Mara offers something truly different to Waterford's food scene
Still helmed by the award-winning Head Chef, Luis Martin, Mara is located on O’Connell Street in the city's Cultural Quarter. Pic: Lorenzo Tonti.
Award-winning dining and new cooking classes are now available in Waterford with the evolution of one of the Déise's most acclaimed fine dining experiences.
Still helmed by the award-winning Head Chef, Luis Martin, Mara is located on O’Connell Street in the city's Cultural Quarter. The restaurant offers a distinctive, intimate experience centred around a newly refined 11-course tasting menu, with an additional 7-course curated wine pairing available, complementing each dish with precision and global flair.
Luis has also introduced an à la carte menu for greater flexibility, meaning diners can pick and choose dishes from Artichokes, Lobster Bisque to their infamous Burnt Basque Cheesecake.
Mara continues to be recommended in the Michelin Guide, with its sights set on a Michelin star.
Originally from Santander, Spain, Luis Martin brings an international pedigree to the Waterford food scene.
His career spans kitchens across Spain and Ireland - including Fota Island Resort, Mount Juliet, and Waterford Castle.
In 2025, he was named Best Chef in Munster for the second consecutive year at the Irish Restaurant Awards and also earned Best Chef of the Year from Yes Chef Magazine.
Meanwhile, Mara itself has been recognised with awards including Best Fine Dining Restaurant, a Blue Ribbon Award for exceptional yet accessible food.
'Irish Coast Meets Cantabria - Modern Irish Flavours with a Spanish Soul', culinary classes under the guidance of Chef Luis launched on July 2.
These intimate, hands-on workshops offer participants the opportunity to cook alongside Luis and blend Irish seasonal produce with Spanish techniques.
The classes will run bi-weekly on Wednesday, placing an emphasis on blending seasonal Irish produce with techniques from Northern Spain.
Mara remains dedicated to seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and supporting the Waterford hospitality community and Luis also lends his expertise as a consultant to notable local venues including O’Sullivan's and Monaco Toms, further strengthening Waterford’s growing culinary reputation.
For bookings and more information, visit www.marawaterford.com
