McGreivey’s Waterford is a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Waterford city, celebrated for its inviting atmosphere and innovative menu that perfectly blends traditional Irish flavors with contemporary culinary techniques.
The menu at McGreivey’s is thoughtfully curated to cater to a variety of palates, offering everything from hearty Irish classics to lighter, more adventurous dishes. Whether you’re a local eager to indulge in familiar tastes or a visitor looking to explore authentic Irish cuisine with a modern twist, McGreivey’s promises an unforgettable dining experience that delights the senses.
Each dish on the menu reflects a commitment to quality and freshness, often highlighting locally sourced ingredients that pay homage to Ireland’s rich agricultural heritage. The diverse selection ensures that every guest can find something appealing, whether craving a robust stew, a perfectly grilled steak, or a delicate seafood creation.
Paired with an extensive drinks list, including carefully selected Irish whiskeys and craft beers, McGreivey’s Waterford stands as a beacon of culinary excellence and warm Irish hospitality.
Starters and Appetizers
The starters at McGreivey’s Waterford set the tone for a memorable meal, combining both traditional and innovative flavors that awaken the palate. These dishes are designed to offer a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making them ideal to share or enjoy solo as a prelude to the main course.
From classic Irish soups to artisan breads paired with house-made dips, the starters showcase the kitchen’s dedication to freshness and flavor depth. Seasonal ingredients play a crucial role here, ensuring that each visit can bring new and exciting options to the table.
Popular Starter Dishes
- Seafood Chowder: A creamy blend of fresh local seafood, slow-cooked with herbs and root vegetables, served with rustic brown bread.
- Goat Cheese Salad: Mixed greens with warm goat cheese, roasted beets, and a tangy balsamic glaze.
- Irish Smoked Salmon: Thinly sliced smoked salmon served with capers, red onions, and soda bread.
Each starter exemplifies McGreivey’s commitment to combining traditional Irish fare with a subtle modern flair. The seafood chowder, for example, is a customer favorite, praised for its rich, velvety texture and authentic use of local catch.
“The starters at McGreivey’s are not just an introduction to the meal—they’re a celebration of Ireland’s maritime bounty and agricultural richness.” – Local Food Critic
Main Courses
McGreivey’s main courses are the centerpiece of the menu, offering a range of hearty and refined options that reflect Ireland’s culinary heritage while embracing contemporary trends. Whether you prefer meat, seafood, or vegetarian dishes, the main menu caters to every taste with dishes that are flavorful and beautifully presented.
The kitchen emphasizes seasonal produce and sustainable sourcing, ensuring that every plate tells a story of quality and care. Dishes are crafted to highlight natural flavors, often enhanced with subtle herbs and spices that complement rather than overpower.
Signature Dishes
- Irish Beef and Guinness Stew: Slow-cooked beef in a rich Guinness gravy, served with creamy mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
- Pan-Seared Sea Bass: Fresh sea bass fillet accompanied by a lemon butter sauce and sautéed greens.
- Vegetarian Risotto: Arborio rice cooked with wild mushrooms, garden peas, and parmesan, finished with fresh herbs.
The Irish Beef and Guinness Stew remains a standout, revered for its tender meat and deeply satisfying flavors. The Guinness adds a subtle bitterness that balances the richness of the beef perfectly.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Cooking Style | Recommended Pairing |
| Irish Beef and Guinness Stew | Beef, Guinness, root vegetables | Slow-cooked, braised | Red wine or stout |
| Pan-Seared Sea Bass | Sea bass, lemon, butter, greens | Seared, sautéed | Dry white wine |
| Vegetarian Risotto | Mushrooms, peas, parmesan, rice | Simmered, stirred | Light white wine or sparkling water |
Side Dishes and Accompaniments
Complementing the main dishes, McGreivey’s offers a variety of side dishes that enhance the overall dining experience. These sides are thoughtfully prepared to provide contrasting textures and flavors that round out the meal.
Whether you’re seeking a light salad or a more indulgent option like creamy colcannon, the sides menu reflects a dedication to traditional Irish ingredients with a contemporary touch. Many of these sides are also suitable as small plates for sharing.
Popular Sides
- Colcannon: Traditional mashed potatoes with kale and scallions, creamy and comforting.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender, roasted with a touch of thyme.
- Garden Salad: Fresh mixed greens with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Colcannon is a standout favorite, often praised for its rich texture and perfect seasoning. It pairs wonderfully with meat dishes while also standing strong as a vegetarian option.
“The sides at McGreivey’s demonstrate that accompaniments are not an afterthought, but an essential part of the culinary narrative.” – Guest Reviewer
Desserts
The dessert selection at McGreivey’s Waterford offers a delightful conclusion to any meal, combining classic Irish sweets with inventive creations. Desserts are crafted to balance sweetness with texture and flavor complexity, ensuring a memorable finish.
Using local dairy and seasonal fruits, the dessert menu is a testament to the kitchen’s flair for turning simple ingredients into indulgent treats. Options are designed to cater to all preferences, from rich chocolate offerings to light and refreshing fruit-based dishes.
Signature Desserts
- Baileys Cheesecake: Creamy cheesecake infused with Baileys Irish Cream, served with a berry compote.
- Sticky Toffee Pudding: A moist sponge cake drenched in toffee sauce, accompanied by vanilla ice cream.
- Seasonal Fruit Tart: A crisp pastry filled with custard and topped with fresh local fruits.
The Baileys Cheesecake is particularly popular, loved for its smooth texture and the unmistakable flavor of the iconic Irish liqueur. It’s a perfect blend of indulgence and tradition.
| Dessert | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Best Paired With |
| Baileys Cheesecake | Baileys Irish Cream, cream cheese, berries | Sweet, creamy, slightly boozy | Espresso or dessert wine |
| Sticky Toffee Pudding | Dates, toffee sauce, vanilla ice cream | Rich, caramel, warm | Black tea or stout |
| Seasonal Fruit Tart | Pastry, custard, fresh fruit | Light, fruity, fresh | Herbal tea or sparkling water |
Beverages and Drinks
McGreivey’s Waterford boasts an impressive beverage menu that perfectly complements its food offerings. The drinks selection features a thoughtful mix of local Irish spirits, craft beers, and fine wines, designed to enhance every meal.
The bar is known for its expertly curated whiskey list, showcasing both well-known and rare Irish whiskies. Additionally, the cocktail menu incorporates native ingredients and flavors, creating unique drinks that capture the essence of Irish hospitality.
Featured Drinks
- Irish Whiskey Selection: A broad range of aged and single malt whiskeys from renowned distilleries.
- Craft Beers: Local brews that offer a spectrum of flavors, from light lagers to robust stouts.
- Signature Cocktails: Creative blends featuring Irish ingredients such as elderflower, honey, and herbs.
The whiskey tasting flights are particularly popular, allowing guests to explore the nuances of different distilleries in one sitting. The knowledgeable staff provide detailed descriptions to enrich the experience.
“At McGreivey’s, the beverage menu is not just an accompaniment—it’s an integral part of the culinary journey.” – Beverage Expert
Special Dietary Options
Understanding the diverse needs of its guests, McGreivey’s Waterford offers a variety of special dietary options without compromising on taste or quality. The kitchen is well-versed in accommodating allergies, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
Clear labeling on the menu and attentive staff ensure that diners with specific requirements can enjoy their meals with confidence. Special requests are welcomed and handled with care to provide a seamless dining experience for all.
Menu Adaptations
- Gluten-Free Choices: Several dishes are naturally gluten-free or can be modified to exclude gluten-containing ingredients.
- Vegan Dishes: Emphasizing fresh vegetables, legumes, and grains, crafted to be both nutritious and flavorful.
- Allergen Awareness: Staff trained to manage cross-contamination risks and provide detailed ingredient information.
For example, the vegetarian risotto can be prepared vegan upon request by omitting dairy and substituting with plant-based alternatives. This flexibility ensures that dietary needs are met without sacrificing the vibrant flavors McGreivey’s is known for.
| Dietary Need | Available Options | Menu Flexibility |
| Gluten-Free | Soups, salads, grilled meats, seafood | Modifications available on request |
| Vegan | Vegetable risotto, salads, sides | Custom vegan versions of select dishes |
| Allergy Sensitive | Clear ingredient info, allergen-free options | Strict kitchen protocols |
Seasonal and Event Menus
To keep the dining experience fresh and exciting, McGreivey’s Waterford regularly updates its menu to celebrate the seasons and special events. These limited-time offerings showcase the best produce available throughout the year and introduce unique flavors and combinations.
Seasonal menus are crafted with creativity and respect for tradition, often featuring game meats in autumn or fresh seafood in summer. Special event menus, such as for St.
Patrick’s Day or Christmas, include festive dishes that elevate the celebration.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring: Fresh herbs, young vegetables, and lamb dishes.
- Summer: Light seafood plates, salads, and chilled desserts.
- Autumn: Game meats, root vegetables, and rich sauces.
- Winter: Hearty stews, warming desserts, and spiced drinks.
Special event menus often include paired drinks and multi-course meals that offer an immersive culinary experience. These menus are highly anticipated by regular patrons and newcomers alike.
“McGreivey’s seasonal and event menus are a testament to their dedication to freshness and creativity, making each visit unique and memorable.” – Food Enthusiast
Conclusion
McGreivey’s Waterford stands as a shining example of Irish culinary tradition meeting modern innovation, offering a menu that is as diverse as it is delicious. From the thoughtfully crafted starters to the indulgent desserts, every dish is a reflection of the kitchen’s passion for quality ingredients and exceptional flavor combinations.
The menu’s flexibility to accommodate dietary preferences only adds to its appeal, ensuring that every guest feels welcome and cared for.
With a carefully curated drinks list and seasonal menus that keep the dining experience fresh and exciting, McGreivey’s remains a must-visit destination for food lovers in Waterford and beyond. The warm atmosphere and attentive service complete the picture, making it a place where memorable meals are made and shared.
Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, McGreivey’s Waterford offers a culinary journey that honors Ireland’s rich heritage while embracing contemporary tastes with grace and flair.
