The Secret Garden @ The Alex

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1. RK

   RawanK

   Dublin

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   This is probably one of the best restaurant I have ever went to. It was sooo good. The service was a 10/10

   Report
2. KG

   KayleighG

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 19, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   I got the Turkish eggs which were absolutely delicious and my mother got the chicken coissants which was delicious too. Highly recommended. Portions were big and well priced.

   Report
3. l

   lauren

   Dublin

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 19, 2023

   overall3food4service2ambience2

   Everything was great except for the fact that we booked the Secret Garden but on arrival we're told it was fully booked. The outdoor option needs to be removed from the options if it is in fact booked out.

   Report
4. O

   Orla

   Dublin

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 19, 2023

   overall2food4service2ambience3

   We’re not seated in the secret garden as we were told it was full however it was empty for the entire time we were there. Dissapointing for Mother’s Day. The food was nice and service was alright.

   Report
5. CB

   CBBC

   Edinburgh

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 11, 2023

   overall1food3service1ambience1

   Service was appalling. Orders forgotten, we had to ask several times for coffee. Dirty tables next to us, when we arrived were not even cleared when we left. Wait staff were untrained.

   Report
6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   London

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 11, 2023

   overall2food3service3ambience4

   Went there for booking at 11.30. The lady there said not opened till 12pm, shown her the booking, waited for coffee for 40 minutes. 1 floor staff for the whole place…poor girl. It’s overrated for now. We brunch a lot and this is the place we agreed to not go back again. 3 Cappuccino with 2 bigger cup so they compensated the small mug with a latte art with a heart on it, same price, bit heartless that. Shashuka with eggs you couldn’t dip in?!? Well, brunch at your own risk I suppose…

   Report
7. MS

   MahishiS

   Dublin

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 1, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   I had the most wholesome dinner at the secret garden yesterday for my friends birthday. Marie katy who was our waitress was outstanding, very caring and friendly and just a ray of sunshine. The food was absolutely incredible and so aesthetic. I will 100% go back for a sunny day brunch next time!

   Report
8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 18, 2023

   overall1food1service2ambience1

   More of a cafe than a dining experience, had huge expectations and was let down badly. Menu is very poor and limited. Cold environment with zero atmosphere.

   Report
9. AC

   AndreiC

   Dublin

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 14, 2023

   overall5food4service5ambience5

   A very special place to go as a couple. If you want to surprise your partner I really recommend to visit the secret garden. Romantic atmosphere & tasty food!

   Report
10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Dublin

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 6, 2023

    overall4food5service1ambience3

    Food was delicious! Good variety of choice for all. The garden is beautiful and had heating when required. The staff that took our order was impolite & bad mannered

    Report
11. BR

    BarbaraRed

    Dublin

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    My booking was for lunch in the Secret Garden . IWe were seated at a table in the bar and informed lunch wasn’t served at weekends , only brunch . The waitress did ask the chef if he could offer us the lunch menu which he kindly did but it wasn’t the same menu as the one on the booking and my vegetarian choices were very limited . We decided not to stay and have lunch and went on to another restaurant. Maybe the booking platforms and website should state that lunch isn’t available at weekends .

    Report
12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Dublin

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 2, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience3

    We booked the table for lunch on a weekday therefore we had a limited time to stay in the restaurant. Our food took 50min to arrive and we had to ask everything for take away. Even though the manager spoke with us once after we complained about the delay, the staff was not really concerned that we were there waiting for so long and would avoid us, specially the waitress serving our table. All 4 of us only ordered sandwiches so the delay was, in my opinion, unreasonable. I have been there before, but I will not be coming back so soon

    Report
13. A

    Anonymous

    Dublin

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall2food1service3ambience1

    Drinks were nice but very quiet

    Report
14. AK

    AlanK

    London

    5 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall1food3service2ambience1

    This place lacks atmosphere, and we were there on New Years Eve! Menu published on Open Table is NOT the menu provided and is inferior by far. Limited choices and some dessert menu items not available. Wine menu - “supplier issues” blamed on the fact they only had one red wine by the glass and no Sauvignon Blanc by the glass either. Was offered an Italian white as an alternative, but it retails at €8.50 a bottle and wasn’t good value. Steak arrived out minus the garnish - which we didn’t notice but then a bowl of cress and rocket appeared from a very apologetic waiter. We were seated (our choice) under a patio heater but by the end of dinner we were very hot - asked for it to be turned off but staff couldn’t isolate one heater from the others so we decided to forego dessert and leave. Had I read the other negative reviews of this restaurant I would not have booked it. Avoid!!

    Report
15. AM

    AMor

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    This restaurant took a booking and never advised they were closed. We turned up for dinner and they were closed!

    Report
16. KG

    KateG

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 16, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Didn’t let us eat where we booked, food came down that was not only not what we ordered but not even on the menu full stop. Got a well done rasher instead of a medium rare steak. Literally 0/10 don’t go here

    Report
17. d

    danieller00

    Dublin

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    It was awful from start

    Report
18. KP

    KateP

    Kerry

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 9, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Only 6 things on the main course menu and two of them they did not have. Ended up eating dry, undercooked, bland pasta. My friend had lamb that was supposed to be served with carrots, she found one little piece lying underneath the dry lamb. It looked very unappetising. Also we'd ordered wine with our food that did not arrive until wed nearly finished eating. Of course that ended up on the bill which I had to point out. We were supposed to be seated in the "secret garden" but were placed in the middle of the restaurant floor with absolutely zero ambience. A rather disappointing visit to The Alex unfortunately. I recommend you go somewhere else.

    Report
19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Wilmington

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    While the brunch menu is on Open Table, the venue does not serve brunch. Wish I knew that before booking.

    Report
20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Dublin

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 9, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    Location is very pretty. Didn’t get a chance to try the food but the menu looked decent at least. Cocktails were very expensive - €13 - so we stuck to wine instead; the cheapest bottle of which was €29. Wine selection was very good if also on the expensive side, going by Vivino.

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21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Dublin

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience3

    The cocktails were great, the staff and the ambience were both amazing. The crispy chicken was pretty bland, chewy and a bit too oily for my taste. Other than that it was a really nice experience

    Report
22. PN

    PatN

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2022

    overall2food3service3ambience2

    Starter of calamari was nice but food was pricy. Restaurant was quite empty so not great ambiance. They were a bit sticky about vaping at table particularly when there was only 4 other people at other end of restaurant.

    Report
23. LJ

    LaurenJ

    Dublin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 11, 2022

    overall5food5service3ambience5

    Absolutely amazing food and atmosphere! Service was abit slow but nothing major

    Report
24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Dublin

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 27, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience2

    Service was very bad, waiters were slow and uninterested. Food wasn’t cooked properly. Very disappointing

    Report
25. BG

    BethanyG

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 26, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    We had a fun time here. Service was exceptionally friendly and attentive. The space is small and was very loud when full. The kitchen made special accommodations for our dietary restrictions and we all enjoyed our meal— especially the dessert.

    Report
26. G

    Gemma

    Dublin

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great spot for brunch, great food and cocktails. Really enjoyed

    Report
27. j

    johannem

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 25, 2022

    overall2food3service3ambience2

    Disappointed with the outdoor space. Not really outdoors just a room at the back of the bar with a covered roof and fake flowers. Could definitely make a better effort with the planting. Food was ok menu limited.

    Report
28. BB

    BernieB

    Dublin

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 20, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Service was slow table booked for 5.30pm as going to Paul McKenna at 7.30pm. Took nearly an hour to get a glass of wine. Service was slow reception said they were short staffed. Food was average. Ordered deserts and tea at 6.50. By 7.25 we had to cancel as show was starting. We were last in to show and couldn't sit together because of delay in restaurant. After show bar refused to sell us a glass of coke as we were not residents. We won't be returning to the Alex Hote.

    Report
29. K

    Kate

    London

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience1

    No selection of sauces for the dishes Mimosa processo was flat. It was cold blankets not provided. All diners put together which is uncomfortable felt we couldn't even speak. Waiters English was poor so unfortunately couldn't understand my request. Shame as alot of bloggers rave about it. No signage to the secret garden.

    Report
30. SM

    SkaiM

    Dublin

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2022

    overall4food3service3ambience3

    Cocktails were amazing but the overall experience was very average and did not live up to the expectations. The service was quite slow, I had to wait for 5 minutes to be seated - the restaurant was empty and there were 3 staff standing behind the bar chatting. The lobster roll had a sprinkle of lobster on it. The outdoor area we sat in was very cold and we had to ask the waitress to turn the heaters on. I had also left a note with the booking that we are celebrating an engagement but that was not acknowledged in any way. We really expected more from The Alex.

    Report
31. PQ

    PawailQ

    Dublin

    3 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2022

    overall1food2service1ambience4

    Went for a Sunday brunch at noon. While the place looks gorgeous and the ambiance was very nice, the service was very poor. I get that there's an industry-wide shortage of staff, but the floor staff was just not present. The food itself was quite mediocre, and the mimosas were watered down trash. Not a good experience at all.

    Report
32. IF

    InternationalFoodie

    Philadelphia

    17 reviews

    2.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience3

    Food was very mediocre. Service was very slow waited for water and drinks for table for 20 min after we sat down. I probably won’t return to be honest

    Report
33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Dublin

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 9, 2022

    overall3food2service4ambience5

    I had been in twice before for dinner, which was lovely both times. Service was good, waiters were attentive and helpful. The food wasn’t great however. The soup was bland and required a lot of salt to get any kind of taste off it and the bread it came with was like a savoury cake, very weird. The bread that the club sandwich was served on was hard, tasteless and very crumbly which made eating the sandwich difficult and took away from the taste of the contents of the sandwich. I’ll be back again for dinner but not for lunch. The food was very underwhelming.

    Report
34. AC

    AmandaC

    Dublin

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3

    Lovely space with good food and great service. Will visit again

    Report
35. C

    Caitriona

    Dublin

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 29, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Beautiful venue with friendly staff. Service was a little slow considering it wasn’t that busy. Brunch menu cocktails were great!

    Report
36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 16, 2022

    overall2food1service3ambience4

    Starter of prawns & chorizo was very tasty but drowned in oil and accompanying sauce had no function as no sort of carb to dip or use to capture the flavour. Main beef stroganoff was extremely poor, the cream had split and the beef was tough and over cooked. Dessert of chocolate cake was pretty decent to finish. Starter took over 30mins to arrive when the place was pretty empty. For a lovely place and setting, the food was subpar.

    Report
37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Dublin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing the place, the garden area is perfect. I would like to congratulate the staff, nice people, including Eric, he made us very comfortable and even made us laugh a lot. Congrats

    The Secret Garden @ The AlexResponded on January 22, 2022Thanks for your review. I am glad to hear you enjoyed your dinning in our Secret Garden and in special our staff Eric. I will make sure to pass onto him your comment. Best wishes, Sidney De Camargo Restaurant Manager

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38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Dublin

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    Very comfortable surroundings with beautifully coloured and positioned flowers. Tables are at a nice distance so there is no disruption from other tables. Menu offers a reasonable choice and food was well presented. I will definitely eat here again and arrange to spend even more time 😊

    Report
39. J

    Jmarie

    Dublin

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 4, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    Very beautiful place.. lovely staff. Food was just ok.

    Report
40. K

    Kasia

    Dublin

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 12, 2021

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Overall very good experience, nice and quiet place but a bit too expensive for 2 ppl, staff very friendly and kind

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