Kielys — Restaurant in Cork

If you’re not eating here, you are missing out on the best chipper in Cork.

Elevated chipper food at genuinely reasonable prices. The portions are always generous and always at such a high standard.

I’ve tried the majority of the mains menu and I haven’t been disappointed yet. The haddock and chips or the cod in tempura batter are absolutely stunning. The Korean chicken tenders are divine also. If you’re looking for a good vegetarian option (for less than a tenner too!!!) the halloumi bites in tempura batter are so damn good. Probably the best halloumi bites I’ve ever had, they’re chunky and tasty without being oily or rubbery.

They also offer kids portions which are becoming harder and harder to find.

The crispy Mars bars are genuinely life changing. They should probably come with a government warning because they are the most addictive thing.

Staff are always warm and welcoming which makes the experience even better. They’ve also always been very sweet to my dog every time I’ve brought her to pick up the food (offering her water, attention and a stray chip or two!).

The location is great too as it’s right in the City Centre but tucked away down a side street so it’s not as busy if you want to...

Indo-Canadian visiting from Toronto.

Walked in owing to the great reviews online. Totally not worth it.

So, the woman at the counter took my order - 14.50 Euro and after paying, the slightly surly cook comes over and says they don’t have what I ordered (Tempura Cod). Ok. I’ve paid already - he tries to get me to take the Haddock which is 2 Euro less. Hmmm. No mention of money back but he says he’ll throw in a sauce.

Not wanting haddock, I order the King Prawn instead which is 13.50 Euro (so I’m still out 1 Euro). He seems hesitant which makes me nervous. Anyway, after a slightly weird wait where the counter person and cook give me slightly unfriendly looks and speak to each other in what sounds to me like another language, I get my dish to go. No mention of sauce or my 1 Euro back.

Now, I don’t mind they’ve made a mistake but it’s the missed principle and overall poor experience that I’m taking away from this too.

The 6 heavily battered prawns were not worth 14.50 Euro in my opinion. Also, no peas or any of the sprinkled garnishes I see in other people’s photographs. They must have gone to a different shop haha :D

So maybe others will have a different experience, but I wouldn’t go here again....

Found this place by reading a poster about best Fish & chips just a few blocks away, and I’m glad I did choose this restaurant, let me tell you why.

1: The staff are super polite, professional, welcoming people.

2: The food is presented beautifully, cooked correctly and crispy, plus on top of it; the Truffle Mayo should not to be skipped, simply because the mayo was best I have ever tasted, like the chef really was passionate about culinary cooking and that it reminded me of Paris truffle specialists when I was in France. Bonus, the lovely lady gave me some to go; and I managed to pass security with a tub of mayo. Despite not getting fish, this has convinced me to try next time. Honestly you should bottle and brand the truffle mayo if you’re interested, that homemade recipe is brilliant and really compliments the dishes.

3: The restaurant is tiny, however the vibes and cleanliness is top notch, with condiments available.

4: A good selection menu for everyone.

Next time I visit Cork, I know where’s the best place in town...