Convenient to the bustling town of Naas, this pleasing bar and restaurant is located in a smart modern building and has ample parking. The owner, Eugene Brennan, greets arriving guests personally in the bar, which is always a nice touch and gets things off to a good start.
The square, balconied dining room is set up handsomely with polished darkwood table, linen napkins, quality glassware, china and cutlery - and any visit here begins well, when a beautiful basket of breads is offered promptly, along with iced water.
Head chef Josef Zammit has cooked with acclaimed Masterchef judge and restaurateur Dylan McGrath, and the cooking throughout is of a very high standard. Weekend lunches make for a relaxed amd family-friendly outing, while evening meals give the opportunity for this talented chef to flax his culinary muscles. Either way, good food is complemented by good service from friendly, knowledgeable staff, and the experience offers genuine value for money.
Classic desserts (about €7) are likely to be a highlight and may feature seasonal fruits – poached rhubarb pannacotta with rhubarb jelly and a vanilla macaroom, perhaps, or raspberry parfait with fresh raspberries, mascarpone cream.
A very good wine list offers wines by the glass, carafe or bottle, all reasonably priced.
The Brown Bear is clearly in safe hands and its early reputation as a good food destination seems well founded.
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