Helen's Restaurant in South Ayrshire

No natural light here but despite that the restaurant was quite busy and the waitress was friendly and helpful. We just went in for snack lunches. Note the breakfast menu is served all day, which is a nice touch. The restaurant has a sort of homely, old-fashioned atmosphere. The actual food was average.

Great little place to eat and food was great

A lovley clean cafe, tucked away up an ally just of main st. Food and service was first class would definitely recommend this little cafe for anyone looking for traditional home cooked dishes.

Very dog friendly.Seemed to have a lot of regulars, first name terms, both humans and canine so lovely atmosphere. Staff attentive and friendly, service was quick. Food was good, decent menu !

Popped in for a coffee and a Devon scone. Very welcoming and the chicken and water offered for my dog was very much appreciated on a hot day.

Yesterday went to Helen,s for lunch only not to be served after 20mins ! The couple who came in after us got served unfortunately 😕 me and my partner left after being totally ignored ? I cannot recommend this place to anyone !!! 😡

The restaurant was quiet when I visited. The food was really good as was the service.

Caroline M 9 reviews 2 months ago Dine in | Lunch | £10–20 Lovely place to eat. Got recommended to come here by the staff at Keepsake in Ayr. Very dog friendly, both dogs had some chicken from the staff which they wolfed down. Lentil soup was tasty and chunky. Jacket potatoes had plenty of filling in it. I would recommend this. …More Alan Stevenson 289 reviews·60 photos 2 months ago Dine in | Lunch | £10–20 From the outside doesn't look very much, however once inside you could tell it's a local favourite it was busy. Starters were stand your spoon up potato and leek with proper chunks of potato. Main course was baked potato with steak mince. …More Denise Thomson 10 reviews 3 weeks ago NEW Dine in | Breakfast | £1–10 Wasn't that busy, service was, slow, seen it being busier and served food quicker. Think just eat takes over at times and forget about people sitting in restaurant waiting on the plus side food was good. …More Christian Hodgson Local Guide·164 reviews·1547 photos a year ago Helen's restaurant was an excellent place to eat. I ordered the 9 piece breakfast where you order 9 of whatever you want. The food was cooked fresh & hot, the staff were pleasant and on top of their game, and it's a quaint cheap & cheerful place for a quick snack or a 3 course meal. Awesome stuff. …More Photo 1 in review by Christian Hodgson 4 Harry Rae Local Guide·37 reviews·34 photos 8 months ago Dine in | Lunch | £30–40 1st and last! Two women viewing a full wedding video, loud, and the staff refused to address it. When I told the waitress I was going to have a dessert but not with that noise, she just said "mmm" and obviously couldn't careless. …More Alan Stevenson 181 reviews·11 photos 3 months ago Dine in | Lunch | £10–20 Great stick to your ribs food, good service good value, you don't need anything more happy to come back again anytime. …More Alistair Munro Local Guide·110 reviews·34 photos a year ago Dine in | Breakfast | £1–10 Superb wee restaurant. Quite a quirky location stuck down a wee lane BUT Absolute diamond of a find. Got to say one of the best cooked breakfasts you will find anywhere in Scotland. …More 1 Angela Johnstone 6 reviews 11 months ago Dine in | Lunch | £1–10 Lovely atmosphere and friendly staff. Also excellent value for money. It’s like eating your favourite home cooked meals out. The helpings are more than adequate ( even the half portions) and it’s dog friendly …More Jacqueline Mckeand Local Guide·91 reviews·12 photos 10 months ago Dine in | Lunch | £30–40 Been going here for years and yesterday was a big dissapointment. Waitress was lovely but food not great,mince ok roast potatoes were black 😝 pudding apple pie and custard was savers range from morrison, no taste, you would …More Laura 1 review a year ago I found Helen's quite by accident after spending the morning alonh the promenade and beach. I was delighted and when I visit Ayr again, this will definitely be on my list to visit again. My meal was perfect, the brown bread with my …More Una MacLeod 3 reviews 3 months ago went in at 10am for coffee and something to eat place was empty , no hello ,good morning ,nothing ,girl took order ,no talk ,actually wondered if she was unable to speak which i could empathise with ,however this was not the case and it made us feel quite uncomfortable so sorry wont be returning …More ed saltmarsh Local Guide·7 reviews·4 photos a year ago Visiting Ayr for the first time on holiday. Looking for somewhere dog friendly for lunch and came across Helen's. Friendly welcome especially for doggo! She's provided with free water and chicken pieces on arrival. Nice surprise for all of …More Audrey Graham Local Guide·27 reviews·4 photos a year ago Had a fabulous breakfast today when in town. 9 items all cooked to perfection 🥰 fried egg,mushrooms, tattie scone, pancake,black pudding, hash brown, sausage ,bacon and 2 slice of brown toast and pot of tea. Wife had similar 9 items and …More 2 Julie Chadwick Local Guide·56 reviews·4 photos 4 months ago Dine in | Breakfast | £10–20 Went for Saturday morning breakfast and they even provided breakfast for our pup❤ …More Phi Martin 19 reviews·30 photos 10 months ago Dine in | Breakfast | £10–20 Lovely place and they just love doggy,s they gave my lola a bowl of chicken and bowl of water not many places do that staff were so nice and the roll on sausage tattie scone was superb …More Paul Barker 12 reviews·4 photos 2 years ago Visiting Ayr as part of a holiday we was pointed in the direction of the cafe by a local shop keeper. Its hidden away slightly down an alley which makes the cage a true 'hidden jem'. We had the steak pie, chips and veg. A full plate of food …More 1 Sharon Duffy Local Guide·123 reviews·13 photos 10 months ago Dine in | Lunch | £1–10 A hidden gem in Ayr food was fantastic freshly cooked good portions I loved the potato scone stack ! Great value for money staff were friendly service was good happy to recommend …More G Stewart 1 review 2 years ago Hidden Gem, dropped into this place the other day, opted for the Scottish breakfast, fried egg, links, black pudding etc. Absolutely delicious, beautifully presented on a HOT plate, comes complete with tea and toast. The place was busy, but …More 1 Max Stevens 2 reviews 9 months ago Dine in | Brunch | £10–20 The place was very clean, I couldn't fault it. Found it to be a bit overpriced, ordered 2 cheese and ham pannis a coffee, and a can of coke £20.85. Elizabeth Coyle Local Guide·47 reviews·47 photos 10 months ago Dine in | Breakfast | £10–20 My sister and I had our breakfast at Helen's. The food and service was excellent and also was great value for money 💰. …More Sara Durham Local Guide·39 reviews·5 photos 4 weeks ago Dine in | Brunch | £30–40 Bit overpriced for what you get . But tasty …More Julia King 39 reviews·3 photos 2 years ago Dog friendly. Lovely lady brought a bowl of water over without us having to ask. We enjoyed delicious coffee and piece of lemon meringue pie. 1 Donald Kiltie Local Guide·30 reviews·8 photos 2 years ago Visited for the first time today. Very clean , reasonably priced and friendly staff. We only had a breakfast roll and a hot drink each it was really tasty. 1 ORDER ONLINE amanda Jane 5 reviews Brunch | £10–20 1st time visiting. Lady with blonde hair took order then told us it would be a while as they were busy with just eat takeaway orders and only one cook in. Ordered french toast with bacon, and a baked potato with tuna mayonnaise and added extra of cheese. Waited 15 minutes for this food and when it arrived it looked awful. Baked potato was bare, no butter and the tuna mayonnaise piled not on top but to the side. They forgot my cheese, took my plate away and arrived back with a pitiful amount of cheese. The tuna mayonnaise tasted off. So I hardly touched it. The french toast was soggy and bacon burnt. The bill for the above and 2 cans of coke came to £23!! Upon asking for the bill at the counter, the blonde lady went into the kitchen and myself and another customer and a just eat lady heard them all arguing and swearing to each other in the kitchen. No questions were asked if I enjoyed my meal when clearly my plate was returned with the food not eaten. I do not recommend this place at all. Food disgusting, overpriced and the swearing and arguing amongst themselves was a joke to witness/hear.

Great little cafe in Ayr food was excellent staff very friendly and brilliant prices well worth a visit if you are looking for a place to eat 👍

1st time visiting. Lady with blonde hair took order then told us it would be a while as they were busy with just eat takeaway orders and only one cook in. Ordered french toast with bacon, and a baked potato with tuna mayonnaise and added extra of cheese. Waited 15 minutes for this food and when it arrived it looked awful. Baked potato was bare, no butter and the tuna mayonnaise piled not on top but to the side. They forgot my cheese, took my plate away and arrived back with a pitiful amount of cheese. The tuna mayonnaise tasted off. So I hardly touched it. The french toast was soggy and bacon burnt. The bill for the above and 2 cans of coke came to £23!! Upon asking for the bill at the counter, the blonde lady went into the kitchen and myself and another customer and a just eat lady heard them all arguing and swearing to each other in the kitchen. No questions were asked if I enjoyed my meal when clearly my plate was returned with the food not eaten. I do not recommend this place at all. Food disgusting, overpriced and the swearing and arguing amongst themselves was a joke to witness/hear.

Lovely Breakfast had, French toast bacon and syrup ,was very tasty . Others enjoyed their food too. Nice friendly waitress yesterday morning , it was only 0830 so place was empty . Will be back thanks.

Wasn't that busy, service was, slow, seen it being busier and served food quicker. Think just eat takes over at times and forget about people sitting in restaurant waiting on the plus side food was good.

Bit overpriced for what you get . But tasty

Lovely place to eat. Got recommended to come here by the staff at Keepsake in Ayr. Very dog friendly, both dogs had some chicken from the staff which they wolfed down. Lentil soup was tasty and chunky. Jacket potatoes had plenty of filling in it. I would recommend this.

From the outside doesn't look very much, however once inside you could tell it's a local favourite it was busy. Starters were stand your spoon up potato and leek with proper chunks of potato. Main course was baked potato with steak mince. Again great food traditional steak mince in a tasty thick gravy. Forget Subway, KFC and McDonald's, this was traditional good Scottish stick to your ribs food, perfect for a cold breezy day. Happy to return anytime in Ayr.

Great stick to your ribs food, good service good value, you don't need anything more happy to come back again anytime.

went in at 10am for coffee and something to eat place was empty , no hello ,good morning ,nothing ,girl took order ,no talk ,actually wondered if she was unable to speak which i could empathise with ,however this was not the case and it made us feel quite uncomfortable so sorry wont be returning

.... Yummy. We were staying at The Kylestrome where the Restaurant is being refurbished so went to Helen's for breakfast. Loved the choices and food. It's yummy.

Went for Saturday morning breakfast and they even provided breakfast for our pup❤

Lovely breakfast served by Justine who could not have been any nicer only bad thing was guy coming from kitchen and being so rude a total bully to Justine in front of customers

Food was nice enough, although maybe verging on the expensive side. Staff could be doing with some training on customer service…..sullen and uninterested youngsters. Think it’s the first time I’ve ever been served with neither a word nor response from the waiting staff. Wasn’t even acknowledged when I said thanks as I left. Rude!!

Nice & relaxed.not rushed at all.gluten free good.

been in ayr loads of times,and never spotted Helen's.don't know why we haven't seen it.we were in need of a sit down and some light refreshment.it certainly catches you out when you enter.first thing was the background music,low enough so you didn't have to raise your voice.waitress showed us to our table.the restaurant is small enough to be cosy,not cramped. rhe waitress was very nice and helpful.we ordered two coffees,one tea and a scone for greedy guts me.the waitress brought our order and asked if i wanted any jam with my scone,nice touch.i can only say that we were entirely happy with what we had ordered,the staff were really nice and helpful.everything was spick and span,will definately be returning

Noticed the prices have gone up this is understandable. I can’t fault the food and service. I was charged £6.50 for a pot of tea (2 tea bags) + a jug of hot water . I asked the waitress and she said it was correct and just to confirm I phoned the next day and was told it £2 for a cup of tea or £6.50 for a pot for 2 people. I certainly wouldn’t go back with those prices.

1st and last! Two women viewing a full wedding video, loud, and the staff refused to address it. When I told the waitress I was going to have a dessert but not with that noise, she just said "mmm" and obviously couldn't careless. Food was OK, service, put it this way no tip was given and atmosphere was ruined by staff afraid to challenge. Not my venue, so I hoped the staff would have done their jobs. Seriously hopeless and paid £32 for the privilege!

Fantastic meals . Friendly staff. Dog friendly

Found this place last year on my Scottish holiday and up in these parts again . I can honestly say that this is best Scottish breakfast I have come across, the absolute business. Very friendly proprietor and staff. A little gem of a place.

The place was very clean, I couldn't fault it. Found it to be a bit overpriced, ordered 2 cheese and ham pannis a coffee, and a can of coke £20.85.

Friendly, good service. Lovely food. Cash only

A very cosy wee place please ty on the menu to choose from

Good restraunt. Good food served fast. Good service.

My sister and I had our breakfast at Helen's. The food and service was excellent and also was great value for money 💰.

A hidden gem in Ayr food was fantastic freshly cooked good portions I loved the potato scone stack ! Great value for money staff were friendly service was good happy to recommend

A hidden gem in Ayr food was fantastic freshly cooked good portions I loved the potato scone stack ! Great value for money staff were friendly service was good happy to recommend

Lovely place and they just love doggy,s they gave my lola a bowl of chicken and bowl of water not many places do that staff were so nice and the roll on sausage tattie scone was superb

Lovely staff. For the price of mince and so badly done roast potatoes ,morrison bought apple pie with tasted like Morrison's savers custard. £20 I have been going to Helens restaurant for a number of years and was very dissapointed . So sad that they have made cut backs on great food ,but not on the price. I could here ding ding from the microwave as i was sitting near the resturant door. Would rather go to the chippy next time.😝

Been going here for years and yesterday was a big dissapointment. Waitress was lovely but food not great,mince ok roast potatoes were black 😝 pudding apple pie and custard was savers range from morrison, no taste, you would think at the prices and given they have a chef it would be fresh cooked food.pot of custard not hard to make. I was sitting outside kitchen door and i could hear ding from a microwave. Bottle of water £2 Sorry but wont return in a hurry, would rather go to geggs 😜

What a quaint little place. Got such a warm welcome from waitress who explained daily specials, when she took my order even asked if I wanted my hot drink right away or with my lunch, thoughtful touch. My homemade lunch consisted of steak pie, chips, cabbage and carrots all piping hot and tasty. The veg especially was perfect. Top quality ingredients and plenty of it, glad I only ordered half portion as I even struggled to finish that, fabulous. Had to follow up with fresh meringue, yummy. So glad to see it is also dog friendly as they just brighten up any location. You can just tell all the staff take great pride in their establishment they just excell in their roles. Cannot wait to return.

Portions are so large that I have to ask for kids size for me. Also cash only which I prefer.

Lovely atmosphere and friendly staff. Also excellent value for money. It’s like eating your favourite home cooked meals out. The helpings are more than adequate ( even the half portions) and it’s dog friendly

Slimmers breakfast was lovely.very pleasant staff very fair price.

Superb wee restaurant. Quite a quirky location stuck down a wee lane BUT Absolute diamond of a find. Got to say one of the best cooked breakfasts you will find anywhere in Scotland. Will definitely return and would highly recommend to anybody who is visiting Ayr. The service is excellent, the food is 10/10, and the prices are incredibly reasonable. The only thing I would make you aware of is take cash. The day we were there it was cash only, though I'm not sure if that was a normal thing or not.

I enjoyed the lovely bowl of soup it was nice and thick, the staff were nice .

Food is lovely and staff are very welcoming and customer services very good defo would recommend to go for something to eat.

Service awful people got there food before us and they came after us wait for a hour.

Lovely hidden little café off the high street. Dog friendly as well.

I have here a couple of time and find it clean and tidy service with a smile, will be visiting next time I'm in Ayr.

I found Helen's quite by accident after spending the morning alonh the promenade and beach. I was delighted and when I visit Ayr again, this will definitely be on my list to visit again. My meal was perfect, the brown bread with my breakfast was delicious and my coffee was spot on! The only minor thing is they are a cash only establishment for which I'll be prepared for the next time I visit. Fortunately I scraped together all the coins I had and just managed to cover my meal and a wee tip. Fabulous place!

Helen's restaurant was an excellent place to eat. I ordered the 9 piece breakfast where you order 9 of whatever you want. The food was cooked fresh & hot, the staff were pleasant and on top of their game, and it's a quaint cheap & cheerful place for a quick snack or a 3 course meal. Awesome stuff.

Lovely food, good portions, and staff are always helpful.

Clean, friendly and great food at a very reasonable price. Coffee was excellent as was the build your own breakfast. Highly recommended.

Avoid this restaurant, very rude staff and food was not fit for human consumption

Nice little cafe hidden away great for a cozy breakfast or lunch

Lovely wee place, good food, great service, we weren't rushed or anything☺️

Staff very friendly and polite. Food freshly cooked when ordered. Would definetley recommend a visit if in Ayr.

Popped in for breakfast nice staff and food was good

Visiting Ayr for the first time on holiday. Looking for somewhere dog friendly for lunch and came across Helen's. Friendly welcome especially for doggo! She's provided with free water and chicken pieces on arrival. Nice surprise for all of us. Ordered from their 2 course special menu. Food fresh and quick service! Recommend everything. Beautifully decorated and sparkling clean. 5 stars aren't really enough. Faultless!! Hopefully be back later this week!!

We used to go to Helens place most Saturdays not been to been to Ayr for nearly 4 years it was great can highly recommend the haddock and chips veg tea bread and butter.it was lovely.

Breakfast was spot on good price (compared to others) cleared our plates

Great breakfast, service was great and very helpful and polite

Service not friendly, food and coffee was average.

The staff are very welcome and friendly and dog 🐕 friendly

Great feed 👌 but need a lay on the couch noo 😉

Breakfast was amazing staff was amazing

Beautiful delicious food good ever time we order. Order chicken and rice, lasagne and chips

the service is very friendly as always.very clean food&drunk amazing.staff amazing.chatty.helpful.well manard.hard working.compliments to them&the cook.toilets clean.love that its dog friendly.prices for food&drink great.love their specials board&seeting.would highly recommend this place.thanks everyone.i will be back.staff always working hard&asking you if everything is ok.

Had a fabulous breakfast today when in town. 9 items all cooked to perfection 🥰 fried egg,mushrooms, tattie scone, pancake,black pudding, hash brown, sausage ,bacon and 2 slice of brown toast and pot of tea. Wife had similar 9 items and milkshake for only £19.25p would definitely recommend here staff very helpful even got another half glass of milkshake free as waitress made too much

What a gem of a place. Food amazing, great value for money and staff very friendly.

Best breakfast I've had in a long time x

I had 1/2 portion steak pie, hubby had chicken rice soup & steak pie , big portions & delicious , definately be back soon😋

Came upon this hidden gem of a cafe whilst looking for a dog friendly cafe in Ayr. We were 4 adults and a mini dachshund and were made to feel very welcome. The staff were wonderful, attentive and friendly and even brought our little dog a bowl of cooked chicken!!! The food was tasty and competitively priced - wouldn't hesitate to recommend "Helen's Cafe" to anyone!

Food was lovely, excellent portion sizes

Great little find. Food tasty. Place was clean and staff attentive and helpful. Will be returning

Food is amazin plus the chef is so gorgeous hahaha 😍 xxx

Great wee restaurant. Very good food, plenty of choices and not expensive. Would definitely recommend Helen's to anyone.

Very good prices and very nice staff! Please do note that they only take cash but there is a ATM only up the street. Hidden away but glad we found it!

A little gem down a close Dog friendly Clean well priced great food with well portioned sizes as well as friendly and helpful staff

Dogs welcomed food great staff very friendly and attentive cafe clean and tidy a very relaxing lunch with family

Great food good price and great service well done

Not easy to find but we were made very welcome and enjoyed soup and toasted teacake (so good Steve had a second perfectly toasted and buttered teacake)

Love the meals here & the only thing i can say is you get too much to eat i never can finish it but always a treat. 👍

Visited for the first time today. Very clean , reasonably priced and friendly staff. We only had a breakfast roll and a hot drink each it was really tasty.

Nice pleasant service, really made welcome. Food excellent and plenty of it.highly recommended 👌

Great wee place for a bite to eat

Great food @ great prices n real friendly staff

Enjoyed the three course Xmas Dinner and it was beautifully presented. The staff were lovely and very attentive. Will definitely be back soon

Visiting Ayr as part of a holiday we was pointed in the direction of the cafe by a local shop keeper. Its hidden away slightly down an alley which makes the cage a true 'hidden jem'. We had the steak pie, chips and veg. A full plate of food was presented as well. The cafe has a lovely atmosphere although on a small side. The staff are friendly and welcoming. Service is excellent. We will definitely be eating here again when next in Ayr. * not sure if it was just on the day of our visit but cash only.

Super cosy- lovely home cooked food. Staff are lovely too ❤

Dog friendly. Lovely lady brought a bowl of water over without us having to ask. We enjoyed delicious coffee and piece of lemon meringue pie.

The slimming breakfast I had was great. Poached eggs were perfect, toast great, beans, grilled bacon and mushrooms..... They had a wonderful amount of breakfast options....the menu in general was fantastic. Great variety. The service was very polite and we only haven't been before due covid and my many health issues in the past 18 months. We live locally and would highly recommend.

Was in with my sister for a coffee n toastie was very good,and girl who served us was very nice x

Staff were nice but prices were overpriced

Great breakfast very reasonable priced.

Nice settings.. lovely breakfast.. Excellent service ... Shall go again

Had slimmers breakfast was excellant

What a lovely lunch and excellent service

Ordered two breakfast with toast I asked for brown bread to be toasted they brought white instead when the brown did come out my husband was already through half of his order there was no beans no mushrooms the capaccino was overflowing could not pick the cup up

Hidden Gem, dropped into this place the other day, opted for the Scottish breakfast, fried egg, links, black pudding etc. Absolutely delicious, beautifully presented on a HOT plate, comes complete with tea and toast. The place was busy, but the service was fairly quick, and the waitresses were polite and cheery. Nice to see good Scottish dishes on the main menu, mince, steak pie, and they do specials as well with stovies or haggis wrapped in chicken. The restaurant was bright and clean, the toilets were spotless. The current Covid rules were being observed by both staff and customers. Will definitely be back to try the steak pie !

Very disappointed with Scottish breakfast. Very small egg which was too hard, bacon too salty tattie scone too dry half a tomato and black pudding which was inedible. Two horrible links I thought it would have been a square sausage. I’m sorry now I never complained !!!!

Went into get a breakfast last Saturday morning, it was nice and cosy, the staff were all very friendly and helpful and the breakfasts came with coffee and toast included and as we were in before 11am it only cost £9.95 for the 2 breakfasts.. Helen's is definitely worth a visit