Max's Seafood Kinsale — Restaurant in The Municipal District of Bandon-Kinsale

Mine and my husbands recent visit to Maxs restaurant was a truly mixed bag, with stark contrasts in quality. Let's start with the positive: the food was exceptional. Every dish we ordered was a culinary delight – beautifully presented, bursting with flavor, and clearly prepared with immense skill. The kitchen staff truly deserves high praise for their outstanding work. However, our experience was significantly marred by two major issues. Firstly, the maitre d's (who I believe is also the owner) incredibly rude and unwelcoming attitude cast a dark shadow over the entire evening. From the moment we arrived, their dismissive and unhelpful demeanor made us feel more like an inconvenience than valued guests. Their lack of hospitality was deeply disappointing. Secondly, and quite surprisingly given the food's quality, the wine was, without exaggeration, the worst I have ever tasted. It was genuinely undrinkable and a complete letdown, especially when paired with such exquisite cuisine. While I'd recommend Maxs restaurant solely for the exceptional food, I sincerely hope the owner reflects on their customer approach and reviews their wine selection. A more gracious welcome and a palatable wine list would truly elevate the entire dining experience to match the high quality of the food. It is such a shame that the Maitre d’ ruined the whole dining experience for my...

This fine dining restaurant in Kinsale is a true gem, where the French chef’s skill shines through in both the presentation and the flavors. The dishes are a perfect balance of classic techniques with creative twists – like the slow-cooked pork belly paired with braised red cabbage and a tangy rhubarb compote.

I started with a delightful goat cheese and beet appetizer, featuring a buckwheat shortcrust and red onion pickled in mead and honey. My husband opted for sautéed squid with linguini and mussels, which was cooked to perfection. For the mains, we enjoyed a fillet of hake, sautéed and served on a bed of leeks with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and a pink peppercorn and parsley sauce. My husband’s pork belly was tender and flavorful, beautifully complemented by the cabbage and rhubarb compote.

We ended the meal with a stunning crème brûlée, made with real vanilla beans and expertly caramelized.

To top it off, the restaurant has an extensive wine list, offering excellent pairings to match the refined flavors of the menu.

This restaurant is a must-visit in Kinsale for anyone who appreciates fine dining, creative flavors, and a great...

We were fortunate enough to try this restaurant after a recommendation from the owners of Kinsale Mead Co., and it did not disappoint! They were able to accommodate for my having celiacs, even during their fixed menu hours. They even allowed for me to select a side not on the menu, only available for those with allergens (Butternut Squash Soup, it was delicious!). The nasturtium used in some of their dishes was sourced from just outside the restaurant, in the picturesque little patio area out back, which I think really highlights the character of this place. I was able to eat here safely, and really enjoy the meal, as did the rest of my party. The staff was exceptionally helpful! They were always willing to answer any of my questions, and also confirmed that each dish was gluten free without me even having to ask. They even went as far as to bring out a little gluten free bread before my entree, so that I might enjoy it along with my party's regular bread, something I've never experienced before! Delicious meal overall, with an incredible staff and beautiful location. So thankful to have been able to experience...