast, brunch, lunch and a weekend bistro menu we have an indulgent range of sweet treats, desserts and pastries and an amazing coffee and tea range. The whole family is welcome at GROW HQ and all of our meals are available in child sized portions. We look forward to seeing you.
PRICE RANGE
€5.00 – €25.00
CUISINES
Irish, Cafe, European, Healthy
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
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4.0
118 reviews
Excellent
64
Very good
28
Average
13
Poor
7
Terrible
6
ClaireLaois
County Laois193 contributions
Mar 2020 • couples
My husband and I have been here a number of times before, but hadn't been for over a year. The service was always and still is excellent, and the fantastic ethos of using veg grown on site and local produce as well as reducing waste and minimising the impact on the environment is still the same. However now the food has gone from good to outstanding. In the past we found the food very fresh, but the flavour combinations didn't work well together and we felt confused by what we were eating. Everything we ate today was so delicious and the falafal were the nicest I have ever had. Lots of vegetarian choices too. Well done to all the staff. This place gets better and better.
Written 7 March 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.
LauraGrowHQ
Hiya Claire, Thank you so much for your lovely review! I will be sure to pass this on to the kitchen.
-HQ Team
Written 20 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stefanie F
Waterford19 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
I like Grow HQ and have visited so many times I'm nearly part of the furniture. However, I have noticed changes since the reopening after the last lockdown. Previously the Mezze dish consisted of several small tasters on one plate. Now one has to choose between an array of dishes, which makes it quite a bit more expensive. Recently I chose the slow-cooked pork (which was very tasty) and a salad. The two paper-thin slices of pork looked decidedly lost on the plate! I however always enjoy their quiches and I love their breakfast Grow HQ pancakes with bacon and agave syrup. Regarding the service: the staff are very friendly but a bit uncoordinated at times. On more than one occassion we were left waiting for a long time after the main course and we had to ask for a dessert menu. Hopefully this is just a teething problem with new staff after lockdown. It's a lovely place and it also boasts a large area of free onsite parking.
Written 25 October 2021
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.
SEEDJEN
Waterford12 contributions
Jul 2022 • couples
Fresh earthy flavors and an exciting menu at GrowHQ are let down by disorganized service. As a vegetarian the idea of a menu starring seasonal locally grown vegetable based dishes with some options for non veggie diners too is delightful.
However the implementation of some of the vegetable dishes doesn’t quite hit the top notes. As a fan of crunchy barely cooked broccoli I was surprised to find the gorgeous bright green vegetable presentation let down because I would have needed a steak knife to cut the stalks. Smaller pieces of veg or a touch more cooking please. However, the blue cheese and walnuts alongside were a delicious complement. The kimchi vegetables were also a little chunky and perhaps would benefit from softening with a longer fermentation time perhaps but this dish was still satisfyingly good. However, the chickpeas were also a little too firm and tomato pieces too chunky for my taste in the Chana Masala so overall the meal was a tad disappointing. Texture and preparation are essential in vegetarian dishes and Grow could be a lot better with a little more finesse in ensuring it’s precious veg is presented at its best. A high point of out meal was the desserts of strawberry roulade and courgette cake were really excellent.
Service was polite and friendly but a bit lackadaisical with different staff coming to the table - or rather not coming - throughout the meal. We had to go to counter twice to ask for menus or service which really isn’t what one expects when out for a treat.
Overall I still love GrowHQ in concept and would recommend it and will return but it could be much more with a little more fussing over the vegetables.
Written 23 July 2022
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.
Sinead Ní Chonail
Dublin38 contributions
Jul 2020 • family
I have been a loyal customer at Grow HQ, giving them business since they opened. I love their ethos and the whole idea behind the restaurant. However, they really need to up their game. The service is appalling and the food is totally tasteless and overpriced. The menu needs a total revamp, especially the vegetarian options which are unimaginative and bland! I would love to continue supporting a local and sustainable restaurant like Grow, but I am taking a break for now as I have been beyond disappointed with the service and food for the last year.
Written 6 July 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.
LauraGrowHQ
Hi Sinead, so sorry to hear that you feel this way. We would love it if you could send us an email laura@giy.ie to elaborate on any service issues as this is something that we pride ourselves in. As for the food, we understand that it can't be to everyone's taste. Our menus change weekly to reflect what is growing in our gardens. Again, we are sorry that you feel this way and hope that you might visit us again.
Written 5 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
robinrenwick
Belfast26 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
For people that are looking for an interesting, family friendly, and genuinely warm and welcoming eaterie in Waterford, than you really don't have to look any further. The menu is fresh, exciting, and creative, and all while using the most local produce and ingredients. Wholly recommended, especially the Risotto (which was absolutely devine).
Written 30 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.
Mark
Farnham4 contributions
Feb 2023 • none
I've been here a few times due to the convenient location and parking. The food is what I would describe as decent - it doesn't wow you, but still very tasty and perfectly good value for money. On the last occasion, I ordered an omelet which came severely overcooked, however they were apologetic, accommodating and attentive in cooking another, which happened to be one of the nicest omelets I've had in some time!
The coffee is ok, certainly not their strong point and by no means are they professing to be a coffee shop, but enjoyable nonetheless.
I would perhaps agree with another review in that they need to lean in to their homegrown, GIY ethos a bit more and stress this with the menu/ingredients.
Would definitely visit again thanks to friendliness of the staff.
Written 21 February 2023
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.
Mirelu
16 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
We visited here for midweek lunch in September. Since we had not booked we were told only seats outside were available which we didn't mind because it was a lovely day out. However you might want to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
I had the quiche of the day with seasonal veg and goats cheese which was just perfect, so creamy and tasty, really enjoyed it! My husband had the blaa and he said it was a bit bland, but chips were really nice.
It is just lovely to be able to walk around then and see all the different veg they grow and what you see on the TV show as well. I wish more towns adopted initiatives like this and show how you don't need to live in the countryside to be able to connect with nature in this way and make the most of it.
Written 9 September 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.
LauraGrowHQ
Hi Mirelu, Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review. We thank you for all of your positives and do take everything on board. We are delighted that you enjoyed your time with us and hope to see you again.
Written 14 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Margaret B
9 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
I visited Grow HQ last Sunday bank holiday weekend and once again enjoyed a beautiful lunch with my family. The food as ever was excellent and whilst we were there all Covid-19 health protocols were strictly followed making us feel very confident and safe. Looking forward to our next visit. Thank you everyone.
Written 6 August 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.
LauraGrowHQ
Thank you Margaret, hope to see you again soon.
Written 5 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Declan M
Schio55 contributions
Feb 2022 • solo
My first visit ... and I will definitely be back again.
The Sourdough Ham & Cheese sandwich was delicious ... fresh salad and a tasty slaw and small portion of chips. Just perfect for lunch.
Staff were welcoming and engaging ... and genuinely enthusiastic about the menu and the whole Grow concept.
Written 18 February 2022
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.
Thomas W
Dublin9 contributions
Feb 2022 • none
Found this by chance and went with our two children after an active morning nearby. we were pleasantly surprised. Quickly seated and given enough time to look at the menu and decide on the food.
Food cooked to order well seasoned and stunning ingredients, Even my fussy eater 4 year old tucked in and enjoyed his meal.
Male toilets clean / changing facilities for infant and enough room to swing a few cats. To find it is a social enterprise and the majority (possibly all)of the vegetables are grown on site, was an added bonus.
Written 23 February 2022
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.
Olivia C
Waterford119 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
This is a lovely restaurant which uses locally sourced produce , some of which is grown on site, Service can be a little slow but the staff are so warm and friendly you don.t mind waiting., and the food is worth waiting for,
We went for breakfast as a back to school treat, and had two children with us. They loved the pancakes and hot chocolate and would be very happy to return. Our sourdough french toast with bacon was very tasty. Sadly we felt the coffee wasn't up to its usual standard.
It is a very noisy place, even when it's not very busy and this can be off putting. The customers aren't extra noisy but the acoustics are very bad because of the roof design.
There is a lovely outside seating area if the weather is suitable.
Written 25 August 2024
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.
declan h
County Cork51 contributions
Jul 2022 • couples
Great concept a cafe/restaurant centred in a giy garden. You would hope and expect seasonal fare from the gardens that surround this bright cheerful building on the outskirts of Irelands oldest city. Sadly the food is just the same fare as everywhere else generic and nothing to indicate it’s U S P .Apart from the courgette in the fritters everything else is from the fridge-frozen chips instead of potatoes from the garden? Needs some more thought and attention to detail.
Written 7 July 2022
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.
Kayleigh M
4 contributions
Jun 2021 • family
We visited for lunch as a party of two , food was good , service not so much . Staff were inefficient from the outset and throughout . Clearing plates from tables whilst people were still eating , taking only one plate and leaving , bringing out peoples orders at the wrong time …. at one stage our table was approached whilst we were eating as a member of staff wanted to converse . It was a strange experience to say the least , we also overheard an uncomfortable exchange between an older diner and a waitress , which was totally unacceptable . Common restaurant etiquette , not so common apparently .
Written 27 June 2021
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.
Ciara1324
180 contributions
Feb 2023 • family
Came here for a quick lunch. Restaurant was busy. Veggie sandwich was very bland with little filling in it. Overpriced. Staff tried to take our plates while we were still eating.
Cookie and tea were nice.
Written 3 February 2023
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.
PatsyCan
Clonmel29 contributions
Dec 2022 • couples
Myself and my husband visited here for lunch on the recommendation of a friend. We had high hopes but were bitterly disappointed. We ordered soup and bread and chips. The soup was supposed to be parsnip and some other ingredients. It was tasteless, under seasoned, watery and insipid. It was accompanied by a miserly slice of sourdough (my husband’s) and a toasted end or heel of a tiny loaf (mine). The chips were edible but greasy. To compound the problem we were seated directly in front of the main door on what was a bitterly cold day so that every time the door opened we were almost blown away by an arctic blast.
Very very disappointing and we will not be back.
Written 6 December 2022
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.
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