BIGFAN — Restaurant in Dublin

My sister and I followed a recommendation and went to BIG FAN. Unfortunately we didn't make a reservation (must!!!), that's why we were seated the only table outside by the street. Since we didn't reservate it was absolutely fine. The nice manager from Brazil came to us to explain what the system due to ordering is about and so we started - we had (one portion of each) the LINGFEN WONTON, JIAZO WAGYU,QINLING LAM, FEATHER BLADE & SHE'S SPICY + two times KIMCHI. My favourite was "She's spicy" - my sister's choice. That's so delicious!!!! You need to consider the sizes and how hungry you are. The dishes don't come out at the same time! So you need to be quite patient 😜 We ordered these "dishes" and we're amazed by the tasteness. While trying each dish we just looked at each other and we're like "OMG". Of course some tapas werde extremely small like the KIMCHI. The only thing I would criticize is the size of the KIMCHI. Since we love kimchi it was great we ordered two of it before knowing how the proportion of it would be. If you're into extravagant and qualitative food - you'd be pleased there. Sure a visit means to leave some money there, but it's absolutely worth it! The waiter from Brazil was very nice and accommodating and had some minutes to chat with me even though business was very busy. We enjoyed the food. First we thought it was a pity we didn't sit inside, but its very noisy and busy inside what causes a bit of a stressful environment, besides it's very crowded inside when the restaurant is full. However we were satisfied and recommend trying out BIG FAN. After this visit we're Big fans indeed! Next time we'll travel to Dublin this restaurant...

Pity that I have to take the time to write a bad review, but I feel like it’s needed: Well, the food overall was quite nice and well presented, let’s start by the positive.

However, the service… we waited 50 minutes for our last course, and after asking once we were told “I assure you is on the way”, 10 minutes later, we asked again… well “on the way”… 10 minutes later another member on the staff stated that they had already delivered the course to our table… well I can assure you that we didn’t get it! After asking again, we were asked if we wanted to cancel this course, I was still hungry having only had a bao and another small course. We saw a couple on what we had order going to other tables, while still haven’t received ours. The staff member apologize stating “there is nothing I can do”.

In the meantime, the manager never came to apologize to our table, and ended up being on their phone - this was very rude. None of the course nor drinks were offered on the house as a gesture, once again quite astonishing.

To be honest, this was a very bad first time experience. The only person on the ball in the restaurant was the busser… they should be managing the restaurant because nobody else seem to be able to…

We always leave a tip, because we both worked in restaurants before, but this time it’s important to mention that this was only by reflex or politeness that we...

Personally, I’m usually a big fan of the Michelin guide and while I don’t think they have erred in their recommendation of this Dublin 2 gem, I do think it would have been best for Big Fan to opt out: we Michelini can be an overly critical bunch. First, the good stuff…the wagygu cheeseburger dumplings were actually inspired and on the whole the food was fairly faultless. Some highlights were the duck wings (dusted in manna from heaven) and the Couples Beef! The service was lacking likely due to how busy the place always seems to be but the clearing and subsequent wiping of an adjacent table with a particularly strong smelling cleaning agent mid meal was a lowlight. Also, the kimchi, edamame and greens were served first and a considerable time before any of the hero dishes - would have been nice to have still hot greens complement the array of menu items yet to come. Small thing, but the Espresso Martini was served in a short glass - a choice perhaps (?) but upon ordering a glass of Pinot, it was apparent that all glassware is stemless. Definitely not the place to take a first date unless you’re really nervous and hope not to have to carry the conversation - you won’t be able to hear each other anyway. Suggest going on to a quiet snug somewhere but returning to Big Fan once you’ve been married a good 5 years and have less to talk about because the food really...