The Lemon Tree Restaurant — Restaurant in County Donegal

I came in with very high expectations given the Michelin reccomendation and the glowing reviews from so many people. Unfortunately, the experience fell far short and left us feeling disappointed.

The service was stretched and at times we had to wait 2 to 3 minutes just to get attention for something as basic as cutlery or another drink. Not what you would expect at this level.

For starters we had the scallops and the beetroot salad. Both were nice, with the salad standing out more, but the real disappointment of the evening was the slow cooked beef. My wife and I are big beef lovers and this was almost inedible. It was so gamy and unpleasantly strong in flavor that after our first bite we both had the same reaction. We called the server and politely asked if we could change it for something else, but were refused and told, “This is how beef cheek is supposed to taste, most people don’t like it.” (The chef said the same when two full plates were sent back with a bite taken out of each)

If that is the case, it would have been very helpful if this had been mentioned on the menu or explained by the staff before ordering. At this standard we would have at least expected either an option to change the dish or to have it taken off the bill. Instead we were left with a main course we could not eat and a chef who didnt think that our opinion mattered which really ruined the meal for us

The finer details were also missing such as missing screws on the bathroom door handle, empty hand wash, and single use paper napkins on the tables. Small things, but in a Michelin starred restaurant they really stand out.

We finished with the sticky toffee pudding which was fine, but by that point the whole experience felt underwhelming.

Overall we expected so much more. A Michelin star comes with the promise of exceptional service, food, and attention to detail, and sadly this just did...

One of the best restaurants in the town, if not the best one. The only restaurant in Letterkenny with a Michelin star. All of their offers are on that Michelin level - a feast for the senses ! The restaurant is cozy, elegant and well decorated. The only thing I would change are the tables for 4 - could be a bit bigger. The staff is polite. The choice on their menu is not too big, but various and well composed. There is also a kids menu offering sausages, burgers or goujons. A cheap and spacious covered car parking is opposite of the entrance. Everything we ordered was both tasty and nice looking - starters (venison ragu and scallops), main meals (Irish venison, scallops and 2 kids menus) and the desserts. They have their house wine which is really good - we had a bottle of Chardonnay which was the perfect choice with all our meals. There was also a wee entree "on the house" - 2 types of bread with garlic butter. Would definitely recommend, for couples, families or any kind of private and intimate...

Took the wife here for her birthday. We both absolutely loved the meal. It started with bread and a truffle, sea-salt butter along with some pâté. The butter was so tasty and unique neither of us wanted to have the pâté. This was followed by some pre starters. For starters we had the black pudding and confit fennel. The flavours played well and while I am not a big fan of black pudding, I think this was the best I have had so far. For mains, the birthday girl had the monkfish with pork belly and I had the braised beef cheek. All the food was PERFECTly cooked and an absolute treat. The whole experience - from being sat down at our table to the pre-starters, the starters, mains and dessert was absolutely subliminal with great service to boot. If you are in the region and want a great meal, I would highly...