The Emerald Restaurant

You can tell that the Kinsella Family takes pride in there ""love/work"" - they are what makes this place a special part of the Austin-Lake Travis scene. You cannot go wrong with anything they offer. The best part is the attention you get from the minute you walk in until you leave. My praises to the Emerald!!! more

When we first pulled up the gravel road, we did get a little nervous, but we ventured on, and are so glad that we did! We were greeted graciously, and seated in a little corner, away from the other guests. Each table is set with beautiful Celtic China, crystal, and a candle. The Irish Soda bread, with marmalade and strawberry butter were hard to put down....we had to ask them not to bring anymore we would have just kept on eating it! We started off with the escargot, and the onion soup. The escargot was wonderful. We happen to adore those little snails, and have had our fare share of them, and these were fantastic! The soup came out in the onion, and was flambeed table side. It was not your typical ""French Onion Soup"", not full of onions, more on the broth side of it. It was good, but will probably not get that again. The side salad was fresh and crisp, the dressing was a very spicy, Asian inspired, we did not care for the dressing. We settled on Lobster in Puff Pastry and the Red Snapper. They were both AMAZING, and very rich. The potato had a vinegar / tarragon flavor, and was fabulous. The veggies were not over cooked, and were perfectly flavored. more

My husband and I have just moved here .After eating dinner at The Emerald we cannot believe how lucky we are to have this little gem in our city. Here's our story of our memorable evening. We actually had won tickets to a concert at The Backyard, which is located on Hwy 71 West. Our hosts suggested that we might want to catch an early dinner at The Emerald Restaurant which was located about 2 minutes from The Backyard , also on Hwy 71 West. I called and made reservations and explained that we were going to be on a bit of a time limit because of the concert. The owner assured me that there was no problem. When we arrived, we were promptly seated and I was presented with a beautiful rose! We were welcomed as if we were old friends and we truly felt as if we were in a fairytale. Since we were going to the concert we didn't want to eat a really large meal. We ordered the escargots which were served in their shells- a nice treat that is hard to find nowadays. Next we ordered the Flambeed onion soup. It is served in its own onion and the waitress poured a bit of brandy on top of the onion and flambeed it. My husband ordered the filet mignon and I ordered the Dublin Lawyer which was lobster sauteed in heavy cream and irish whiskey . Very good. So good, I find myself craving it. We really didn't want to leave. It was so great that we only had a two minute drive to the Backyard. And actually, The Emerald is right by the new Hill Country Galleria mall. As far as prices. We each had an appetizer, homemade bread, green house salad, full-sized entrees that were steak and lobster (not hamburger) and our bill ran right at about $100.00. That is really not expensive when you consider the high quality of the food . We were made to feel like we were the most special guests they had, and we really enjoyed ourselves. I know we have paid close to or even more than $100.00 at other restaurants, and we didn't enjoy ourselves or for that matter, eat as well as we did at The Emerald. Pros: Very elegant,beautifully presented food. Easy to find locationand plenty of parking. Cons: We wish they had a bed and breakfast on their property! Perhaps an Irish thatched cottage! more

The Emerald left such an impression on me. This restuarant is ran by one family. The brother is the 5 star chef, the sisters help prepare the dishes, and wait on the tables, I believe the mom and dad are involved as well but I can't remember what their duties are. They moved from Ireland 20 years ago and opened The Emerald. The restuarant is a cottage, meant to represent the entire look and feel of Ireland, right down to the authentic smaller offset doors & entries, wallpaper, & yes, even a green claw foot bathtub in the womens bathroom. You have to be able to appreciate that they have brought a piece of their home here to the states for us to expierience & enjoy. If you can do that, you won't see it as a ""bit shabby"". If you want a truly authentic Irish experience, this place will give it to you. It is not fancy, it is cozy, unique, & eclectic. They have the best food and service of anywhere I have ever been. I highly recommend the onion soup, they actually serve it inside the onion! The largest I have ever seen I might add. It is absolutely incredible. My husband ordered the duck, I ordered petite medallions,. Entrees are served with vegetables, potato, & bottomless soda bread (2 kinds), & homemade fresh whipped butter (2kinds). Everything is made from scratch, with a very unique blending of herbs & spices especially for you. I have not had anything that was even slighty ordinary from here. This place is our treat. We go when we want to be alone and talk, share amazing food. It is on the pricier side, but for us it is worth it. On average we spend $150 on our entire meal, including soup, salad, bread, main course, tea, dessert & coffee(no alcohol). Try it, you will be surprised. more

First off- if you are going to use the coupon please mention it at reservation or they will not accept it. The place is very cute and whimsical. It's not what you expect when you are paying $40+ a plate. It is a little... ""dark, drab, shabby"" etc- but the atmosphere is really quaint romantic... almost as if you are eating in a fairytale cottage. Let me just get straight to the point that most people ask- I paid $250 for 2 with tax and tip which included no drinks. I don't think the dinner for 2's are necessarily worth it- because we would have been fine without the salad, dessert or two soups. Out of the soups- the onion was my favorite. The potato was not what I expected- it had a sweet quality... very very rich. Don't expect baked potato soup like at Bennigan's. The salad although good, is definitely not the reason to go or pay $7 for. We got the nicest dinner for 2 they had for $198- it included two lobster tails, 16 oz steak and half a r4ck of lamb. Needless to say it was a LOT of food. You should ask for the sauce on the side. All of the them had a sauce. The lamb has a mint jelly which can get on your other foods.The steak and lobster were wonderful. Best steak I've ever had (extremely moist and tender even at medium) and my bf said it was the best lobster he has had (it fell apart and was in a great sauce). If you are really into eating nice for atmosphere go somewhere swanky and just spend $100-150. It was a neat place to go once was my conclusion. The service is really great. It's really not that far too. They wrap your leftovers like swans and I got a free rose brought to the table when I got there. Great service. The place is a tad bit on the shabby side but I think it's part of the atmosphere. If possible- try not to sit by the kitchen as you can hear electric devices. I say share a soup, get 2 entrees then go with dessert if you can.\r \r On a trivial note- they had a $35,000.00 bottle of red wine. Pros: cute, different, good food Cons: i think the prices could be 25% less and they would get more business- stick to ordering entress for a lower bill more

Very expensive but very sweet and kind staff all are bother and sister. Unique very romantic for lovers and small groups for business. impressive fine dining and lacy tablecloths.\r I love it no place like it!!Food is wonderful and cook well. Pros: a samll house like the paggi house similar Cons: very pricy more

My husband and I just tried this place out and both LOVED it. The food is near perfection, the service is warm and inviting, and the quaint house that you dine is is unique and cozy. The only reason I didn't give this a perfect rating is because they were out of several menu items one of which I really wanted. I'll be back to get it though because the back up I ended up getting was better than I could have imagined. Be prepared - it is a little pricey but worth every penny. (except for the drink prices which I think are a little unjustifyably high - liquor is liquor no matter where you get it) I would recommend this place to anyone at any time. (except maybe a vegetarian because I don't remember any main dishes for them on the menu) Pros: very casual despite the formal menu, lots of parking, great service & of course the food Cons: drink prices were a little high and there were several menu items not available more

\r Wow! I love seafood and to me the best seafood is the freshest seafood. Try the broiled lobster at the Emerald. Superb. Also, their baked scallops in garlic butter. My husband and I shared a piece of the strawberry cheesecake-one of the best i have tasted in the city. Also, bring home some of their Irish soda bread and homemade butters,they sell it and it is wonderful for breakfast.We have never thought the prices were too high at the Emerald. The amount of food and the quality of it are above reproach.We highly recommend this lovely restaurant.\r more

The Emerald has great service and the food is excellent. There was no wait, the people are very freindly and polite. The amount of food served was abundant. I would higly recommend this place for your dining pleasure. I would tell you to verify your pricing for the specials offered so you are not surprised on your charges because it can be rather high. Pros: Abbience, Service Cons: Pricing on specials is high more

We celebrated this past Father's Day at The Emerald Restaurant. What a wonderful experience my husband and I enjoyed. When you enter the beautiful little cottage, you immediately know how magical this restaurant is. The lace tablecloths, the Irish china, the beautiful Irish music-everything is so incredibly elegant and romantic. And the food-everything from the fresh Irish soda bread with homemade strawberry butter to our delicious flambeed onion soup was exceptional! Our chateubriand and lobster were perfectly cooked. We are so happy to have found this PERFECT restaurant. Pros: romantic more

My wife and I are firm believers that meals together are to be savored. We catch up with each other, we talk, we share quality time together. It has become very difficult, if not impossible to find a restaurant that allows the guest the privelage ""to dine"". We don't want to feel hurried, we like to to be able to finish one course and then walk outside and then when we want to begin the next course it is up to us. We like to feel CATERED to and The Emerald is excellent in providing us with this type of service. The food is gourmet-where else will you find chateaubriand,lamb and broiled lobster tails carved and flambeed at your table? Go to the Emerald and experience the art of dining with your significant other. more

The Emerald is a rare find these days. Coming to the little cottage is like stepping back in time. Even though downtown Austin is only 30 min away, you feel like you are in another time and place. The dishes are delicious and the staff is very hospitable. I went for my birthday and was treated like a queen. They were willing to honor all of my parties special requests. I highly recommend The Emerald and am confident you will find it as enchanting as I did! Pros: Atmosphere, Service, Authentic Dishes more

My husband and I had dinner at The Emerald to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary based upon a recommendation from a partner in my law firm. From the moment we sat down, we realized we had found a jewel. We felt as if we had been transported back in time to an intimate Irish cottage . We were treated like members of the family and we almost want to keep this beautiful little spot a secret only for ourselves to enjoy. The food was beyond reproach-exquisite and beautifully presented. Everything is prepared to order so you experience what is becoming a lost pleasure-leisurely dining.We were able to relax and focus on each other. We felt welcome and taken care of and I had forgotten how good that felt when having dinner out. A memorable experience that we look forward to making a tradition. Thank-you for a wonderful evening! Pros: exquisite cuisine, inimate setting, attentive staff Cons: none its Heaven more

I have gone to The Emerald on several occasions and have always been impressed with the food and service I have received. The staff are very hospitable - always making sure their guests are taken care of and that every meal is a real treat. This is a wonderful place to take out of town guests, an ideal spot for a romantic dinner, or just a great place for a family dinner. Highly Recommended! Pros: Menu, Service, Atmosphere more

What a wonderful restaurant! My wife and I travel to Europe several times a year and we miss the incredible restaurants that cater to the customer. We were thrilled to find this little gem here in Austin. The Emerald certainly is doing something right, since their opening in Feb. of 1984. That is over 21 years ago and that takes commitment and immense customer loyalty and satisfaction. The food was spectacular and we felt like royalty as the waiter carved our chateaubriand and lobster tails. What a treasure! Pros: High quality, Very European, Exceptional Staff more

Since this is an Irish restaurant, I guess it could be considered a hidden pot of gold on Hwy 71. Tucked away among the trees, The Emerald offers a great meal in an intimate and cozy environment. Family owned and operated, the staff is very attentive and eager to make every dinner a special occasion. Suitable for a wedding proposal or a dinner with the kids, The Emerald is truly unique. Pros: Authentic Cuisine, Romantic Atmosphere, Attentive Staff Cons: Small - Small Groups more