Phoenix Park Cafe — Restaurant in Dublin

Hard not to compare to the previous iteration, to be honest, which from the offset is a disappointment. Stand alone, it is now OK. I got a veg quiche and a oat cappuccino for €15.20 which seems very expensive. The savoury and sweet options seemed quite bare on my visit, not many options, on a busy Sunday afternoon. The staff were sharpish but seem to be quite green in terms of experience (the guy behind the counter forgot what I ordered & didn't explain if any salads were included with the quiche). Much of the food on offer didn't have displays so I heard many customers before & after me ask the staff "what is that?". The salad I opted for (green leaves) was surprisingly bland - like the leaves were taken straight out of the packet and placed in the bowl. The quiche itself was nice. Definitely feels like they are missing a creative experienced manager/chef. It has enormous potential (as reached by the previous business owners) so I won't be writing off and will revisit in the future to see if they've improved.

Edit: I've visited again in June 2024 and it's not better. I've added a photo. Vegan roll was so-so and not very flavourful, coffee was served very hot like the almond milk was burnt and in a take-away cup, the accompanying ketchup was in a plastic one-use container, the banana cake was a little dry but nice still. The food display/selection is nowhere near the levels of it's previous owner. It used to be one of the best of Dublin and now it's below par. A disappointing...

I would look at introducing a broader range of cakes. Deep apple pie with cream was on the menu but I haven't seen it recently. I also suggest a coconut cake. It needs to offer as close a range to what was on offer before taken over. I would also suggest some way of prioritising carers who come in with elderly people. In my case I have to find a seat for the person I am looking after, then leave the person alone to queue for food. This can take up to 15 minutes or more. Maybe some way of a carer tapping in their order online, paying for it online and food brought to table. Tables could be numbered so person serving knows where to go. Maybe add coffee machines so people have option of serving themselves. I appreciate there might be a space issue but if it was possible it woukd speed up queue. Maybe offer combination options such as soup and sandwich with slight discount. Possibly change parking options to include carers. I appreciate this might be outside your control. Suggest sloped roof along walkway from car park to restaurant. This would be very useful in inclement weather. More toilets outside as it gets busy particularly in Summer. Not sure if defribulator available. Think it would be good to have one and some staff...

Lack of training + general cop on with food intolerances. Visited today with a friend, it was about 4pm + not busy. As I'm dairy intolerant - I asked the girl serving to check with the chef if there was any dairy in the mushroom soup. She went out back + I was assured there wasn't. Another girl there serving even hearing this still put butter + bread on the plate. No biggy - I said you may take that back as I can't eat it, no point wasting it. Bowl of soup + black tea €10. Within minutes of having the soup - I knew it defo had dairy in it + spent most of my visit in the bathroom. Cafe + bathroom close at 5pm + I still had to make my way home with a dodgy stomach. This wasn't the original girls fault, she did check with the chef. The chef on the other hand should be properly trained + aware how sick folk can be, especially when I checked + was assured...