The Emerald Restaurant

04/07/2008 Posted by austinfoodie1970

I almost literally stumbled on this place several years ago and boy am I glad I did. Sure, the price surprised me - but after that first taste I KNEW it was well worth every penny. Their French Onion soup is simply unbelievable. And don't miss the bread stuffing hidden away under the onion. Worth the trip just for that! If you have the cash and the appetite, pony up for one of their combination dinners. The lamb, steak, and lobster are mouthwatering. It comes with dessert - whiskey cake. Now, isn't that a let down? No. I thought it would be - but my God, this is like ambrosia. Also, their Sabayonne is also amazing. (Did I spell that right?) The place is run by the Kinsella family and they aim to please. You are treated like a honored guest, and once they get to know you, like family. This is a special place. Go there now.

Pros: Yummy. Veru yummy.

Cons: Pricey, but worth it.

01/01/2008 Posted by kevtennis

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!!!

12/21/2007 Posted by stacyandjared

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 flambéed 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. We only ate half of our entrees, because we just had to have their dessert. My husband chose the chocolate, orange tart, and I the sambuco. The tart was great, the sambuco, I will not get again, just not my style, but I decided to try something new, and I am glad that I did, but I had anticipated it to be more on the flan side, than warm and frothy. It was good, just not for me. We are already planning out next date night there. The price is honestly not that bad! The quality of the food is top notch, and the quantity is, well, it is abundant. They wrapped our leftovers in the swans, way cute, and brought me a rose and gave me a hug at the end of the night! WE LOVED IT!

10/21/2007 Posted by baileythompson

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!

10/19/2007 Posted by loveplaces

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.

06/22/2007 Posted by habitez

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. 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

08/21/2006 Posted by 10blond

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. 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

07/27/2006 Posted by beanzoid

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

06/29/2006 Posted by measuretwice

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.

06/28/2006 Posted by pgeistman

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