Reviews

In the same fashion as a chef creates a dish- not too much of this- not too little of that, so does the whole dining experience at the Four Liars exude this kind of quiet balance that satiates the diner on all levels. You leave feeling you have experienced a very special evening. I always make it a point to visit on my trip to Ireland!

- Visitor from Seattle, July 2005

This is a very popular bistro with an award-winning chef. As you enjoy dinner, you can watch people heading out for the evening through the cobbled streets of old Cork. You may also be in time for the early dinner special. If you are sitting at the big window over looking Dominic Street, look across the road at the villa-type townhouses. Chef's specialities in the Four Liars include chicken stuffed with crab, and feta oregano and cognac baked in puff pastry with a Bordelaise sauce.

- Elizabeth F., London, May 2005

"Great thanks for a wonderful meal at your fabalous bistro in which we dined recently. The food was spectacular, the setting exquisite, the service brilliant. We will recommend it to everybody we know. Best food of the year 2001. Keep up the outstanding work. We both felt like going up on the rooftops to shout and sing your praises."

- Richard Cotter & Miriam O'Grady, July 2001

"Brendan and his team, Apoorv, Pauline and Irene are doing a terrific job, bringing us the very best food at reasonable costs. A wonderful meal, in wonderful surroundings. Thank you Brendan, we WILL be back."

- Gerry McLoughlin, Inside Cork, June 2003

"Sitting at a table with a paper cloth, mismatched cutlery and glasses and simple decor you're never quite sure what to expect. I unexpectedly had to eat my own words - along with the delicious food. In all honesty I had the most relaxed evening and consumed the best food I have ever eaten in Cork. It was excellent value to boot. Now one of my regular haunts."

- Orla Power from Cork, August 2004


Full Reviews

"What a pleasure to meet a man whose passion for food has never wavered, but, if anything, is getting more intense. Brendan Murphy, owner and cook (he prefers that title) of a little jewel - tucked up there under the shadow of the 'Goldie Fish' - the appropriately named Four Liars - as in the 4 faces of the the clock, each teling a different time.

Brendan Murphy has cooked for Kings and Queens, and us mere mortals, has travelled extensively all over the world honing his skills, and just eight years ago was persuaded to settle in Cork. Well last week I ventured up the hill to the Four Liars, just around the corner from the Firkin Crane Theatre, and was very pleasently surprised by the warmth of the warmth and ambience of this little (well, not so little really) bistro! Painting adorn the walls - all executed by Brendan, and I particularly liked the one of the Foutr Liars - complete with tables, chairs and colourful parasols outside. A wonderful reminder of a very romantic city. Ah yes darling, we'll always have Paris!

There are very extensive Table d'Hote menus, and A Lá Carte, and we were encouraged by Pauline to try each. So that we did! "It is simply to die for" exclaimed my companion as he savoured the Lobster Bisque, gently infused with a hint of brandy with large chunks of this crustacean on top. I opted for the Fresh Garlic Mushrooms, stuffed with Cream Cheese and Salsa, then deep fried. Regular diners will know too of their famous Chicken Wings in a Chilli Sauce with Blue Cheese and Pickled Vegetables; Deep-fried Brie; homemade Pork and Veal Terrine, or their Salmon Cakes with Chives, Potato and Lemon-Breaded - and that's just a sample!

For the main course we opted for their "best steak I have ever had" - well it would be wouldn't it (meat is supplied by O'Flynn's Butchers in Sundays Well, quite possibly the best suppliers of meat anywhere!) and Black Sole with Prawns resting on top, all served with a bed of lightly steamed vegetables, puree of fresh vegetables and their own potato croquettes. Other main courses include Wiener Schnitzel, Curry of Chicken Jalfrezi (inspiration coming from Apoorv - Brendan's Indian colleague in the kitchen), Sautéed Fresh Breast of Chicken in a Wild Mushroom Sauce, and Poached Tortellini stuffed with Ricotta Cheese in a creamy Garlic Pesto Sauce - to name just a few!

As we were driving we chose just a half-bottle of Casilero del Diablo - a delightful Chilean Chardonnay, golden in colour with an appealing aroma and a pineapple, toasted-oak and creamy butter texture. Ah yes, an elegant, round, mouth-watering wine - balanced by crisp acidity with a long and memorable finish. Rather like the meal!

Brendan and his team, Apoorv, Pauline and Irene are doing a terrific job, bringing us the very best food at reasonable costs - and judging by the reaction of many other diners it is a reputation being recognised more and more.

Our bill excluding gratuities came to €71. Set dinner is €25, but remember we dipped into the A Lá Carte menu, with our half-bottle of chardonnay coming to €12.

A wonderful meal, in wonderful surroundings. Thank you Brendan, we WILL be back. For reservations call 021-4394040

- Gerry McLoughlin, Inside Cork, June 2003