The Fatted Calf Restaurant
+353 90 643 3371+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
14:30 - 19:30
Tue
17:00 - 21:00
Wed
17:00 - 21:00
Fri
17:00 - 21:30
Sat
14:00 - 15:3016:00 - 21:30
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
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
€24.00 – €40.00
CUISINES
Irish, European
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Location and contact
Is this an European restaurant?
Details
About
At The Fatted Calf Restaurant, our mission is to source and forage the best of local, Irish artisan produce, which we cook and serve on seasonal menus to our customers. All of our wines come from small, family producers from Wines Direct, Liberty Wines and Tindal Wines, our grass fed dry aged beef is supplied by John Stone Fine Foods. Children welcome up to 7pm.
PRICE RANGE
€24.00 – €40.00
CUISINES
Irish, European
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
674 reviews
Excellent
431
Very good
133
Average
60
Poor
29
Terrible
21
dublinrestaurantGuru
Dublin74 contributions
Jul 2020 • family
This is a top quality restaurant. Went here with two children and they were very welcoming, they kids had half portion of the mains and loved it. I got steak and it was cooked to perfection, yes it probably is pricy but you don’t mind paying for quality and that is what you get here
Written 28 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.
Nadine M
15 contributions
Jul 2020 • friends
It was an absolute treat to dine at the Fatted Calf on my recent trip to Athlone. There's an immediate friendly atmosphere upon entering the restaurant which is always a good sign. The decor of the restaurant was really nice and gave it a warm relaxing feel. The menu is small but made up for this with the outstanding quality of the food. The staff were very attentive and were constantly over with fresh water or to check was everything going ok with our meal. We were never left waiting to order either food or new drinks. The food itself was fresh and very tasty. A couple of cocktails went down very well after our meal, I'd recommend both the cosmopolitan and the mojito. The prices are very reasonable considering the quality of the food and service. I'd highly recommend visiting The Fatted Calf if you are in Athlone, I don't think you'll find anything nicer.
Written 12 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.
Elaine C
Dublin1 contribution
Dec 2020 • family
This evening we took our 4 year old daughter and 6 year old son to dinner at the fatted calf. They loved the experience and most importantly the food. As this is our only family night out this Xmas with covid taking control again we were so delighted with our choice. Staff very very friendly and so attentive. As for the food, was fantastic. Prawns were sensational and my 6 year old is still raving about the venison. We loved the half portions for the kids and it wasn't just the typical kids menu. Well worth the visit and will be returning in the new year.
Written 22 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.
Adéa
County Longford146 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
I visited this Resturant for lunch on Sat last. We had booked in advance we had a table at the window. We were served by a nice young man and we both ordered buttermilk chicken burger. This would be my favourite burger, my brother makes the best ones and it’s usually plump delicious and juicy. That’s what happen when the chicken soaks you the buttermilk.
In the case all I can say is it was more like 3 dried chicken goujons in a burger bun. It lacked taste and it wasn’t anything like its description on the menu.
Overall not happy with the food, service was fine €70 for lunch and two drinks each was a bit stiff. But if I enjoyed it. I’d be happy to pay.
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.
Glenda D
Armagh5 contributions
Jul 2022 • couples
Absolutely amazing food
However when my husband and I said we did not want dessert after an amazing starter and main course we were asked straight away would we like to pay for the bill.
I replied at 8:45pm was my table needed after only being seeted at 7:30 pm, I was told by server absolutely not that there was no rush table was not needed no rush and to enjoy our meal
Which we absolutely did.
I myself had a bottle of white wine which myself and My husband shared and enjoyed a glass each with our starter and main course enjoyed during our meal. My husband decided he would like a beer which again immediately we were asked to pay for our bill at 8:50 pm.
Ok I said yes we will to the male server but please give us a few minutes to digest and enjoy.
Then the server came over 5 minutes later asking AGAIN "would you like to pay for your bill now PLEASE "
After feeling very awkward, I myself poured my glass off wine into my half bottle of wine which we were both enjoying on our 3 Anniversary,,, 1st break away due to COVID,,
I felt I had to disrespectfully askthe owner I think which was a really very nice man, for the cork and asked my husband to please leave his beer and just go......
Food was absolutely amazing out of this world,,,, but unfortunately service as soon as we said we were finished eating we were asked to pay 3 times within 15 minutes unbelievable
Written 20 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.
David
5 contributions
Jan 2020 • business
Just finished eating in this restaurant this evening. The atmosphere was buzzing, the food was unreal and I was well catered for. Tonight I had items which I never thought I would like- trout & Caviar (on the early bird menu!!) food by some seafood dish which I had no idea what it meant. And it was sublime. Truly 10/10! What a deal on the early bird and truly a marvellous place to come and dine on any night of the week.
Will be back!
Written 29 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.
Martina D
4 contributions
Feb 2023 • none
Tonight myself and my friend visited the Fatted Calf restaurant in the centre of Athlone town. I had requested a table somewhat isolated as I am immune suppressed. At the expense of losing two other customers, the restaurant reserved a table for 4 for the two of us and it was as isolated as could be allowing for the size of the restaurant. How nice is that?? I am so impressed. The food was excellent (recommend the steak) and the service was second to none. I will be returning very shortly as I truly enjoyed my evening. Wonderful service, very friendly. Food is a little more expenses than some other restaurants but I feel when the food is so well prepared and presented, it is worth that little bit more. Top class. Well done to all there.
Written 10 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.
paul w
Hadleigh146 contributions
Sept 2021 • couples
Whilst staying in Athlone myself and wife decided that we would try out The Fatted Calf on a Sunday afternoon and to be honest, it was a grand afternoon!
We ordered the Camembert to share and the Chateaubriand for main. The start was fantastic and plentiful, the Chateaubriand was out of this world! I’ve never ever seen so much cow on one plate! The chef is a genius as the as ordered medium rare was throughout the whole steak.
Best advice is don’t have a starter before chateaubriand as you’ll need a lay down like I had to do.
Written 2 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.
mailburner
69 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
I ate here last night, ordered a sirloin which was very good, a few baby potatoes and a tiny slice of onion and that was pretty much it for 35euro which wasn't any better than other places at much cheaper.
I ordered dessert but ordered the wrong thing for someone who doesn't have a sweet tooth and my daughter ordered something she didn't like (our mistake) but the owner seemed a little put off that she didn't like it (kids eh?) and gave her some ice cream on top of her dessert.
I think there might be better options on the menu than sirloin though which in fairness was pretty small.
I'd go again but not with a child and maybe just order something different.
The service was excellent also as was the location.
Written 17 August 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.
Gerard C
20 contributions
Dec 2023 • family
I had not been to the fatted calf in a while but I took the opportunity when all of our adult children happened to be at home. The menu is based on Irish ingredients of the highest quality which are prepared and served in an unfussy way which does not bely the taste or originality of the Chef Feargal’s cooking. The service is excellent led by Maitre D, Gary; a stalwart of the local food scene. The decor and ambience is top notch.
This is high quality food in an equal location and it is priced accordingly but it’s well worth it. It is a fine dining experience but the menu is accessible and not challenging for younger adults teenagers or
children.
Written 1 December 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.
Daydream109465
2 contributions
Jul 2020 • family
We visited The Fatted Calf whilst staycationing in Athlone with our family. We have 3 boys aged 11, 10 and 6. All
I can say is “wow”.. brilliant food, brilliant atmosphere and exceptional service. The kids half portions of steak were so generous and so tender. Also the fact that the kids portions and service was of the same standard as any other adult meant a lot to us. Highly recommend visiting if staying in Athlone!
Written 16 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.
Jesse G
2 contributions
May 2024 • solo
Let me sum it up for you quick. If you enjoy paying an arm and a leg for small portions slightly of above slightly above average food on giant plates, then please eat here. If you value your dollar and you believe quantity is almost as important as quality, then stay away! I spent $93 at this rip off restaurant. I had a scallop appetizer, a 10 Oz steak with green beans, and 2 alcoholic beverages. The scallops cost me 16 EUR and only included 2 scallops! 2 scallops with some sort of fried paste. I'd say for taste, it was 7/10; real good, but not great. The tenderloin steak cost me 40 EUR and I could have eaten in 6 bites easily if I had a mind to. I'd say the steak was no higher than a 7/10 if I'm being generous. It was hardly a good steak and certainly not great. I cannot overstate how ripped off I felt eating such tiny portions of just decent food.
I will compliment their customer service. They were very attentive, checked in on me frequently between meals, and the food came quickly too. The restaurant also had a nice atmosphere too: sheek, yet not too classy. It felt inviting and warm, yet still fancy. I highly recommend that if you go, make it a date night, not solo like I did. They didn't have a dress code, I went in a t-shirt and jeans, but I recommend dressing up a little for this romantic experience. They also have a nice selection of whiskies and wine.
Still, I do not recommend this place at all. There are definitely cheaper restaurants with food as good if not better than this. I had to write a review here because I specifically went to this restaurant because trip advisor highly recommended it, but now I'm highly discouraging it. You have been warned.
Written 18 May 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.
michelle n
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • friends
We sat down as a party of ten. Menus were disbursed and drink orders were taken. When drinks were served, we opened the menus to prepare to place our respective orders. We learned that there were conditions/minimums that had to be placed to remain qualified to remain seated. minimums p.p. = 2 starters or one main. 4 of the 5 couples ordered Chateaubriand (90 euro). This complied with the minimum order requirement. one couple ordered a cod fish main dish and two sides. Approximately one bottle of wine and six large beers were ordered. Imagine this total bill (over teaching 600+ euros). Not to mention tax and tip! My point is that we were demanded that we were short one main or two starters because we did order two sides , but sides don't qualify for the minimum order...we were told by our waiter that the print in bold about minimums must be complied with because the owners insist on it. Be warned of this policy before going to the restaurant because they do not clarify this before you are seated. I left the restaurant with the feeling that I was forced to order an unreasonable amount of food to just waste it which is against most peoples beliefs. Wish I could say going to a restaurant and spending your hard earned money is your choice but not here...you must spend the amount of money they require you to spend to remain seated. Terrible business practice and terrible customer service. Focus is on making a euro!
Written 13 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.
sinead w
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • family
This was the most disappointment meal and experience I ever had with my family. My husband booked for family which includes children. He was asked what age kids were, we expected a menu that would cater for our children aswell as us but the menu had nothing for our kids. My husband and I got the main chicken meal. It was lacking taste and was a very small portion for €27 per person. I ordered roasted potatoes. These were lovely but for €6 we got 4 chips. I felt very uncomfortable throughout our dining experience. The waitress was unfriendly and appeared to dislike my kids being there. Note l, it was early evening when we dined. I was so disappointed with this eating experience that I feel the need to write this review, I have never left a negative review for anywhere before, but I do feel this restaurant should be honest and be clear that it is not child friendly. My kids are 16years, 13years and 10 years old and are very well behaved kids. They all reported that they felt uncomfortable throughout the meal. All they ate was a bowl of chips. No options given to us. Totally overpriced for the food we received. Really upset about this.
Written 10 January 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.
THE OWNER
Thank you for your feedback, although we must clarify the issues raised.
While we do not offer a separate children's menu, we do offer all children under the age of 12, half portions of our mains. Usually, in our experience, children over that age, will eat a full portion, and as we cook all of our food to order, if anyone requests a simpler version of our mains i.e. plain chicken/fish/meat dish, we can absolutely cater for this, sauce and garnishes can be served separately. If your children chose to just order chips, that was obviously their choice.
To suggest that there were "no options given" is totally incorrect.
Written 30 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
288Mary
Dublin15 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
Nice restaurant, service was very rushed, cocktails and 2 courses and we were out in 1 hour. I wanted 2 starters and fries but was told I must order a main course which I found odd. We were early and they weren’t too busy and my husband was ordering an expensive steak and a starter so not sure why they couldn’t accommodate me. Wouldn’t rush back to be honest. Food was quite good but service let it down I think.
Written 13 April 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.
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