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Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Irish, Bar, European, British, International
Is this a British restaurant?
Details
About
A FEEL FOR THE OLD WITH A TASTE OF THE NEW The warmth and intimacy of the Porthole Bar & Restaurant provide the focal point of the hotel where you can watch the world go by with the backdrop being the dramatic Atlantic Ocean. Relax by the open peat fire with a pint or in our lounge with one of our specialty coffees. The Porthole has the reputation of being the heart of Portballintrae and is a popular meeting place for both locals and tourists. With sumptuous cuisine, a excellent weekend entertainment schedule, well stocked bar and wines from all over the globe, the Porthole is the perfect place to sample good old Northern Ireland hospitality in a venue renowned for its relaxed ambiance. WI-FI internet connection is completely free through-out Bayview Hotel.
PRICE RANGE
$9.00 – $77.00
CUISINES
Irish, Bar, International, European, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
538 reviews
Excellent
298
Very good
151
Average
56
Poor
23
Terrible
10
John A
Belfast1617 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
We usually go to the hotel for lunch or Sunday lunch but recently called in for an evening meal.
The early bird menu runs until 6.30pm but after 6pm you can order off the evening menu. Both are extensive so there is plenty of choice. We both had the fish pie which was full of fish pieces with a substantial cheesy mash topping. There really is no need to order anything else as the helping is very satisfying.
As a sign of the times there is now a vegan menu.
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
trevork682
Hi John, many thanks for your kind comments, have a brilliant 2020,
Trevor and Team Bayview
Written 11 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian B
Limavady18 contributions
Mar 2020 • friends
Just enjoyed a beautiful stay in the hotel with my wife for a BIG birthday of mine. Our room was excellent having been met by very pleasant reception staff.
4 friends joined us for dinner and Paul met and looked after us. The dining staff were very pleasant and attentive and we all had a delightful meal with duck, scampi, steak and a fish pie ordered and all enjoyed by everyone.
I have used and enjoyed this hotel for many years and will continue to do so. Well done everyone.
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vingt
94 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
We called in for a lunch but hadn’t booked. The restaurant was very busy on a Saturday afternoon but the waitress was very friendly and we got a table beside the window. It was such a lovely dining experience from start to finish. All of the staff were extremely friendly. I had the seafood chowder and the mini wheaten loaf was delicious and seemed to be straight out of the oven. The wine was first class. Overall a beautiful place to dine even on a wet and windy afternoon. What a view....what a place to eat!!
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BJCV42
Ireland3 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Not even average from start to finish. There was a temperature check on the way in as part of their Covid restrictions but the place was so hot and crowded it's a wonder everyone didn't give a false reading. The service was poor, we were left waiting for a menu for 20 minutes, in the end we had to ask for them. The menu had a fairly poor selection. The food took ages to come and tasted ok but a seafood curry really ought to have more than one type of fish in it, otherwise just call it what it was, a single white fish curry and the blandest one my partner ever tasted at that. I've had better food down the local pub. And then we got the bill. We were strangers to Portballintrae and it seemed to be our only option. So sorry that we didn't try somewhere else nearby. Would neither recommend this place or return.
Written 18 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack Healy-oconnor3rd
Dublin14 contributions
Jun 2022 • business
The PortHole demands a little more on price to reflect it's quality.
The environment offer's a rare to find blend of contemporary interior design which marrys seamlessly with old classic cosy understated.
You're extremely comfortable upon arrival and then met by down to earth warm staff. Excellent table service from Manny & his colleagues.
Seldom do Hotel's combine well with haut cuisine unless it's outrageously expensive
The PortHole was cheap compared to similar quality on offer in Chicago, USA, so my clients remarked, when cheerfully picking up the £668 bill.
It was class all-round, it was noted that the owner made his presence known to me and thanked me for bringing in the group. A classy well dressed but understated elegance about him and his venue.
Of the five day tour of this group of business owners, lawyers, teacher's, sales reps, it was their favourite. Chicago is famous for quality food.
Written 15 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trevor K
Dear Guest, thank you so much for your lovely comments, we are all delighted that you enjoyed your experience at Bayview, hopefully we will see you back again sometime soon,
Kind Regards,
Trevor and Team Bayview
Written 6 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GabbyNorthernireland
46 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
We had dinner last night in the Porthole and the food was lovely. We were impressed how the tables were a good distant apart. We had to have our temperature taken on arrival and use sanitiser for our hands. We liked that there was a foot pump to dispense the sanitiser. Staff were wearing masks or visors.
We shared a starter of crab and pea pannacotta which was delicious and well presented.My husband had salt and chilli scampi with a generous portion of French fries and I had a Thai red curry.
The staff were so attentive and pleasant. We were very impressed
Written 28 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mcm8
34 contributions
Jul 2021 • business
We had our school end of year staff lunch here yesterday and I couldn't recommend it enough! Communication via email with staff was quick and convenient, we had sent a preorder through and when we arrived the food was served promptly.
Hotel has excellent covid safety precautions such as temperature scanner, hand sanitiser starions and track and trace.
Everyone commented on how delicious the meals were and staff were very attentive. Thank you again
Written 30 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David P
Belfast417 contributions
Mar 2020 • couples
Amazing food , great service and all this overlooking the bay . We had the scampi and sirloin mains with chips , garlic chips and onion rings . The food was perfectly cooked and seasoned with great flavours , restaurant is big in size and open plan with great views of the ocean . Top notch
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tillytara
185 contributions
Jul 2022 • couples
Booked for 22nd July for 5.15pm for hubby and myself. Absolutely beautiful place. Great food, great views and wonderful staff.. I got the vegetable soup with Guinness bread which was gorgeous and soup really hot. Then the Guinness braised steak for mains with Champ.. Hubby got Goats cheese tart for starters and Peppered Chicken and Chips for his main..Couldn’t eat a dessert as we were full up..
Written 23 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clare G
Belfast61 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
Such a disappointment for family meal and the Bayview has gone from mediocre to poor. Post lockdown revised menu has very odd combinations for starters like crab panna cotta ? I actually couldn’t pick a starter since none appealed. Main course bit much better than you would see in a high street cafe - burger, scampi, fish and chips .... the garlic potatoes I got as a side were hard and dry. The salt and chilli scampi soggy as opposed to crispie - non deep fires options are few. It’s over priced too - my husbands run of the mill burger and chips £17. Service good but we won’t be back. Menu needs a complete overhaul. It’s never been great but is worse post lockdown. That location doesn’t make up for poor food.
Written 9 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John A
Belfast1617 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
Our last Sunday lunch was at the Bayview in February before lockdown restrictions were imposed and eating out became impossible.
It was a great relief to be able to book again and enjoy a meal out in safety. Anti-Covid measures are in place such as a one way flow through the dining room, temperature checks on arrival, sanitizing measures throughout and staff wearing PPE. This has raised our confidence considerable that we will be able to return again soon.
The menu has been reduced but we enjoyed a helping of scampi and fries which was ample.
Written 16 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David E
Conwy211 contributions
Jun 2022 • none
The Porthole is a very modern well-fitted and popular bar and restaurant in the Bay View Hotel overlooking the seafront at Portballintrae. The staff were all very pleasant and friendly and the service was first class. The food and drink menus are varied and extensive and the food was delicious. There is ample parking on the road outside or in the dedicated car park nearby.
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trevor K
Dear David E, thank you so much for your lovely comments, we are all delighted that you enjoyed your experience at Bayview, hopefully we will see you back again sometime soon,
Kind Regards,
Trevor and Team Bayview
Written 6 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jonathan H
Durham302 contributions
Feb 2022 • family
A Sunday lunch treat! Great menu, great surroundings, great food and great service too. The silverside dish was amazing - well presented, with lovely mash and the vegetables were cooked perfectly too. Very enjoyable. One minor point was that our daughter’s desert took a long time to arrive but when it did, she was very happy! Thank you very much!
Written 20 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pat G
Windsor and Maidenhead245 contributions
May 2021 • family
A quick lunch the day indoor dining restarted
Last minute booking. Staff very friendly and helpful on entry and with orders and follow up
Light lunch. I had fish chowder which was utterly superb. The best I have ever eaten
Huge amounts of fish in a delicious creamy sauce (more fish than sauce!). Served with fresh baked wheaten. Completely delicious and excellent value for money at £9.
Superb bay view
Highly recommended
Written 25 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trevor K
Dear Guest, many thanks for your kind comments, we are delighted that you enjoyed your experience at Bayview,
Kind Regards, Trevor and Team Bayview
Written 30 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Effandpee
10 contributions
Apr 2023 • family
From the menu, and even how it was laid out, we were prepared for a perfectly acceptable seafood dinner at the Porthole in Portballintrae at the height of the Easter Weekend. In fact it was distinctly a cut above that - several dishes of real flair, well cooked with excellent ingredients. Service on a very busy Good Friday evening was warm and attentive. Hard it call it hidden, but it is definitely a gem.
Written 12 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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