Carole Norman’s attractive and unusual restaurant in Kinsale has had a makeover recently, but – except for the welcome addition of extra space and a new garden area - thankfully the basics remain the same: it’s got a lot going for it - not only can you drop in for a glass of wine at the bar, as well as the usual meals, but all the pottery used in the restaurant is made on the premises so, if you take a fancy to the tableware or any of the decorative pieces on the walls, you can buy that too.
Menus are imaginative and considerate, with attractive options for vegetarians, and many of the specialities are seafood, notably shellfish: lobster, moules marinière, crab toes (in a coconut & lemongrass sauce), seared scallops, and whole sautéed prawns in their shells, and old favourites like chowder and smoked salmon are sure to make an appearance.
If you feel like a change from fish there might be organic roast duck, or a classic fillet steak on the evening menu.
Seats 65 (outdoors 25); L & D Mon-Sat, 12.30-3.30pm & 6-10pm; Sun L only 12-3pm. Early D 6-7.30pm (to 7pm Sat) €25; otherwise á la carte, house wines €22. Children welcome before 9pm (high chair); air conditioning. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
