Eating Our Way Across Ireland: The Pullman Restaur

Last night we had the unique experience of dining aboard a beautifully restored Pullman train carriage, once part of the legendary Orient Express. We were excited to experience the Michelin-starred Pullman Restaurant, complete with a set tasting menu and wine pairings.

The setting itself was undeniably special. Dining inside the elegant vintage railway cars felt like stepping back into another era, and the presentation of each course was beautiful.

While we appreciated the creativity and craftsmanship that went into the meal, the flavors were surprisingly subtle and, for us, not particularly memorable. The wine pairings were mixed—some complemented the dishes well, while others missed the mark entirely. The staff was attentive throughout the evening, though we never felt the warmth and connection that had made our recent dining experiences elsewhere in Ireland so memorable.

We are glad we had the opportunity to experience dinner aboard the train, and it certainly made for an interesting evening. However, it did not capture the sense of excitement, passion, and hospitality that we found at Finn’s Farmcut and The Black Pig Wine Bar in Kinsale. Those restaurants set an extraordinarily high bar and reminded us that great dining is about more than beautiful food—it is also about the people, the atmosphere, and the feeling that every detail is infused with care.Read more