Restaurants

La Bohéme Restuarant

Eric and Christine Theze's restaurant is in the basement if one of Waterford’s most prestigious buildings, the Chamber of Commerce. The cellar has been beautifully converted, with the original high arched ceilings retained but all painted white, it seems very bright and there are plenty of flowers, some nicely restrained art on the walls and French music in the background.

Well spaced white-cloth tables are set with good glasses, heavy silver and a flower on each, and a nice touch mismatched old crockery. It is a very French restaurant-nearly all the staff are French, and the welcome is friendly but formal as you are shown to the bar for your aperitif.

The menu, which is not long but offers plenty of choice, changes seasonally and is modern classic French: good fish choices, lamb, beef, with daily specials and the soup pinned on the menu: and Early Bird is also available and with dishes like a superb crab brulée, a crisp, unctuous confit of duck with a rich duck sauce and impeccable puy lentils, and perfect mature French cheeses with quince paste among the options.


Seafood offered includes a speciality of lobster smothered in beurre blanc sauce, and other luxurious treats may include duck foie gras. Pleasingly, for Irish tastes, main courses are accompanied by some good mashed potatoes and vegetables, and in addition to the all-French cheese board, there are excellent classic desserts.


This is a restaurant that is serious about its food and is a great asset to Waterford city: although the á la carte gets a little pricey, it is worth it and the early table d’hôte is excellent value for money.

Stair Lift. Not suitable for children under 10 years.