The Emerald Restaurant

We have known the Kinsella family for years, not long after The Emerald first opened. We use to go there as a family and with friends on St. Patrick's Day with for a number of years. Great experiences there. Many that use to go with us with have now left this world but times not forgotten. I miss this place.

The best place for Irish food outside of Ireland. Own by two sister that cook so perfectly that you'd think you were on the Emerald isle. Very friendly...upscale elegance with a homey environment. Wheelchair able. If you want something Irish off menu call a day ahead, they will try to make. Love this place....Austin keep this humble mom and pop restaurant alive.

We ate here for the first time a few days ago and it was by far the best Irish food we’ve ever had! The service was just as fantastic as the food and the atmosphere is so charming and full of character! We will be going back to try all of the amazing dishes drinking many Guinness’ and Irish coffees. Thank you for such a wonderful night out celebrating birthdays! ❤️

We celebrated our 30th anniversary there tonight in spite of the Covid pandemic. Last week, I made a reservation for dinner and then yesterday received a call saying that they would rather not have us dine inside. Really wanting to enjoy their food, I called earlier today and asked if we could have a picnic on their lawn. She said that would be fine and I placed our order for the evening and told her we'd be there at 6:30. We arrived with our portable picnic table, china, silver, flowers, to see that they had set a lovely table for us outside. It was a lovely evening with a comfortable breeze, even though it was in the upper 90's earlier in the day. We enjoyed their onion soup, Irish bread, the County Mayo Salmon Special, The Old Sod Special, and ended the meal with their cheesecake. It was the best evening EVER! Michelle was so kind and being Flanagan's she wanted to know about my husband's lineage and mine (German and Polish). We will definitely return. I did ask if they would continue to serve outside and she said for now, 1 outside table per evening and of course take out. I would highly recommend an evening outside with some of the best food and hospitality ever.

I had a very long review and it deleted. We finally got to visit this jewel of a restaurant for our 16th anniversary this Leap Day and it did not disappoint. The food was hearty and cooked to perfection, and with love. IT made us feel like we were visiting a favorite Aunt in Ireland and we left happy and stuffed. I am glad we ordered off the menu and not the food for couples because we would have not been able to finish all the food. Sadly, there was no room in our stomach for dessert this time. I ordered the special for that day and tasted the most delicate chicken smothered in a currant sauce and sitting on Irish dressing. (What makes it Irish I do not know, but it was amazing). The potatoes I assumed I would skip, being potatoes and all- but I ended up eating every bite! Tarragon on potatoes cooked perfectly could not be resisted. I also choose the flambeed onion soup which was a hit for the other diners there when it was lit on fire. I could have come just for that soup to be honest, it had such a deep flavor and presentation that I really wanted more, but next time I may have to skip it so I can try something from the dessert menu. I'll have to see if I can add photos later but all I can say is Thank You for such a wonderful relaxing dinner. It is worth it to dine in Irish Time.

My husband and I were so happy to have found this little gem tonight. We were treated with unforgettable kindness by Michelle, the waitress. The food...oh the food, was delicious. Imagine someone who cared about you so very much, that also happened to be a wonderful chef, made your food. Also, don't let the older cottage scare you away. Although a bit worn, it was very clean with a jaw dropping place setting. Definitely worth taking time out of your day to relax and let the time slip away with someone you love.

This place is really special (mind you I don't eat at fancy places to often)! I was taken here for my anniversary and it was my favorite part of my day! Our meal was started off with soda bread, it was warm and fresh and our host took the time to explain what it was (which really wins me over cause I love eating and learning new things). Our host then made our salad in front of us. The homemade dressing and croutons were amazing (however yes the croutons get soft fast because they are fresh! not out of a bag, old and stale)!! I ordered the veil (1st time having veil) and it was really good, I loved the mustard sauce, it was really pleasant/not to sweet. My boyfriend had the monkfish. We also enjoyed the house blush wine. Yes all the food was really good and unique, BUT the experience was so special. Our host was so sweet and educating. You can tell she takes pride in her culture and her food. When I told her how much I loved the soda bread, she came back from the kitchen with some wrapped up to go! I'm so glad we came here for our anniversary, it was really an amazing experience. I felt like I wasn't in Austin anymore and it was fun to be lost in that moment. I cant wait to go back a try some different food!

Still great food after all these years. The service is not expedient, so do not plan on running in and running out. It's not that kind of dining. The cottage has lots of Irish charm, but I will say that it needs a little TLC. (Tattered lace, sagging ceilings, etc...). This is home-made Irish cooking. Nothing frozen. You will feel like you're eating at your great aunt's home. Irish music plays in the background, and it's a VERY relaxed feeling. Beautiful little garden area out back. It hasn't changed in the twenty plus years that I've lived here in Austin, even with all the growth rising about it. That, in itself, lends to its charm.

My wife ate at the Emerald 17 years ago and got engaged there. Today we came back again. When we first got engaged my palate was not as developed as it is today. The food was wonderful then but today I realized how wonderful. Ive had the privilege of eating at some of the best Restaurants in the US. The meal I had tonight was easily on of the best meals I've had. I recommend anyone that's curious about authentic Irish food try this place. The family that runs and owns the Emerald are not only great cooks and hostesses they are sweet and wonderful people. The service and food are top notch!