Fern House Cafe

Been coming to the Fern House for a few years and it’s always impressed but our most recent visit really blew me away!
The menu, which used to be good, comforting home cooking, is now full of really interesting, exotic dishes.
Everything we ordered was prefect, the portion sizes were perfect, the flavors were all perfectly balanced.
The staff were lovely, it’s such a beautiful, romantic setting and we were pleasantly surprised by the bill — especially considering the quality of the food!

Fern House Café is a lovely spot just off the N11 in Kilmacanogue adjacent to the Avoca Store (see note below about Google maps). They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner It is more formal than the Avoca Café which is self-​serve (also offering an excellent menu). We met a friend for breakfast (they open 9:30) the service, food and ambiance were very good. It feels as though you are dining in an elegant conservatory. If Fern House is booked for lunch/​dinner there is a local new restaurant just south of Avoca at the Kilmacanogue roundabout called Pluck’s, we had dinner there, it was very good (and not as pricey as Fern House), lovely ambiance (used to be Glencormac Inn).
NOTE ON MAPPED LOCATION Google maps mapped the Fern House to a location south of the actual Avoca property. You need to search for AVOCA HEAD OFFICE Kilmacanogue Wicklow and it will map it correctly. Avoca’s marketing team needs to get its act together and have their locations mapped correctly on Google. Searching for Avoca Café Kilmacanogue also maps to an incorrect location. I suppose the locals know where it is but for visitors, can be confusing.

This place is amazing!
My friends and I spent the day walking around the lakes and hills at Glendalough. After 5 hours in the fresh air we were starving and stopped off at the Fern House Café for a bite to eat. Our timing was unfortunate and we happened to arrive in between the lunch and dinner sittings.
The waiter explained the kitchen would not reopen for 20 min but allowed us have coffees while we waited. He arrived at the table at exactly 5.30 to take our order… MUCH appreciated. We only ordered a main course and he very kindly brought us THE most delicious amuse bouche we’ve ever gotten to bridge the gap. He told us that not everyone gets them and as we were the only ones in the restaurant it was clearly true! Our mains arrived promptly, presented beautifully and tasted delicious. I had the falafel dish. Wow!
Highly recommend for quality of service and food. ¹⁰⁄₁₀.

Food is just plain amazing! Everything we ate there on our Irish vacation was nothing short of spectacular. Even their latte was better than any latte I have had! Keep in mind it’s always busy but staff is super efficient and friendly! It was the highlight of my trip.

This is just such a beautiful spot and is particularly enchanting at night.
I have been here for lunch and dinner a number of times and have always enjoyed it.
Last week’s lunch visit was as good as ever. I had a duck leg confit salad with pomegranate, orange, lentils and mixed leaves in a balsamic dressing. It was a little heavy on the balsamic — which I love– but apart from that was pretty perfect. It was so filling too.
For lunch they offer a few «mini dessert» options that are priced at € 3.50 each. It’s such a good idea, one I haven’t come across before. I’m not a huge dessert person but I like a taste. That’s exactly what this is for. I had an orange and chocolate mousse that was coated in crushed pistachio nuts. There were a bit too many pistachios on it for me, but the mousse was so tasty it made up for it.
They have a nice children’s menu and the portions are huge, as are all the other portions.
The last time I was here for dinner I had a beautiful hake and sole en papillote. It was truly delicious and came with smoked mashed potato as a side which was great.
The setting is the best thing about the place but that is in no way a criticism of the food.

Really terrific meals and experience. The room is one of the finest dining rooms I have been to — big glass windows, airy, and beautifully furnished. Food is always excellent — big portions and positively the best service I have had in any restaurant anywhere. 6 stars?

This place is a must if you’re a foodie out this neck of the woods!
If you love Avoca food then this place will really put a smile on your face.
It is a part of the Avoca chain but it’s like the sexy big brother, (or sister if you prefer) with regards to the food. Its more grown up and elegant, with table service from very friendly & efficient waiting staff.
The Fern House is bright airy and fresh, like sitting in a posh glass house actually. It is tastefully decorated with shabby chic, artfully mismatched chairs and tables and lovely ornamental orange & lemon trees.
The menu tends to change a little bit dependent on the seasonal availability which is always a good sign in my book. But the basic faves are there too, a mouthwatering antipasto, (always great with a glass of vino), usually a couple of great salads, amazing fish pie & a rich and creamy risotto.
Bring your appetite & don’t forget the kids, the children’s menu is brilliant too and even my 2 year old made a pretty good hole in his very generous main course.
It can get a bit busy especially on the weekend and with Mother’s Day coming up, its best to phone & book a table.