Review
Chopin’s Café and restaurant is just of the main shopping area in Tralee; run by husband and wife team Monika and Adam, Chopin’s is a real little find. Chopin’s has been going for almost 31/2 years and has built quite a reputation from outside catering, either for a party at home or creating platters for that business meeting that is going to run through lunch. They also host private parties at the restaurant in the evening, and for their daily business of breakfasts and lunches served between 8am-6pm.
The café is easily recognisable from the outside with its red awnings and tables and chairs on the terrace. Inside is a casual environment with timber floors, dark wooden tables and deep red walls, with a glass display case containing the goodies. Outside the terrace is surrounded by more red awning, and it’s a lovely spot on a fine day for some al fresco dining.
The menu is fairly eclectic, and International cuisine is what Chopin’s is known for. Breakfasts include a full Irish at €7.95, a mini breakfast for €6.50 and there are all kinds of eggs, butties and waffles available. For lunch there is a selection of starters ranging from €3.95 for soup to €8.95 for goat’s cheese or warm potato cakes. On our last visit there were also scallops with pesto and sun dried tomato crostini for €9.95.
Salads are a big thing, and the daily variety covers most conceivable options, while the Panini selection is very good. If you fancy something more filling, the main courses offer good value and a wide choice. Try the daily stir fry, or some fresh seafood. The guys on the Lonely Planet rate their bacon and cabbage, and if you still have room, the desserts are all homemade, and I defy you to look at the display without giving in to temptation.
There is a short selection of wines available, by the bottle from €18 or the glass for glass from €4.50, or grab a bottle of beer.
Celebrations are covered with a fabulous range of Polish style cream celebration cakes with have to be seen to be believed. They can be made to any shape and colour and the designs are almost endless.
Chopin’s is one of the best cafes in Tralee, offering top notch homemade food at value for money prices. We have come across a few businesses like this in the last year, and apart from anything else, one thing they have on common is popularity. It turns out offering people good food and unusual catering options, coupled with good service and fair prices is something they like; who would have guessed. Chopin’s is well worth a visit when in Tralee.
