Aidan and the late Marian McAlpin set up their neat cottagey restaurant in 2003, and it has always given a good impression; everything is spick and span and the style is pleasingly simple, with a small bar area and plain, handsomely-laid tables softened by warm lighting and fresh flowers.
Aidan and Marian's son, Duncan, is now head chef - he holds a BA in Hospitality Management and spent a lot of time in the kitchen working with his mother at The Cottage Bistro. Marian taught him a lot, including her admirably simple way with seafood, and this legacy will stand him in good stead now that he has taken control of the kitchen.
Freshly baked brown bread and iced water are served promptly, along with attractive hand written menus that offer plenty of choice, including steaks, chicken and a tempting speciality vegetarian shepherd’s pie; but local seafood is the speciality, and some dishes – a smoked salmon salad, for example, and a hot dish of prawns in garlic, coriander & chilli butter – are offered as either starters or main courses.
Apart from a charming environment and warm hospitality, the especial attraction of The Cottage Bistro is sound home cooking, simply presented - and prices are reasonable, especially for seafood, including an excellent Seafood Platter which could include ten different fish and shellfish and is good value at about €24.
An interesting, informative and well-priced wine list includes unusual house wines and an equally carefully selected choice of half bottles.
Seats 45 (+10 outside). D Tue-Sat, 6-9.30 (& Sun 5.30-8.30 Jul-Aug). A la carte. House wine €20. SC discretionary. Children welcome before 7pm; reservations required; toilets wheelchair accessible. Closed Sun, Mon, Jan. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
