The Mermaid Kitchen & Bar in Coleraine

After I ate the fish grill mix, I felt very bad. One ingredient was definitely no longer fresh and my stomach was upset! Service was also strange because a new person served us every time. If you don't want to get food poisoning, don't go there.

Mermaid is a fabulous restaurant serving great food but perhaps my most favourite seafood restaurant in Ireland. It’s worth the effort to make your way to the North Coast of Northern Ireland to enjoy the food and explore the fantastic coast line. Enjoy

Restaurant agréable sur le port de Portsrush. On s'y sent plutôt bien et la nourriture est satisfaisante et bien présentée. Personnel sympathique.

Fantastic night celebrating my daughters birthday. The ambience, food and service was excellent. Big shout out and special thanks to Gerald McQuilken who took care of us all and made everything perfect. Highly recommend.

Our previous experience (a couple of years ago) was really negative but what a turnaround!! They have now got the most professional team of people working there. We were welcomed and they were really engaging and attentive. We weren’t at all rushed. Food was lovely too and worth what we paid. We will definitely be regulars here 🥰

Had a fantastic meal at the Mermaid Kitchen and Bar in Portrush with my wife. The seafood cocktail and baked trio of scallops we had for starters were both fresh and full of flavor. The highlight though was the Mermaid sharing sirloin for two, cooked to perfection and paired with delicious Patata Bravas. The staff were very friendly, attentive, and really made the evening even more enjoyable. Overall, the food, atmosphere, and service were spot on. Definitely a spot worth visiting if you're in the area!

The new Mermaid leaves me with a mixed review, the food was excellent, portion size good but a little overpriced for what it is. Starter of salt and chili tiger prawns was lovely although lacking a little in chilli and salt. A penne pasta dish that would have fed two (normally complain too small!) and a cod dish to die for, overshadowed by a bill for 1 starter 2 main and 1 side , pint and cocktail for £85. Quite expensive imo. But- atmosphere was good if not a little noisy for some from the bigger groups, we walked in to town around 8 and got a table straight away on Friday evening. Our servers were excellent (Ghal I think) and very attentive. Would recommend and return.

My recent visit to The Mermaid in Portrush left me with mixed feelings. While the restaurant has a lovely atmosphere, the dining experience was overshadowed by the ridiculously overpriced food, which did not match the standard or portion sizes we expected. For a meal that cost £105.95 (without alcohol - only two cokes) for two people, the value simply wasn’t there. The ambiance was one of the few highlights of the evening. The setting was warm and inviting, with lovely views. However, the portions were small, and while the food itself tasted quite nice, it was nowhere near justifying the hefty price tag. The lobster pasta, for example, was flavorful but minuscule and certainly not worth the price. Thankfully, the evening was somewhat salvaged by a kind waiter who offered a refund for the lobster pasta after seeing our dissatisfaction. While this gesture was appreciated, it couldn’t fully make up for the poor value we felt overall. It felt wrong to pay those prices for those portions. The prices at The Mermaid simply don’t reflect the experience or quality provided. In conclusion, if you're drawn to The Mermaid for its lovely atmosphere, be prepared to pay a premium for food that, though tasty, doesn’t warrant the steep cost. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend it based on this experience.

The food was excellent! The cocktails are very good (the guys have a clue). However, for our taste it is very loud in the restaurant.

This is the first time I've eaten at the mermaid. It was a lovely experience. Service was great. Food perfection and staff really attentive. A particular mention to Nicola (junior supervisor). This young woman is a definite asset to your team. She was a perfect example of how to make a meal into a great dining experience. Thankyou

I booked The Mermaid for a friend and myself for a Saturday night. We could not hear ourselves speak for the noise the tables were too close together and the food is overpriced. I will not be back.

First visit to the Mermaid, chosen mainly because of positive recent reviews. I had friends visiting from Scotland and requested a nice table. We were not disappointed and were gifted a harbour view, extremely appealing menu matched by the quality of the food (we chose steak and seafood) and staff that are a cut above all other restaurants in Portrush in terms of attentiveness and detail. Special shout out to Gerald, the manager, who introduced himself and asked if my guests had enjoyed their meal.Classy touch to make it known that comments in a booking are read and if possible, actioned. I could not fault this place and have been telling everyone how impressed I am. You deserve a treat…..book a table!

Weather was fantastic the day we went, lovely setting, newly renovated, with lovely views over the coast. Unfortunately the food was very poor, fish stew was salty and bland, was basically a bowl of broth and 2 slices of bread. Pork chop was inedible and got sent back. Salt and chilli prawns we mainly salt and trio of scallops were certainly not worth £13!!! I won’t be going back when there’s so many other restaurants to try!

Almost don't want to write this review as it will make it harder to get a booking but The Mermaid is now back as probably the best fish restaurants in Northern Ireland. We've eaten here twice in last fortnight and both times it's been truly exceptional. They have a new menu, new staff and new managers and it shows! The cooking is really high end, but relaxed, the quality of the fish is superb, they have a new head bar man called Soorya, and his cocktails and drinks presentation are world class. Lovey buzzy atmosphere and great views. Go, if you can get a booking!

So great to see this establishment back to greatness again.... we had the best pintxos, cod and pork!! Really nowhere comes close so get it booked folks!!

My partner and I had been waiting patiently for the re launch of this amazing restaurant and as we fully expected it was worth the wait! The menu is sublime with so many amazing dishes to choose from! I would highly recommend the dishes that we had on this occasion. The sharing starter of mussels were divine! For main I had fillet of Beef Rossini and my Wife had the Chorizo spiced chicken! Two stunning dishes! Special mention to Aaron he made us feel very welcome and his service and his attention to detail throughout the evening were exemplary! Delighted to have the Mermaid back! Thanks Ramore

I am not someone who is particularly fussy as to what a restaurant will serve . The basics are a given - reasonable food , reasonably priced and well served. This evening the “Mermaid” in Portrush threw a hand grenade into that construct. I can safely say without fear of contradiction the staff in this place haven’t a clue about customer service . I’m all for people learning- that’s to be expected. However in this place they haven’t been trained at all. I won’t be back which is something that disappoints me because I know because instinctively I know things will never be better

I went to the Mermaid last night, not realising it had just relaunched with a new menu and I think it had a mini re-furb. We have ate here many times before and I must say this was the best experience I've ever had. I had the mussels with were incredible - we have already booked in again for a Sunday Roast! Highly recommend trying out the new menu.

Fantastic family meal in the mermaid. The new menu has some great additions. Highlights for us included the crab rosti / pancetta & prawn spring rolls / amalfi lemon and pepper prawns / mussels in a Thai coconut broth (delicious!) The dessert menu is really tempting - apple and rhubarb crumble was to die for and the baked alaska seemed popular! My wife raved about the Spicy Avocado Margaritas - the best she’s ever tasted. Food, service, drinks and views across Portrush can’t be beaten! Would definitely recommend!

The new Mermaid menu is a total game changer for dining out on the North Coast. The menu is mainly fish based, but there are also other tasty options available. We had a selection of different starters, all went down a treat, the Lobster Rosti, Prawn and Chorizo Gumbo, and Scallop St Jacques en-croute were worthy of a mention. The fish mains were all cooked to absolute perfection, and the accompaniments on the plates and the sides dishes only added extra enjoyment to our meal. We had a couple of desserts, a chocolate plate and the Apple and Rhubarb crumble. All the courses had generous portions and we left the restaurant well satisfied with our overall experience. Oh and the views alone are worthy of a visit.

Mermaid sets the bar high. Food and views to die for. We had one of the best meals we’ve had anywhere for a very long time in Mermaid. The menu was vast and covered every possible option anyone could possibly want. Whilst it was mostly fish focused it had meat and vegetarian plates available. We started with a plate of Pintxos to share and a Lobster Rosti and a Crab Rosti. The Rostis were out of this world and highly recommended. I opted for a steak which was cooked to absolute perfection and was so juicy and tender accompanied by smashed garlic fries. The others all had various fish dishes. The Roast Hake with curried mussel cream got a solid 10/10 from my better half. I can’t remember what fish dishes the others had but the comments were all very favourable. The empty plates spoke for themselves. We had a selection of desserts, Arctic Roll, which was a real blast from the past, and Apple and Rhubarb crumble with creme anglaise and iced cream were memorable. The cocktail menu was original and extensive and my wife thoroughly enjoyed the avocado and chilli margarita. Service was what was to be expected from a restaurant of this calibre. Prices were very reasonable for the quality of what we had. The views from the panoramic windows overlooking Portrush harbour, the beach and coastline were just like a postcard. Some seriously good food to be had in this place along with a great ambience.

I am loving the new menu in Mermaid! Fantastic fish options with lots of selection to suit every taste. I was with friends from England and they were blown away with the tasty food, great ambiance and excellent service! I highly recommend the new menu in Mermaid - absolutely delicious

Been a while since we've been and will be even longer before we go back. 45mins we waited for service and only because we got up and asked. Then asked again and again..woeful and the food was terrible.

I was part of a large group of about 40 people on a Saturday night. Staff where very friendly and efficient and very capable of handling the large number. It was a set menu which included shared starters which I’m not usually keen on. But ! It was really nice with 4 different dishes coming out with plenty for everyone at the table. I ordered rump steak and it was very nice. Desert was a selection on a platter and again was very nice. On the whole a very nice experience.

Avoid!! Was dining here on Friday night with 7 other family members. Having been to the restaurant many times over the years it is a sad fact the place has gone downhill dramatically. Not all mains arrived together. Those that did were missing sides and by time these arrived my family members had already finished their burgers! Kids meals came out missing sauces and other sides that were advertised on the menu as being served with the kids meals. When eventually my chicken arrived (after all others at the table had finished eating) it was freezing. I sent it back and the kitchen prepared a new one. It was rushed however and chicken came out pink! I simply couldn’t eat it and by time stage my appetite had left me! Will never be back. Ramore restaurants used to be wonderful but sadly this seems to be a running theme across Neptune and prawn (last two meals bad there) and the wine bar was poor food last time I was there in April. In a nutshell I won’t be back.

Quite disappointed with the food, service and pricing. The food was average, missing the wow factor. We had to remind our waiter several times to complete the drinks and side orders. Risotto was bland and lacked flavour. My daughter ordered fish and chips, nothing exceptional bar the price, £19. We live locally but won't be rushing back.

I am sad to say our experience was not that great.. we had a hard time being able to order.. and after we did it took 45 minutes to receive our food.. and it was busy and a lot of dirty tables but if they are short staffed the owner should have a look at that.. Needs a little. TLC

Usually I avoid the ramore collective but Mum loves the Harbour and when they couldn't fit us in, the lady recommended the Mermaid and gave them a quick call to see if they had a seat. I have to say, Im glad we gave it a go! We were greated by friendly staff, our food arrived quickly and all six of us enjoyed our meals. The cocktails were lovely and staff efficient and friendly. The restaurant itself was a bit loud and we we were placed in a booth, which isnt comfortable and lacked any view, which is of course, a major pulling factor, but its luck of the draw I suppose. We would definitely try the Mermaid again, but hopefully avoid the booths next time.

Never had a bad meal before but today was poor all round Started off with a warm glass of white wine (had to go to the bar and get ice cubes even after asking our waiter) Salt n chilli prawns which we love were very over salted And then our mains especially the rump steak again well over salted and not the quality we are used to at the Ramore complex.... Staff not interested in getting more drinks etc.... Sorry but it will be a while before we're back 🥺

We stopped here for lunch in Apr23 (and booked beforehand) - There were 8 or us. Booking is advisable - or join the queue outside and wait for a table. You order at the bar and then sit back at your table and wait for your food and drinks. All in all, it was OK. However, some food did not arrive and some was not hot. We asked for our money back for unserved food. It is clearly popular with many.

Can honestly say this was one of the most disappointing meals of my life. Requested a booth table if possible via the app 1 month in advance, explaining one member of our party of 5 was 85 years old. However not to be, every booth was taken, bit disappointing but luckily our 85 year old is quite sprightly and didn’t mind sitting in the middle of the restaurant, although she had to wipe clean her seat before she sat down. No matter, we ordered a trio of breads to start with, only to be told they didn’t have any left, not a big deal as this was only to nibble on but unfortunately this was not the last time in this order we were let down by shortages. Three of our party ordered fish, the other 2 ordered starters as their main course, happily obliged by the friendly and attentive waiting staff. And here’s were it really went downhill - the 3 fish dishes were cooked and sent to the table, it was at this point the kitchen saw fit to dispatch a poor waitress to deliver the news that they didn’t have any goats cheese left. This is totally unacceptable, but seemingly standard practice here if you read other reviews. So while our meals were ready and sitting on the table, at that point my sister had to choose an alternative. She was more gracious than I would have been and ordered a Caesar salad, well what a joke that was. Wish I had taken a picture - was an inflated pitta pocket with a hole cut in the top to display 4 pieces of little gem lettuce like a miserable bouquet of flowers, and for the princely sum of £4.50, at least Dick Turpin wore a mask! As for the Peking duck, it was so dry and over cooked it was like eating leather. The grilled fish dishes were nicely cooked, however not served with char veg as advertised, and the fish and chips was a very decent portion, however the mushy peas were also absent, unless that’s what the thin green smear on the plate was meant to represent. Could not fault the waiting staff, between Tai and Antonio they were so sweet and helpful, but you go to a restaurant for the food and no amount of good service from waiting staff can make up for the kitchen’s failings. Justin the manager could not have been nicer and graciously removed the duck from our bill, but there are some serious problems here and I doubt any of our party will be back any time soon, it’s too expensive to be so below par.

Service good . The food quality had declined considerably . Food was served cold and not cooked as requested. Sides came way after mains delivered.

RUBBISH!!!! Went there last weekend and had to wait 30 mins for a table even after though I had originally booked a table and waited for almost an hour for our food and when the bill came it was completely wrong!!! The waiters were rude and didn’t seem interested!!!! Don’t expect me to set foot into your doors ever again!!!!

Good food but service was a bit slow for us

Food was delicious, experienced servers were pleasant & efficient. New servers offering salmon when the dish ordered & the dish being served was actually cod. They got a bit confused at times. Big bug bear for me was they didn’t serve caffeine free coffee.

Wouldn't say it was the best lunch ever. Portion for the price was a bit disappointing. Could do with a new potato supplier

Dirty quite early during the day Service is not so friendly

The restaurant is in a beautiful location however the service and food were lack luster on their best day. In the span of two hours we were only able to get one order for drinks in after flagging someone down. On multiple occasions we asked for drinks for the table and never received them. Some food came out within minutes and for the remaining 5 dishes it took over an hour for the rest of food. Each time we asked for something we were treated like it was an inconvenience. The food itself was equivalent to airplane food and on multiple occasions they brought out the wrong order. The food is by no means worth the obscene cost. We would have been better off ordering take out from Dominos down the street and I recommend Dominos ten fold over this poor excuse for a restaurant.

We were recommended Ramore by friends and unfortunately it didn’t live up to expectations. Staff were rude from the offset and we felt very unwelcome. Didn’t want to make a fuss but found a hair in my food - food was actually good until that point but that was off putting. Also it was misleading as on the website it said two courses for £19.95 but that wasn’t available, and then another sign in the restaurant said 20% off food and that also wasn’t on… think that needs to be looked into in the future.

The restaurant is in a beautiful location however the service and food were lack luster on their best day. In the span of two hours we were only able to get one order for drinks in after flagging someone down. On multiple occasions we asked for drinks for the table and never received them. Some food came out within minutes and for the remaining 5 dishes it took over an hour for the rest of food. Each time we asked for something we were treated like it was an inconvenience. The food itself was equivalent to airplane food and on multiple occasions they brought out the wrong order. The food is by no means worth the obscene cost. We would have been better off ordering take out from Dominos down the street and I recommend Dominos ten fold over this poor excuse for a restaurant.

It started badly with the meter and greeter completely ignoring us and serving his friends who were behind us in the queue. Then went a little further downhill when every person at the table was told that something they wanted to order was off the menu. Serving off the shelf vacuum packed Parma ham as iberico ham at £15 a pop for a starter is out of order, and I like mash, but that much mash!! The one redeeming thing was our waitresses, who were excellent. Given this is by the same people as the Bistro. It is worlds apart.

Awful don't waste your time or money. Service is shocking and you're not allowed to question it as the manager cannot cope with you telling him that the food it cold, has a hair in it and some of it never arrived! He will tell you that you don't have to shout despite the fact that you never raised your voice! 7 orders only 5 arrived, waiting staff were unable to tell what was medium and what was rare in the beef, neither could we, it was all cold and gravy was congealed and a teaspoon in each pot. No carrots or yorkshire puddings and the cauliflower cheese was cremated. One of the meals had a hair included as garnish. Have been many times and recently was warned standards had slipped but gave it the benefit of the doubt honestly have never witnessed worse in my life, will not be back and ramore restaurants need to sort out their businesses before they lose all customers. The manager in the mermaid needs to go on a management course or find a job not as a manager he has no idea what customer service is and get defensive when customers ask a question is no way to do your job.

Trendy seafood restaurant with scenic ocean views, cocktails, and fancy presentations. Drinks were a bit pricey, and it was clearly popular on a Saturday night. The menu is a fixed two-course starter & main, and the starters were delicious. Waitstaff was accommodating but busy. Our order of grilled fish got mixed up with the sauce (I ordered Hollandaise but got Pesto), but the kitchen was able to sort it out quickly.

The only disappointment l had was there was the menu on offer was a two course for £29.95. I had checked the menu on line and there was no mention of this change. So no seafood thermadore. Having said that l had an excellent meal.

Incredible food and service on our most recent visit to the mermaid! The mermaid Thermidor dish never disappoints. Place was buzzing and staff were great. Can’t wait to go back.

We read a few pretty poor reviews before visiting but I have to say the whole experience was seamless! Great and attentive service and lovely food! No complaints!

Night starter well enough then took a turn for the worst after plates had been removed from start not one staff member came near our table for the next hour, more customers came and order got their food all three courses paid and left and we still didn't receive any food nore and help from the staff while are server took his break 10 mins after our order was then told that the kitchen had a mix up and food would be 5 mins 20 min later the food came is was ok nothing to get excited for.

Food was cooked to perfection portions enough if having starters or a dessert bit mire costly but service excellent couldn't fault anything

Staff were all very pleasant and helpful, lovely that even the chefs waved us goodbye and thanked us. Their food was excellent!!

My first visit to the Ramore group, having avoided since the rat bashing incident in the wine bar in 2019. I decided to give the Mermaid a chance, as that was quite a while ago, but having waited 85 mins from our booking time to getting our food - one dish which was cold and clearly sitting for ages - we will definitely not be back. 25 mins to be seated, food arrived an hour after seating. Cocktails were watery, having sat for a while before serving. Sides and cutlery we had to ask for. While waiting to be seated downstairs, asked for cocktail menu and they told us cocktails were served in the bar across the road. Based on the reviews I’ve just read, this is a common problem. The waiting staff were doing their best to keep up, but the restaurant seemed massively overbooked and chaotic.

It was great. Food was amazing. It's a very busy place so can be quite loud. Staff were lovely, still smiling under the pressure of a busy night, can't fault the service we received.

If u read some of the reviews about the Mermaid u would not go However with some trepidation we booked. The greeting was great, view across port from table super and we had a menu and drinks on the way within a couple of mins, all in all good start. After order the food was delivered quickly. Without going into detail all of the food had a high standard of presentation and quality was good. Highlight was fish and chips. Cod was clearly fresh and lightly battered cooked to perfection. I could not finish all mine. Just too much. Rrstaurant was packed with not a spare table. All in all impressive for high season. I would definately go again.

Started of decent with the duck starter but quickly went downhill from there. Had to ask when was our mains due, to which they had forgot about. Steak came out raw instead of medium, chips were not cooked and my wife's fish was cold. Sent steak back and it was very poor when it came back. Paying nearly £30 for a steak, this should be classified as a restaurant but its more like a below standard diner. The young staff on the floor were excellent and apologised, but no general manager came over, but I didn't expect less from the Ramore group. If there was a restaurant/diner for dogs I wouldn't send my dog there, she is more classy than that!!

Very good food, one could see the touch of a chef who cares, fresh ingredients, great location, will definitely be back.

Starter and dessert were nice. Main course was average. Service was terribly slow. Milk was curdled and sour with our coffee. Got a replacement milk for coffee and was assured it was fresh milk this time. Same thing happened again, curdled clumps of milk in our coffee. Definitely not fresh. Got them removed from our bill, but still a very slow dissapointing experience.

Did not enjoy are food here at all. The menu was not to are liking tbh. Food an drink very overpriced, £8.95 for a desert is the must expensive we've experienced. Staff were great though or would have given 1 star i would avoid here an not be back, the window view was the only positive part of the evening.

Extremely overpriced. Have been here before once quite a while ago and remember thinking at the time “I probably won’t be back here” but through lack of other options we ended up back there this evening and the food is just so expensive for what you get. I’m all for fine dining and happy to pay high prices for inventive, creative, perfectly cooked dishes, but this is just really small portions of pretty average food. The desserts are £8.95 for no more than a bit of basic cheesecake or pie on a plate with a scoop of ice cream on the side. The service wasn’t great tonight either but I don’t typically like to comment on service after only one negative experience as places can have off-nights, but we waited a really long time for both food and drinks despite arriving before it was busy and a few tables around us did complain. Prices need cut by about 30% and management needs to shake up the staff and it could be great.

On Sunday I Took my family out as a treat for birthday and our meal was very disappointing, our starters were very good but when it came to main course, firstly they didn’t have a great vegetarian option, one of my daughters took a beetroot burger, which was disgusting, like rubber definitely not made in house, her meal came minus the cauliflowers cheese which we had to ask for, it was very mushy and discoloured, I didn’t know what it was when I first looked at it and couldn’t eat it. On the plus side I had salmon and it was cooked perfectly. we had no cutlery on table so I I had to take some from another table, as the staff just set our starters down and walked off. We have been to this restaurant a few times and had good food and service but don’t think we’ll be back

Food was great but everything else was horrendous. Late to table, no drinks order for 45mins, missing main meal, I could go on. I understand places are under staffed but the company needs to make this reflect on the amount of tables available.

Amazing staff and food was amazing I would highly recommend

My first visit.not my favourite menu.a bit too fancy for me

Cracking food and didn't cost an arm and a leg. Good views of the coast. Will be back.

We ordered the shredded chilli chicken sharing starter between two people which was really tasty and very filling - probably the highlight of our meal. Followed by chilli beef penne and peppered chicken, both very nice as well. They were working at a reduced menu due to covid. You ordered through a QR menu, which meant the service wasn’t just as great as waiters rarely came near us. We also found our table to be uncomfortably close to another couple next to us.

Shockinly over priced poor small portions loud music place was like a cattle market never ever be back here much nicer food at half the price around the Northcoast. Shame on the owner digging their arm Into people especially at this time when money and jobs are tight.. if u haven't been b4 don't waste your time just go elsewhere

Hello Mermaid Ramore. What a wonderful place to be and what a great culinary experience. That was on our previous visits. I am afraid. This time around the experience was disappointing to say the least. The service fell well below par - which for a golfing area is surprising! Service was poor, I cannot even describe it as organised chaos. I do not wish to elaborate more on that aspect. It seems futile, I don't think Ramore management would pay any notice anyway (that was our experience on the day). The concept of hospitality seems to have been forgotten after 18 months of turbulent times. The food didn't live up to our expectation and was far from our previous experiences. Would I bother to eat here again? No Having said that,you may but I belive you will not, not consider my feedback. Ignore it at your peril, your recent reviews reflect my sentiments. And to conclude, when I pay short of £90 for 2 courses plus drinks  I expect a dining experience, not a bar meal in a nightclub. Tonight the chaos of the environment  was exacerbated  by the deafening drum and base music. Decide your concept, identify your target dining group - and get it right.

Doesn’t deserve one star, went on a Sunday and ordered 2 of the slow roasted duck breast and was served the 1/2 duck Sunday roast when we said to the server this isn’t what we ordered she said this is the duck breast, clearly it wasn’t she them said o sorry the slow roasted duck instead available on Sunday. She went away and came back and said the kitchen made a mistake and asked if we wanted the slow roasted duck breast. After about 20 mins we got served our meal and they clearly reused the same duck that was previously served to us never have I ever ordered a duck breast to be served as a 1/2 duck after sitting for 50 mins we ate it regardless. When we complained one server walked away and the other just didn’t care. Save yourself the money and go somewhere else this place is a joke and not to mention six pound for a pint. Disgraceful

So disappointed. This is a return visit - we won't be back. I'm in the restaurant now and it's 29 minutes since I ordered my drink. Service is chaotic and disorganised. Sort yourselves out. I can see my sad glass of Prosecco sitting on the counter waiting to be collected by a headless chicken waiter/waitress

We were booked for 7.15 pm and arrived shortly before that and we were told we had to order our meal through the QR scanner which we had not been notified that this was required and we were fortunate that one of our party had this facility on their phone. It had never been mentioned in any of the emails about our booking prior to arrival. At 8 pm we were still trying to place our order in spite of requesting help a couple of times. We were getting hangrier by the minute. The person ordering has done this before but there did seem to be a problem with the system and in the end we had to ask for the Supervisor who then let us order our drinks manually. There should have been instructions on the table how to order via the QR reader as every restaurant seems to have a different method of ordering. We witnessed several other English tourists in the same dilemma who also were allowed to walk about the restaurant without masks and at no time were they told that in Northern Ireland we still have to wear our masks in restaurants when moving around. Also the Supervisor was not wearing her mask. When the meal eventually came it was really good but the evening was spoiled by the complexity of the ordering system and it would have been so much more of an enjoyable experience if we could just have given an order to the staff and received our meal in a timely fashion. If this is going to be the way forward there needs to be better direction and support or are you trying to eliminate a certain age group. I think it is called age discrimination. We are certainly not adverse to having to adapt to new ways of doing things but you do need to give advice and support. We always loved going to The Mermaid as the food was excellent but we have agreed tonight that it may be a very long time before we return if ever.

Arrived at 5pm. Ordered food at 5.10pm starters came cold. No cutlery. Asked for our plates to be lifted. Main arrived at 6.15pm. Will not be back. Terrible service

Disappointed. Only we were in good company and didnt want to complain thats about it. Bad service, doors slamming, waiters not knowing what they were doing or what tables to leave the food. Sweet came before main. Veg came long before steak, total chaos. Wont be back. Far nicer restaurants around at better prices and service

How standard's have slipped! No salt and pepper on the table, didn't get drinks before starters. Missed one set of knife and fork and vodka no lemon and only had 1 ice cube and served in a mixer glass 😡😡😡

We visited The Mermaid tonight after a decent showing in Basalt the previous night. My partner ordered the sirlion, my brother in law the chicken and I the Rump. While both of my companions enjoyed their meals, I unfortunately did not. I was presented with what I thought was a juicy Rump steak only to discover that it was infact the sole of a Doc Marten boot. After trying a couple of different areas of the boot in attempt to find a bit that wasn't tough, I gave up on it. The potatoes and mushrooms were nice enough but obviously not enough to be a satisfying meal. I felt embarrassed when the staff member came over to get the plates to find most of my boot soul and a few bits of attempted pieces of chewed remains sitting on the plate. I left the restaurant hungry and with a sore jaw from chewing.

Food was excellent as usual but overall the visit was a real disappointment. Whole experience really lets the food down, we were really looking forward to coming back for my parents 40th wedding anniversary but it was nothing special. You can’t change anything or make any changes on the menu - less than ideal when you have a person with Autism with you - no idea why they serve the steaks with mash when the standard is chips so you have to pay extra for any changes. Only 3 starters on the app and very small descriptions so hard to know fully what some menu items are, Very little staff interaction as you order only via an app, no one comes over to ask if you meal is ok or clears the plates in a timely manner, although the staff we did interact with were nice. Bathrooms were dirty with toilet roll on the floor, bad smell. Don’t think we will rush back which is such a shame, other restaurants are far better quality.

Beautiful cocktails and stunning views. Loved it.

Only 1 vegetarian option. The vegetarian option also had to have the poppadoms removed as they are fried in the same fryer as the fish. Also were told we couldn't eat the birthday cake we brought as "we don't know what's in it" then why did you provide us with plates for the cake? Will never organise a meal here again.

Great food and even better atmosphere.

OH MY GOODNESS..... SO DISAPPOINTED.... THIS WILL BE A LONG REVIEW !!! So myself and my family visited the Mermaid for the first time during July this year.There was 6 of us. Access was terrible, corridors were cramped with people waiting, people trying to get in , people trying to get upstairs , people trying to leave, all through the same small corridors..no social distancing possible and in my opinion, a fire risk... The menu was via the table scan, BUT there was less than half advertised on their web site actually available and NO vegetarian options!! We were told by the waitress this was due to staff shortage, well I'm sorry they should not have accepted so many bookings, the place was heaving!!!!! We had to fetch our own water and glasses from the bar having waited ages after asking the waitress. We only ordered 2 starters, the duck wraps were great and worth every penny the 5 prawns were very disappointing and not cheap either, there was literally 5 prawns on an undressed plate, no side salad...nothing! As for the mains.... We had to ask for cutlery and napkins as there was insufficient on the table. The vegetarian had to order a chicken pasta without the chicken!!!! 4 of the 6 meals had to go back and be reheated as they were barely warm. Sides of chips were undercooked and cold and had to be replaced. The waitress said Chef agreed !!! So why were they allowed to leave the kitchen????? The other two diners had finished their meals before we received ours back and had to sit and watch us eat. They apologised and yet again said it was due to staff shortage and offered us complimentary desserts as an apology. So there was only ONE dessert available (due to staff shortage) which was a plate of 3 little cakes, mainly chocolate based. So they literally "dumped" two plates on our table of 6, and that was it !!! But I'm guessing they though 6 people- 6 little cakes,one each was enough. So finally the bill ....so checking the bill,the final insult was, THEY CHARGED US FOR THE TWO TINY COMPLIMENTARY DESSERTS, UNBELIEVABLE!! But removed when we pointed it out. Now people who read my reviews know I'm very fair and will always give praise where it's due...I just want good food and good service and I'm very happy to pay for it....BUT the Mermaid have chronic staff problems due to covid "pinging". Well I'm sorry, instead of being greedy, they should not take on so many bookings..this was midweek and it was heaving with guests. My first experience will be my last, next time I'm over in Northern Ireland I will NOT be visiting the Mermaid in Portrush, I will be spending my 200 pounds elsewhere, which is such a shame. Sorry Mermaid.....but there's no excuse for cold food or bad service...not even covid !

First time back in nearly two years and was disappointed. Meals seemed double the price for half the size. A couple of things I tried to order on the already smaller menu weren’t available as they had run out and it was only 5pm. The meal I did get also came with elements missing because of things that had run out but I hadn’t been told this on ordering. Parts of the meal was also burnt. The kids hotdog meal was a huge frankfurter which wasn’t really what was expected. Such a shame as used to enjoy going there.

Loved this restaurant last year. This year very poor. Menu changed - portions smaller and not as tasty. Took 60+ mins for main meal to arrive. Waiting 10+ mins for drinks. Disappointing.

Not bad, food was okay bit overpriced for what it was (tapas), really noisy. Could hardly hear what friends were saying.

Was here last weekend.. definitely couldn't complain about the food, everything was lovely. unfortunately there was absolutely no social distancing applied at all. It was packed. Had it not been so late in the evening i doubt we would have stayed. Had quite a wait on our food but only because it was so busy..

Disappointed, having travelled 35 mls to it. Usually good but on this occasion food was luke warm but re- made when we complained. Service was poor and they were not busy so no excuse. Portions were small. Music inappropriate since we had to shout to our guests, Increasing possibility of spreading droplets! Some places just don't get it. Avoid for time being.

Food is always excellent here. Great atmosphere and the staff very attentive.

Steak over cooked so disappointed.. Heard such great reports of this restaurant..

I decided to visit the Mermaid section with my family and i hate to complain but im more than dissapointed about the food and especilly the service. After our order we didnt recieve our drinks and we have to ask the server twice after getting our main courses ,also the kids meals came well after my and my wife main meal . Our daughter is pesceterian and she only eats fish but no one told us that they had run out of fish and we only found out by the time the server was taking our order and no one had brought us any cutlery at all so we also had to ask for it . When the kids plate had finally arrived the french fries were missing !!! I hadnt had burger in a restaurant for many years but i decided that i will have one this time and it was the biggest mistake because the meat was over-salted and bottom of the bap was so soggy that i couldnt even lift it up . As an experienced chef I have to say that overalI I am disgusted! I dont recomend this place to anyone and i will never come back.

Fantastic food friendly service beautiful surroundings

I arranged a surprise dinner for a 40th Birthday on Saturday 15th August. On entering the building it became clear that it was impossible to maintain social distancing on the stairs and toilets. In fact, to enter the building, you had to get past a queue of people around the door. However as this was a surprise dinner, there was little option but to continue with the evening. The service was extremely poor in that we waited ages for our drink order and then again for our food order to be taken. When the food eventually arrived we had to ask about our side orders. The staff were generally unhelpful and not very friendly. I would strongly advise that you do not go here if you are looking a meal out to chat with friends. The music was extremely loud, therefore people were shouting to be heard. A joke was made that it was like eating in a nightclub. We asked for the music to be turned down, but it wasn't even after a member of staff said they would. I have given 2 stars as the food was good, but I'm afraid everything else took away from that.

Amazing food and fantastic staff

Lovely visit to Portrush over the weekend. Met the wonderful Adel and had a delicious meal. Staff really courteous and welcoming. Would definitely recommend and hope to return in the future.

A nice spot for a bite to eat as long as it is not to busy. Food is good value but don't expect anything amazing

Instead of hake and patatas bravas, I was served cod and chips with tomato sauce. When I questioned the waitress she said 'that's how we do it here' if you don't mind paying £19 for fish and chips you will like it there. Nice service. Shame about the misleading menu. Also the menu on the internet is not accurate.

We love all the Ramore Restaurants

Booked for a family Sunday lunch. Upon arrival asked for vegetarian menu for my daughter we were told there would be options on the main menu. Unfortunately this was not the case. Asked the server who said we could have the roast dinner without the meat - aka veg and potatoes !! Only other option was a meat pasta dish without the meat for which we were charged the same price. Seriously, in this day you would expect to have all dietary requirements catered for. While the food the rest of the party has was perfectly satisfactory, I would suggest to avoid if you are vegetarian.

If u want to go out for a nice meal this is the place to go food was delicious we definitely will call back in again very soon.xx

Very, very tasty food, friendly staff and really nice location

Beautifully cooked food bursting with flavour, well presented and great friendly service. We will be back.

Went as a group of 8 people for a 70th birthday celebration. We were informed at booking, at time of confirmation the day before our booking, and twice on arrival.... FOUR TIMES, we only had the table for 2 hours. Ok, we get it. If this is the case it’s the responsibility of the wait staff and the kitchen to get the food out in a timely manner. After an hour and 15 minutes we still hadn’t all been served our main courses. We had to ask the wait staff if the last two mains were coming. We were told “the chefs are very precise with their presentation”. Well that’s great if you aren’t on the clock! Main course finished, we were not offered a dessert menu. At 1 hour 45mins we asked for a dessert menu only to be informed that we were limited what we could order as we didn’t have time. We were not slow at eating and the manager admitted there was a delay getting out food to us. He offered to refund “a round of drinks” which amounted to a coke, a cider and a Bloody Mary. Wow. I ate my “celebratory” meal with one eye on the clock. I was so conscious that we had to be out, and the staff, wait and chefs did nothing to make sure we had the meal we had hoped for.

The food is delicious and the view is amazing!

Terrible attitude from staff and poor food. The place have gone downhill like nothing else over the past 5 years.

We were actually at the new one above the Mermaid. Basalt, it's a Tapas bar and is not to be missed. Do not expect to to have all your food served at the same time, that's not how tapas works. It comes out when it's ready and it's all about sharing. Try their desserts, I do not usually go for deserts, I did have dessert, unbelievable, the best I've tasted. Don't miss it, it's a must. The bar is exceptional, the staff are just the best.