Panda Restaurant Sushi and Burger — Restaurant in Dublin

Disappointing Experience - Lack of Clarity, Poor Service, and Low-Quality Food

I visited Panda yesterday with a friend, and we had quite a disappointing experience. We ordered the Rainbow Roll for €16, but it was incredibly underwhelming. Inside, it only had a crab stick and cucumber—nothing else. On top, there was mayonnaise (which wasn’t listed on the menu) and a bunch of random cabbage and greens. The roll itself was really weak, and I didn’t enjoy it at all.

When I asked if they had tempura rolls, the waitress, who was also at the reception, insisted they didn’t offer them. I tried explaining what tempura was (fried with panko-bread crumbs in oil), but she repeatedly said no. I even mentioned that I had seen tempura rolls on their website and in photos on Google Maps, but after checking with the chefs, she confirmed they don’t have them.

It was also frustrating to order through their QR code, as it only opens a PDF with a list of ingredients, but no photos, so it’s hard to know what you’re actually ordering.

We also ordered a “Hot Roll” and asked what it was. The waitress explained it was seared salmon with shrimp, so we went ahead and ordered. After waiting 15-20 minutes, our order came, but in a takeaway bag. We had planned to eat inside and told them that, but they refused, saying we could only eat elsewhere—even though other people were clearly dining inside without issues.

When we finally sat down outside to eat, we realized there were no napkins in the bag. To top it all off, the “Hot Roll” turned out to be deep-fried (in tempura!), which was strange considering they had said they don’t offer tempura. It was more like a hot dog stuffed with salmon and shrimp—not what we expected at all.

Overall, the service was poor, the menu was unclear, the food quality was subpar, and the entire experience was very disappointing. I wouldn’t...

Full disclosure I used to be regular. From the covid times I'm sure I've spent more than 5k in this place. Food is great and I was big fan of haloumi burger or chicken poke. The portion size is huge and I find the sushi quite okay. The prices are on the higher end, but I guess fine when you consider the portion. I have wowed not to go there again and here is why. Several times now the staff was treating me in a way like I am bothering them or something. This is not once or twice and it's progressively getting worse. Last time I called to book a table. Their website didn't work so I called them again,they say try insta. Didn't work either. I call them again, they say, well what can we do. I managed to find they are on open table and I booked. However somehow I booked for 2 and not 4. We came there the manager says he can't do anything. Understand. I asked if they can call me if the two spots open as I live around the corner. He says no. That was it for me. I picked up the phone on the way to call eat Tokyo down at Liffey. They had no problem booking me on phone and they called me 30minutes before the booking to say that the table is ready if we want to pop in earlier. I do care for the quality of the food. I do care for the price, and mostly I care for being treated politely. I'm not...

Good and small restaurant with street parking. We were served by Lucas, who was very friendly and coordinated the service for around ten tables. The place is cozy but small, which might be a limitation if you have any mobility difficulties, despite the ramp at the entrance. The bathroom was very clean.

As for the food, everything was very fresh, and the waiting time was reasonable considering the place was full (it was a Thursday at lunchtime, and at one point there was a line outside, so consider making a reservation if you plan to go during a busy day or time).

Our only disappointment was with the sushi boat, which you are required to eat as part of the all-you-can-eat option before you can choose your own pieces. It is clearly a way to fill customers up with generally tasty pieces that take away your appetite for what you actually came to eat. Unless you have a huge appetite, I honestly would not recommend it. Other dishes are well served, and you also have the option to take leftovers home.

The 10% service charge may surprise those unfamiliar with this Brazilian practice or who aren't used to tipping generously. I'm not sure they'd agree to remove it, just as they don't allow for skipping the "eat all the chef wants" rule. My suggestion would be to make both optional, rather...