Le Bistro, Kinsale — Restaurant in The Municipal District of Bandon-Kinsale

Disappointing from start to finish.

I rarely leave negative reviews, but this place really earned it. From the moment we walked in, it was clear there was no system in place. We waited at the entrance awkwardly while staff passed us by, unsure if we should seat ourselves or wait. Eventually, someone waved us to a table without so much as a greeting.

The service was painfully slow – we waited nearly 20 minutes just to get menus, and even longer for someone to take our order. The waiters, though not rude, were clearly inexperienced and seemed overwhelmed even though the restaurant wasn’t that busy. No one seemed to know what they were doing, and communication between the staff was nonexistent.

When the food finally arrived, it was as average as it gets – bland, forgettable, and certainly not worth the wait. Nothing stood out except how uninspired it all felt. No attention to detail, no effort in presentation, just basic dishes that felt slapped together.

Overall, it was a cheap, disorganized, and unfriendly experience. There’s no atmosphere, no professionalism, and no reason to return. With so many better options out there, I’d avoid this...

Absolutely superb little gem in kinsale. We popped in for breakfast and from Start to finish it was excellent. Service by Kelly was warm, welcoming and attentive. The food, well what can I say. Not your usual fry up ( there if you wanted) but we opted for the bacon egg and cheese on Waterford blaa which came with homemade pesto, delicious tomato and mushrooms. The blaa was light and airy and the fried eggs cheese combo with the pesto was Devine. Mrs M went for Kelly's hash. Sauteed baby potatoes, spinach crispy bacon with crumbles black pudding cheese and fried eggs. What a combination. The potatoes could be tasted with every bite, being earthy and gently cooked. Black pudding with the bacon bits a real hit. Folks, don't delay in giving this relatively new spot a go. By far the best breakfast we have had during our stay with so much more we would love to try.

Five stars 🤩

Oh before I forget, the background music selection was top notch everything from light rock to 80s hits . I'd come here for the music alone and the coffee was freshly made...

The reason for this negative review is as follows :

Decided to try something new in Kinsale and was very disappointed by the experience. The service was terrible right from the start. A table that arrived at least 15 mins after us received their food at the same time as us while we had to wait longer for ours. How unprofessional. Then we asked for juice.. it never arrived and the owner of the restaurant just kept walking past us serving other people and just didn't bother to bring the juice and the toast we requested which was eventually given another 10 mins after food was served and was not even toasted properly as well as the juice served in a glass full of finger marks.. how unhygienic and disgusting.

I even had to ask them to clear the table.They have alot to learn about professionalism , service and presentation. I would never recommend this place to anyone...