+353 96 77982+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
13:00 - 20:00
Wed
17:00 - 21:00
Thu
17:00 - 21:00
Fri
17:00 - 21:00
Sat
17:00 - 21:00
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
5.0
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
€5.00 – €26.00
CUISINES
Irish, International, European, Healthy
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Does this restaurant have parking?
Details
About
A stunning restaurant in the heart of Ballina with a unique style of cooking in a relaxed and cosy atmosphere, perfect for all occasions. Vegan and vegetarian friendly with various delicious choices. We offer a fantastic selection of excellent wines along with a tasty cocktail list and some local brewed beers.
PRICE RANGE
€5.00 – €26.00
CUISINES
Irish, International, European, Healthy
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
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5.0
173 reviews
Excellent
165
Very good
4
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
1
1kassie2015
Galway4 contributions
Jul 2020 • family
We had sunday lunch at the Poacher, 2 adults and 2 children.
The menu is well thought out and caters for all tastes, the flavours complement eachother so well and are presented beautifully. The food and service is of the highest standard and the staff were so helpful and kind.
The childrens menu was reasonably priced and received complements for the fish and the chicken. They had a colouring page which kept the smaller ones amused.
The dining room was spotless and covid restrictions were in place, hand sanitizer available and staff wearing masks throughout, so felt safe and happy to be there knowing the correct precautions were being met.
We will definately be back.
AM
Written 26 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.
Desmond1979
Dublin36 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
Had a wonderful meal here, I was very impressed by the professional, attentive and friendly service which is increasingly rare to find, I felt this really elevated the food and experience on offer. For my main course I ate the Monkfish with rope mussels and samphire and I had the Peach Panna Cotta for dessert. I opted for a local Pale Ale from the Reel Deel Brewery with my main. There is a good selection of Vegan dishes on offer and seasonal as well as local provenance is on display throughout the menu. Small touches matter and this Restaurant really goes the extra Mile, While we were waiting for our main courses we were treated to freshly baked Dillisk bread along with a lovely light Hake Mousse and also Olives and Nuts. After been presented with our bill we were given some neatly wrapped white and dark chocolate fudge with handwritten thank you notes attached. On a side note this Restaurant is also clearly practising Safe and Responsible Dining for the times we live in, I wish them every success and can't wait to go back
Written 2 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.
Craig W
4 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
A lofty claim, perhaps, but Poacher Restaurant in Ballina must be one of the very best restaurants in all of Ireland, certainly given its modesty. The food is exquisite. The thought, precision and creativity in every one of chef Yvonne Kathrein's dishes marks a chef with excellent training and a vivid imagination when it comes to food and combinations. Each mouthful was a delight. At €22/€27 for 2/3 courses, the fare is underpriced, but let's not complain about that! The fresh, warned home made breads were a delight. The seaweed and pepper of particular fancy.
I can't leave a review without commending the friendly and helpful staff, who made our visit a pleasure. The entire restaurant is tastefully decorated and exudes a warm, welcoming vibe.
Written 9 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.
SMa
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • family
Daniel and Jenny were great hosts. I was made to feel very welcome with excellent rapport. So happy to see such a well ran, modern restaurant in Ballina. The menu has a great balance of modern and traditional options. The Sunday brunch menu is excellent value and I will be back to try the a la carte which also looks like great value too. The quality of the food was superb. As other reviewers have said, can’t wait to go back to try the rest of menu.
Written 2 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.
Hanlor
Drogheda376 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Visited on a Friday evening for Dinner during Covid period. All protocols being observed and the staff were extremely welcoming and relaxed given the difficult circumstances they faced. When booking asked about Vegetarian options and, on arrival, delighted to see a great Vegetarian/Vegan menu with lots of good options and certainly not the usual token Vegetarian fare. Had one set of vegetarian options and the other of fish. Every dish was skillfully created with obvious attention to detail for every element on the plate. also presented beautifully and tasted fantastic. The room was full by 8:00pm and there was a lovely atmosphere in the room certainly helped by great staff. Kudos to the entire team given, at that time, they were only into their fourth week of business, Have eaten all over Ireland and, based on this one visit, would commend the team at Poachers as having a really fine restaurant. People of Ballina, you;re lucky to have it on your doorstep. Go visit, support and enjoy it !!
Written 10 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.
pbfitz
Cork62 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
Went here for a Sunday early evening meal with my husband a four year old and a newborn. Everything was delicious and looked amazing too. Even the chips and goujons for the four year old were the ‘best ever’ according to him..they were delicious-all homemade and very juicy. Yum. I had the rabbit starter and venison main and both were delicious. And they looked fab too...I don’t normally ever take photos of my food..but couldn’t stop myself! There were a few little extras too like a choice of bread and accompaniments and some chocolates at the end too. I look forward to to going back to this restaurant again and would very confidently recommend it to anyone that like really good food without and pretentiousness.
Written 25 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.
livmangan
Dublin15 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
We had a visit to Poacher Restaurant last week. This restaurant is a husband and wife team. Yvonne the chef is very talented and Daniel at front of house is very knowledgable and he made us so welcome. This is a Brand new restaurant which was about to open in March when the pandemic hit. I’m so glad they stuck it out and opened in July. Lovely atmosphere and decor. My hubby had the scallops and then the lamb. They were both beautifully cooked and the flavours were fantastic. For my main course I had the feather plate which was melt in the mouth and accompanying vegetables sang on the plate and were cooked to perfection. This restaurant is Extremely good value for money with exceptional food. If you live in Ballina lucky you. We hope to visit again soon. 10/10. This restaurant was the highlight of our staycation. Forgot to take photos of the food as we dived straight in!
Written 18 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.
Jenster30
357 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
We Heard about this exciting new restaurant from a review in the Irish Independent and subsequently received an additional recommendation from a friend in the locale. What a fabulous and exciting new restaurant in Ballina! We had the wood pigeon, John Dory, Venison and T Bone Steak complemented by terrific wine and cocktails. The food was just phenomenal. Absolutely beautiful flavours and textures. Fine dining at its best. This restaurant is a wonderful addition to the mayo culinary scene. Can’t wait to return. Kudos to Daniel, Slainé and the chefs for a fantastic final night in Ballina.
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.
PIPTYPIBE
117 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
Had spotted Poacher on social media and thought we could try it out for Sunday lunch. Boy were we happy we did! From start to finish it was incredible! As we arrived at the door, we met two sets of people who had just finished their meal and they could not have been more complimentary so we knew we were in for a treat! The restaurant itself is fabulous! The staff so welcoming and friendly. Gorgeous interiors and beautiful bathroom! The menu looked delicious so it was difficult choose! We chose Monkfish and Beef for mains. We are still talking about it! It was one of the most delicious meals we've ever had! Dessert was Kiwi creme brulee and peach panna cotta. Again unreal!!!! There's just a fabulous vibe in this restaurant. We are dying to go again to try the Evening menu! Highly highly recommend!
Written 18 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.
Kms
Western Ireland27 contributions
Dec 2020 • friends
Enjoyed a lovely evening wth friends. Excellent food and service.
The menu was varied with something for everyone including vegan selection.
Our party enjoyed main dishes with Venison, Cod, slow roasted beef and steak. All were very well presented and extremely tasty. The additional side order of chips was not really needed as mash and root vegetables that came with dishes was more than enough.
Then Dessert - mango sorbet was divine, raspberry mousse so light and delicious. Each beautifully presented.
We had not been to Poachers before but had heard how good it was and we were definitely not disappointed.
The prices were slightly higher than some of the competition but the standard of food was far superior, so worth it!
We will be booking for Sunday lunch soon.
Dining at Poachers is a real treat and I hope this restaurant continues to do well and thrive during these difficult days.
We will definitely be back!
Written 5 December 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.
dandalashirts
5 contributions
Oct 2022 • family
We spent a wonderful evening at The Poacher with our two young children. The food was simply fantastic. Excellently combined, tasted and served. No unnecessary frills, but finely coordinated high quality ingredients. We had the mackerel and monkfish for appetizers and steak and venison for mains. The kids had soups and garlic bread. As a cocktail, we can highly recommend the great Old fashioned. The service was excellent and courteous. After we could not decide with the great selection, Daniel advised us perfectly. Even little things that we were asked whether the children want their food already completely to the appetizer, shows how much value is placed on the well-being of guests and also families. We can say with certainty that we have never eaten at such a high level, in such a
relaxed and friendly ambience. And at such fair prices. We will definitely come back as soon as possible :-)
Written 30 October 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.
Patrick M
County Mayo1 contribution
Feb 2022 • none
The food and service was outstanding, the attention to detail on the dinner plate was well taught out. You would know the chef didn't rush and took their time on the preparation. The girls were intrigued with the selection of the cocktails that was on offer. if you were looking for a place to get great food and great food, this definitely should be on your list. its very personalized even down to the details in the bathroom my wife was very impressed.
Written 3 March 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.
kathy m
24 contributions
May 2022 • none
My son & I ran the River Moy 1/2 Marathon & wanted to celebrate completing 13.1 miles & our first trip to Ireland. We selected Poacher & the experience put the stamp on a wonderful magical day. The restaurant space was tastefully & artfully decorated & every employee was soft spoken (not in your face with "I'll be taking care of you"), knowledgeable about menu, attentive with "distance" and cheerful. The menu & selections served were brilliant~~all celebrated local ingredients, cocktails included lovely descriptions, serving sizes appropriate (we did not leave hungry!), food served at ideal temperature, presentation of every dish delicate & beautiful, taste of every ingredient on each plate memorable & delicious, and the creativity exceeded any dining experience i've encountered. Thank you to Yvonne & Daniel & all who support their passion!
Written 22 May 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.
khildebrand2017
Dublin45 contributions
Nov 2021 • couples
This was a stunning meal. I had the lamb with lamb’s tongue, caraway oatcake, berry compote and aubergine strips. The tongue was tender (which is practically magic), the meat succulent, the oatcake high and fluffy. For dessert I had the mandarin and cardamom set curds with icecream, chouxs, and coffee mousse: a beautiful example of multiple flavours that still connect and pick up each other. Service was fast, attentive, and friendly; the young lass responsible for the room was absoluteöy brilliant, always noticing when you wanted something without hovering.
Why are ypu reading this when you could be eating there..?
Written 10 November 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.
Graham M
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • none
When I go out for dinner, I want something that I am not able to do at home ; or prepared better than I can. Poacher delivers - great food, great presentation, amazing flavours, through all three courses! Friendly service too. I have tasted the Turbot, Rabbit, Lamb, Monkfish, Venison, Mussels ...and the desserts. Wow, the desserts! Great restaurant, I highly recommend it.
I’ll be back.
Written 23 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.
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