Lotus Restaurant Carlow

We were celebrating two special events. We have got takeaways from the Lotus in the past but decided we’d go to the restaurant this time to celebrate.

I was really shocked how rundown and shabby the restaurant was. There are conference chairs in the majority of the restaurant now. I felt like I was in work. The lighting was glaring. There were no candles on the tables. The same one song was on repeat. We were barely acknowledged when we arrived. Two of the drink options were not available on the already scant wine list. We had our starters which were tasty. Then we waited 45 minutes after that for our mains which were fine. Many takeaway orders went out before we received our orders. Also we had to ask many times for basic things- another drink, another napkin, for our empty glasses to be cleared. The steam table to keep food warm is no longer a thing apparently. Neither are the after dinner mints. The staff seemed incredibly disinterested.

The whole experience was nothing short of disappointing. I won’t be returning. As a Carlow native who grew up going to The Lotus for special family events this really saddens me. They need to improve on all levels DRAMATICALLY or I fear they won’t survive. It is incredibly overpriced for what you receive.

No breast of chicken curry. Only chicken curry not great ok.. chicken balls very small. I think you need to make sauce thicker not sticking to food. Look not bad

A bit overpriced for its quality. We ordered the set menu and food came very little, food was salty and not hot enough.
However, the staff is great & friendly.