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Hours
Sun
17:00 - 23:00
Thu
17:00 - 23:00
Fri
17:00 - 23:00
Sat
17:00 - 23:00
MICHELIN
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.
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Irish, International, European
Special Occasion Dining, Romantic, Business meetings
MICHELIN Guide's Point of View
Set in the very centre of town, Bastion is a contemporary restaurant owned and run by a talented couple: Paul McDonald cooks, while his wife Helen look...
Read more on MICHELIN GuideOne MICHELIN Star: High quality cooking, worth a stop!
Can a vegan person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
Michelin star awarded Restaurant, we serve one multi course tasting menu. This menu consists of the best of local ingredients. We strive to serve locally sourced ingredients where possible and better.
PRICE RANGE
€127.00 – €244.00
CUISINES
Irish, International, European
Meals
Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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5.0
491 reviews
Excellent
434
Very good
31
Average
14
Poor
6
Terrible
6
Bryno
Cork15953 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
The effort that Paul and Helen put into their restaurant is glaringly obvious from the moment you get the little chicken skin with pearls of pate and miniature savoury choux taster to the last homemade biscuit crumb on the cheese board.
We had a lovely table at the rear of the restaurant, very comfortable seating and the 8 course tasting menu was with us for the evening so we could check and re-check the ingredients.
There is a super wine list there, though in hindsight we should have gone for the wine pairing. We'll do that the next time.
The course portions are small but I didn't expect anything different. For me, it's all about presentation and flavour and at Bastion you get both in abundance.
Gorgeous crockery (do they still call it that?) and gleaming glasses.
Plenty of water served througout and no need to touch the wine bottle as they don't let your glass go dry at any stage.
The courses were nicely timed and each one explained when it is served.
Paid a visit to the toilets - spotless, so the attention to detail even makes it as far as the john.
Well done all at Bastion.
Written 8 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.
Orla W
Dublin16 contributions
Jul 2020 • couples
Our party of 4 had the tasting menu. Each course was a delight with superb flavours and unusual combinations beautifully presented. The service was warm and friendly yet professional at all times. The ambience and setting was perfect and we felt particularly at ease and in safe hands during these strange Covid times. I would thoroughly recommend this restaurant and while not cheap it represents fantastic value for money given the outstanding standard of food.
Written 13 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.
m-luck
Dublin110 contributions
Jul 2019 • couples
This was one of the best meals I’ve ever had. The chef was not just attentive but shared a recipe!
The staff, service and food were exceptional.
We had the tasting menu and each course was a delight.
It is expensive but it is worth it for a special occasion.
Written 29 February 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.
John847
Dublin16 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
I recently returned from a little staycation in Kinsale and while I was there, I ate in four restaurants, one of which was this restaurant. I decided to try it for a number of reasons, one of which is I had read and heard many glowing reports. The best thing I can say about it is, it was an experience, an expensive one but none the less an experience. The menu is a tasting menu of 8 courses each served with both a theatrical flair and full explanation detailing the construction of each dish and provenance of the ingredients. The portions were tiny, hardly a full mouthful and I must say not always to my taste. However, there were some dishes which had amazing flavour, two of which were the langoustines and pork shoulder. However, the biggest disappointment on the night was the lack of adherence to Covid-19 guidelines. On the night I was served by three different people including the chef/owner. My wine was removed to a side shelf, by the waiter, and was topped up regularly, necessitating unnecessary visits to my table. Although the tables were distanced as per guidelines the staff were not. I ate in four different restaurants and this one was the only one where staff did not wear face coverings. It is probably the most expensive restaurants in Kinsale so the least I would expect is that they have greater regard for their customers. Notwithstanding the above the question is, would I return? The answer is NO.
Written 28 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.
TheCatShouter
Cork12 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
We visited Bastion, during two of the lockdowns in Ireland as we wanted to visit more fine dining restaurants in Cork.
When we got there the service and wait staff were extremely friendly and polite and explained about the seasonal tasting menu etc. As they didnt offer beer, we asked for a wine recommendation and based on my partners preference for wine the staff suggested a wine that she really enjoyed and it was probably the cheapest wine on the menu (which I feel showed they cared more about the guests likes then making a few extra euro).
We were aware of what was on the 6 course tasting menu (not including some additional small dishes) and I wasn't as excited as I would have liked with some of the dishes not sounding to my liking.
I was very wrong. I enjoyed each course a lot and even those that weren't my favourite there was something interesting about them and something that caused conversation esp the Cauliflower and Caviar Cheesecake, and the Cured Langoustine.
The menu ended really strongly I feel with the desert of White Chocolate and Passion Fruit, white chocolate would never be my favourite thing but the balance and different textures were great.
Overall really enjoyed the food and the staff made it a really great experience. Not sure I would return for the same tasting menu as I would like to try some different things but would be back to try their next seasonal menu.
Written 18 March 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.
Peterthompson2017
Killiney257 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
We visited Bastion on our recent visit to Kinsale .This was one of the most incredible Tasting menus I have experienced. Paul was a Total Star delivering Artwork on a plate with amazing flavour combinations .The service and the atmosphere was sophisticated but relaxing .I can understand why this restaurant has received such stunning reviews. This was just such a Special dinning experience for all of us .I can't speak highly enough of this Gastronomic experience. Will definitely be back
Written 11 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.
Ciaran D
11 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
Food was excellent as we expected it would be, And they catered well for vegetarians. highlights were the soup and the dessert which were still raving about. Service was so warm and professional - Paul and Raul seemed so interested in our table when dropping over and explaining dishes. All in all the experience was fantastic- was our first time doing a tasting menu and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience and reflect on it as one of the highlights of our trip.
Written 29 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.
Ajerseybear
Dublin363 contributions
Jul 2020 • family
A table for 4 at 5.15. Hospitable and courteous welcome, directing us to the hand sanitiser upon arrival. An 8 course tasting menu being the only option with an optional wine pairing menu. A concise and comprehensive wine menu offers good alternatives to the wine pairing. Food delicious, beautifully presented and nicely paced. Offered the option to self pour if liked which is a nice touch, allowing for less intrusion. Was no indication of any time restraint and certainly was not an issue for the establishment. All in all, a lovely evening. Portions were small enough to feel adequately full upon completion. Highly recommend.
Written 20 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.
Mossy250
Calvi18 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
So a restaurant like Bastion has a certain amount of expectation before you even arrive at the door, let me tell you this restaurant exceeds every one of those! From the moment we entered and were greeted by our waiter, John, everything was perfect, and I mean perfect. The tasting menu was exquisite, topped only by the matching wines. John’s knowledge of the food and wine knew no bounds, and the lovely touch of the chef delivering two courses to our table, made our night. In these difficult times safety precautions seemed to blend effortlessly into this restaurant’s personal touch. I would go back in a heartbeat. If you are in the West Cork area, Bastion should be too of your list. A night to remember..... many thanks, Maurice & Sian
Written 26 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.
Evelyn S
Dubai54 contributions
Aug 2021 • couples
This was an outstanding experience from the welcome, the food, the surprise treats, the wine and the service. The quality of food was second to none and the chef’s creations were delicious. To top it all off, Chef Paul personal returned to the restaurant on a closed day to return my husband’s red wine influenced lost phone (on the table…) 🤣 Would highly recommend and would love to return to taste another seasonal menu. Congrats to all at Bastion!
Written 30 August 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.
F..
Kenmare12 contributions
Sept 2021 • couples
Absolutely amazing experience, food and service was flawless. The 8 course tasting menu was phenomenal, each dish was a surprise, excellent selection of wine, staff incredibly welcoming and professional. Overall an unforgettable night and we will definitely be back for another meal.
Written 16 September 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.
kjan2253
Toronto117 contributions
Jul 2022 • none
We reserved for the 8 course tasting menu as a special night out on our vacation. On confirmation the restaurant indicates that this is a 2 .5 hour meal. We did not feel rushed and there was time between each course to enjoy the food and wine.
The food was expertly prepared, creatively presented and the wait staff are friendly and professional. Some of the food combinations, I would not think to combine- one of our courses was cured Langoustine, with buttermilk, horseradish and pernod apple. The combination was very tasty- I could have licked the plate to get every last drop! The snacks at the beginning of the meal (Oyster in Champagne Cream and Leek Oil and Pain Perdu) tempted our appetite and leave you wanting more. The sweet treats at the end of the meal were tasty and brought a nice finish to the end of a lovely evening.
If you are vegan or a strict vegetarian, the tasting menu may not be for you as there was both meat, fish and seafood. If you love exceptional food that is artistically displayed, I would highly recommend Bastion!
Written 29 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.
LangerAbroad
33 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
We booked with the easing of lockdown restrictions and stayed a night in Actons to fit in with the meal.
The Michelin star can sometimes make for an underwhelming meal but in this case it is certainly deserved, and then some.
From the excellent service , the wonderful tasting menu and the delicious wine accompaniment, this was one of our best ever trips to an Irish restaurant.
The star of the show was of course the food, each course be it the Monkfish or the pork was delicious and the presentation was superb.
Paul McDonald and his team have something special here. I can't recommend Bastion enough.
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.
Michele C
Maryland161 contributions
Aug 2023 • friends
The best meal we had during our two weeks in Ireland and the best I’ve ever had! Our experience dining at Bastion was exemplary from the moment we arrived; front of house (Helen) was warm and welcoming. Pierre gave information about each of our wines (two of our group opted for wine pairing) and each beautifully prepared dish was presented with care and details of the components.
Every dish was a joy and our time was unhurried. It was a pleasure to meet and hear from the chefs and end our meal with the best coffee I’d ever had. We have had prix fixe meals at other restaurants (and spent more $$) and these past experiences cannot compare with this wonderful experience at Bastion.
HIGHLY recommend!!
Written 6 September 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.
71FREDDIE
28 contributions
May 2022 • none
Bastion really has an inspired menu. Always a surprise as to what comes next but never a disappointment. Food is presented like a work of art and certainly the chef has put so much thought into the food he prepares.
All of the staff were welcoming and knowledgeable and took the time to explain the food that was being served and also to chat.
It was a delightful experience and made our anniversary quite special.
A must whilst in and around Kinsale.
Thanks you to all of you.
Written 29 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.
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