Avoca

11/6/2016

• 2 check-ins

I *love* Avoca.

It's an Irish store chain that stocks clothes, jewellery, home wares and general lovely cute bits and pieces. They are also well known for their amazing food.

This particular Avoca is ENORMOUS. It's just off the N7 motor way and has plenty of on site parking. There is a large  food area to the left as you go in featuring a deli/bakery/fromagerie/sushi counter/butcher. It's all to take away here but there is a cute little seating area outside at the front of the shop where it's nice to sit on a sunny day.

The shop part itself is lovely and spacious. They stock a lot more products than you'd see at the city centre branch.

There are a further two eateries upstairs, with a lovely big balcony space where you can eat outside with lovely views. I've had a vegetarian antipasti board here and it was completely delicious. Really fresh and full of flavour.

Always worth a look in if you're passing, in my opinion!

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  Lemon Cheesecake

  Lemon Cheesecake
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  Bakewell slice + cappuccino

  Bakewell slice + cappuccino

20/4/2016 Updated review

• 2 check-ins

One of my favorite places for Sunday breakfast, the place is so popular that sometimes you wouldn't even find a place to park.
There are a few reasons why locals like Avoca, first of all it's a relaxed atmosphere, you even see couples with newborn babies and kids there
As for food it's delicious! For breakfast I always order  my  bacon sandwich with scrambled eggs and sausages on the side, the portion is huge, will feed 2.
Staff  is very efficient and friendly. It's not cheap, but it's so worth the price!
They've got 2 food halls and  they've huge range of yummy deserts ! I love their eclairs!(warning! the portion is huge!:)

19/2/2016

• 1 check-in

As we came up to the Newlands Cross Junction Wifey had a brainwave... "lets go to Avoca for Lunch"... not a bad brainwave in fairness.

As we arrived into the car park it became immediately obvious that we were not the only ones with this exact same brainwave and started me wondering if Wifey had inadvertently tapped into some sort of local food based collective concious. I let my family jump out of the car while I started looking for a free parking space, I didn't stop the car, I made them jump out in an A-Team sort of manner, they weren't amused but it looked really cool.

There are several different dining options including a Sushi bar, we got the last table free in the Egg restaurant.

The food was excellent, I went for fish & chips which was perfectly cooked, fresh and tasty, wifey went for the 1/2 rotisserie chicken... it looked amazing and I am told tasted likewise.

The children's menu was well chosen, good value and the portions were huge.

Replete after the meal we wandered around the rest of the vast shop, it has everything from a butchers to clothes section, the selection is vast and not cripplingly expensive (not cheap either mind!).

I tried to get the family to jump into the car through the windows as we left, they refused.

I'll go with someone more fun next time.

20/1/2016

• 1 check-in

I was told great things about this place and I was not let down. It's sort of a weird setting, in that it's almost like a really high level premium motorway services, but it's actually nothing like that once your inside.

We went by the shop and into the restaurant up stairs. I had the most amazing 1/2 chicken rotisserie and Caesar salad I have ever had in my life. Literally on both fronts they were huge, tasty and really high quality.  

Setting is a bit bizarre, but the food was great and the place was mobbed. Service was fast, friendly and efficient: Great lunch that I would be happy to have again.

Once you have finished in the restaurant you can wander round the high end deli/book shop/clothes shop etc etc.

30/8/2015

• Listed in Treat Yourself

Its simply magnificent.

the place itself is lovely and spacious and a nice luxurious way to shop....... they have a wide selection of items to purchase, from jewellery , to books, make up, cosmetics, clothes ,and to cutlery and more!!!!!, all very very expensive of course , hence why this place is simply just a treat or its great for buying gifts.

there are two separate cafes, again expensive enough but gorgeous food and super healthy and the best ingredients so you get what you pay more. the food market is lovely also with a wide range of ingredients to buy , all very dear but all so worth it. I love love it there is a little juice bar too and a little health shop section

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  Liquid lunch

  Liquid lunch
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  Duck leg and poached pear salad

  Duck leg and poached pear salad
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  Cafe

  Cafe
• See all photos from Hazel C. for Avoca

25/6/2015

• 1 check-in

My favourite thing about this place...... its handiness for my drive back west to Clare. After beating the madness of outbound traffic, it's nice to pull in for 20 minutes for a refueling of the body and a rest for the mind.
While not spectacular, I always find the portions generous and mostly tasty. Last time I was here I had the beef bourguignon. Which was spot on for what I required. The sides were as big as the dish but half as tasty which was a shame.
It's handiness will probably ensure I'll be back though!!

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  Beef bourguignon

  Beef bourguignon

2/5/2015

• 9 check-ins

Another great Avoca!

Big selection of Avoca mills' products, great grocers section which is full of fresh produce, Avoca bread and cakes alongside a James Whelan butchers, a sushi counter and a Poulet Bonne Femme (amazing sandwiches here!)

There are two sit down restaurants upstairs. One is self service (Birdcage) but if you order hot food it will be brought to your table. The serve good coffee with cakes, pastries and bread. It can be hard to choose what to get with your coffee. My favourite has to be their baked cheesecakes.

If you go to the sit down restaurant (Egg) I recommend you try their lemonade... It's fab!

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  Porridge with strawberries and maple syrup

  Porridge with strawberries and maple syrup
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  Toasted bread selection

  Toasted bread selection
• See all photos from Sarah S. for Avoca

18/10/2014

• 1 check-in

Great selection of hot food, sandwiches, quiches paired with a range of salads.  Being Avoca, you know it's not going to be cheap... I paid €16.50 for two small fishcakes, two side salads and a drink.  Food is of good quality but not quite the standard of their branches in Malahide or in the city centre.

Very popular for a Friday work lunch given there's not much else around so make sure you get in before 1 pm or else you'll be spending most of your lunch break looking for parking spaces and queueing!

16/9/2015

Love this place, although it can be a bit pricey its worth every penny. The food is just top notch! I frequent here quite often as its close to where i work, they have a takeaway deli and supermarket downstairs and upstairs they have a restaurant or a canteen style food area. I almost always get the rostisserie chicken sandwich (what can i say im a creature of habbit), its amazing and so fresh.

As for the cakes, thats a different story altogether. If your on a diet, avoid avoid avoid. Its like the tree of temptation in there, they all look sooooooooo good. I am quite partial to an avoca caramel square, but my god all the cakes are unbelievable. Just try one, or all of them. you won't regret it.... or maybe you will, but you won't say you didn't enjoy it. Calorific joy!

this place is a must visit!

18/9/2014

• 13 check-ins

• Listed in Best For Coffee

"2nd fav Avoca"
Its all you want under 1 roof. Fresh fruit and veg, excellent butchers, sushi and the usual Avoca fare. I like it here as its bright airy café anf more formal restaurant. Oh bring the wallet as it's not cheap

7/4/2014

• 9 check-ins

I have to give this avoca 5 stars because I cannot think of any negatives.

I usually go to the avoca in kilmacanogue which I love because of the beautiful grounds but stopped off here on my way to horse riding lessons at the cool mine equestrian centre. It was a beautiful sunny day and the view from the outside seated area made up for the lack of gardens to stroll around.

Really enjoyed my butternut squash soup, 3 salads and I always have to have a slice of the seeded brown bread- amazing!

Will be back to sample more of the food.

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  Sitting out on the balcony in the sunshine

  Sitting out on the balcony in the sunshine
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19/3/2014

• 3 check-ins

• Listed in Gifted Ideas

An excellent Avoca.

The only thing I'd knock it for is the price, but you can't knock it for that really. If you know Avoca, you know its a pricey brand. But you get what you pay for and that's quality. Quality foodstuffs. Quality kitchen and clothing wares. Quality customer service. On this occasion the lady behind the deli counter rang the restaurant to see if what I was after could be got from there and she was prepared to go get it for me while I waited.

As a whole this is an impressive Avoca. Lots and lots of parking for the masses that are getting out of dodge. They were very clued in when picking this location at Rathcoole (as they were with their Kilmacanogue shop too).

An excellent place to stop for some sit down food or some take away. It also serves as a great place to pick up a present if you are off down the country for a visit.

Worth a look.

5/3/2015

In my eyes it's one of the best shops around. Clothes, Home wares, Yummy groceries, Butchers, Supplements, it has everything.
If like me your a fan of their breads, I would recommend that you get there as early as possible. Iv been devastated on my last 2 visits to find my favorite has been sold out...

25/11/2015

Food is nice, and an excellent selection from the salad bar. Large enough portion sizes, but expensive for what you get. Manic on a Saturday lunch time, so expect to queue for a bit with your tray waiting for the queue to sludge on.

10/7/2015

• 1 check-in

There should be a sixth star for Avoca! Literally can't say enough good things about the place

21/10/2013

• Listed in Dublin

I hadnt been here for a while and got a craving for it.  The food is delishious and the staff really helpful.  I cant help but stock up in there supermarket/deli before I leave and always leave with a cool gift or item of clothing.  This time my sister was home from Oz and bought a coat.  They did the tax free right in the store so she got her discount immediately and I bought a ring that I dont need.  Great day was had even by the 2 year old.

24/3/2015

After a busy day out I was starving and just happened to google "Dublin best sandwich" and the rotisserie sandwich from Poulet Bonne Femme came up. I wasn't far from the N7 so took a detour to Avoca. The man slicing the famous sandwich meat was in a corner on ground level in the back of the shop.  He advised that the most popular ones, pork crackling and roast beef, had sold out (I landed at about 2:00) but he had lamb, chicken and ham which he generously offered me a sample of each.  Each one was flavourful and succulent.  I chose the honey roast ham because I'm having a sweet tooth at the moment. After choosing the meat, I am still not sure if I was charmed or disappointed by the lack of 'filler' choices and condiments.  One type of bread - sourdough, leaves and mustard or mayo. It was simple although I would have loved some red onion or pickles to dress it up. The sandwich was simply delicious. Top quality meat and homemade fresh bread. The larger deli counter next to the rotisserie man kindly gave me a chunk of cheddar without charge when I asked nicely.  I also bought a huge piece of Italian biscuit cake which was divine. I am taking it from 5* to 4* because I recommend that the people at Poulet partner with the counter one step away to allow customers to add their favourite fillers. My hearty man size sandwich was €6.95 which is only marginally higher than one from a generic chain with inferior ingredients. I would have paid €1.00 more to load it up with some veg and chutneys!  After getting my 'bagged lunch' I went upstairs to the vibrant Birdcage cafe to eat. Great setting and outdoor seating for a warm day

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  Poulet bonne femme sandwich, crisps, water and biscuit cake!

  Poulet bonne femme sandwich, crisps, water and biscuit cake!

21/6/2010 Updated review

• Listed in Coffee in Dublin, Breakfast in Dublin!, Brunch Dublin Style!, Irish food in Dublin., Home interiors & furniture shops in Dublin

Perhaps choosing to drive after traveling for over 24 hours was not the brightest choice.

But I figured a power nap in the fetid shamrock plane was enough... Apparently it wasn't, I ended up driving on the wrong side (American side) of the road twice...

I think my passenger wet herself a little each time, but because I am too proud to admit failure I ignored her shrieks and told her to lighten up but inside I too was crying in terror.

As a way to make up for my motoring transgressions I drove all the way to here to have some good fresh Irish food. After gaining half a stone in the South from too much fried everything and beer it's time to return to simple Irish cuisine.

The outside decking area was teeming with folks on the glorious day that was yesterday. I got the lentil nut loaf with a choice of three salads, I opted for the broccoli and feta cheese, shredded carrots in mandarin marinate and fresh summer fruits in mint juice - yum!

Dessert, ok ok I can see your eyes roll... I am weening myself slowly into this weight loose malarkey. Passion fruit tart and coffee... These people know how to cook real tasty Irish food. Simple wholesome ingredients.

My driving companion forgot my earlier transatlantic driving faux pas due to taste bud overload, happy days :)

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  Nut lentil meat loaf

  Nut lentil meat loaf

28/2/2012

• 3 check-ins

I love this place for breakfast on Saturday morning. Quick spin out the N7, irish Times, breakfast bap to die for (quite literally with a massive sausage, bacon and deadly bread roll) and a couple of strong lattes. The generous side salad does not cancel out the calorie death count. If I'm up to it, a couple of scones with the second latte. Sorted and back to the smoke with a smile.

16/2/2012

• 1 check-in

Had a lovely scone here. Very reasonable just over €2. It was quiet large and there was a side of cream, butter, jam and a little fruit. The coffee is decent. Avoca seems to be a a popular place for lunching ladies. Best to go early in the morning or after lunch during the week when it's less packed.