The Saddle Room — Restaurant in Dublin

We stayed for five days at the Shelbourne and enjoyed breakfast each morning, as well as a dinner reservation on one evening. It was the Festive Season, and a prix fixe menu was offered. Although the menu differed slightly from what was sent to us before our stay, the staff was incredibly accommodating and allowed us to order beef as one of the main dish options.

We began our meal with a bottle of Bordeaux. The gentleman assisting with wine service was fantastic. He was personable and knowledgeable. He even took time to share stories about the hotel, which added a special touch to our experience.

The festive prix fixe menu included a starter, a main dish, and dessert. The side dish was an additional 6€ and enhances the meal. We highly recommend ordering one per person or a few to share.

I started with the cauliflower with chestnut crumble. Our server politely informed me that it was a soup, and I was delighted! I enjoyed their soup via room service the night before (potato and leek), and it was delectable. My partner, undecided on a starter, was guided by our server, who playfully described the salmon as a "seafood cupcake." He loved it! Our server was thoughtful, kind, and informative. Her service enhanced our experience.

For our main dishes, I ordered the beef while my partner chose the salmon again, both accompanied by potato mash. Both meals were phenomenal! Kudos to the kitchen for crafting a medley of fresh, farm-to-table flavors that truly impressed us.

For dessert, we selected the chocolate fondant and the date pudding with salted caramel ice cream. Both were exceptional in their own way, so there was no clear favorite. The complimentary mince pies were a sweet and thoughtful touch, providing a lovely introduction to traditional Irish sweets for my partner.

While the decor is slightly dated, the hotel’s grand entrance more than makes up for it, adding to the festive ambiance. This is the perfect place to celebrate or simply enjoy a wonderful meal.

Note: As hotel guests, we also enjoyed the traditional Irish breakfast buffet each morning, which offered a variety of options for everyone. However, this review focuses on our...

Have to say, was slightly disappointed. Of restaurants in the 5 star hotels in Dublin, this ranks last unfortunately. Had high hopes. Service - horrendous. Really was. Too many staff on for 4/5 tables, yet no one checking on you. Whilst English was second language for most, I genuinely had to repeat my order 3/4 times - waiter was just lovely though. We had to ask for bread - which was lovely and butter at room temp. Drinks, we had to ask a few times to be brought/ remind them. The scallop starter - was okay. Very bland. Crab started was very tasty but again, have had better and was full of shell which wasn’t great. We had the chateaubriand to share- which was EXQUISITE, although we ordered it medium it came very rare, so I just ate around the blue bits. We were told that it came with two sides, however the waiter got very confused and made us order 4 sides - we were charged for all. €28 total. The truffle fries- please don’t bother. The beef pie - lovely and creamy mash

We turn asked the water to round up the bill to €50 which he took as, giving them €50 tip- so we paid €80 more than we needed - again a language thing.

Would I be back? Yes for that steak But probably...

Overall, this was a fantastic dining experience which was enhanced immeasurably by Carla who looked after us so well. She was top class, professional and had a really chilled out vibe about her which made us feel comfortable and added to the night.

We opted for some cocktails before dinner and even though the Whiskey Sour isn't on the menu, I was able to get one after asking if it was possible.

The food was cooked to perfection and my crab starter was faultless. Creamy and so tasty. My partners braised pork cheek croquette was melt in your mouth good with a nice crunch to the croquette.

For main we went for the chateaubriand cooked medium rare and it was absolutely perfect and seasoned beautifully. It is carved and served tableside and unfortunately this is what makes this review a 4 star review instead of a 5 star one. While it was being carved and served, the person didn't utter a single word which made it quite awkward as it took a couple of minutes. We were not expecting fireworks and somersaults but some simple small talk would have made a world of difference.

Cheesecake and cheese board desserts were a great end to...