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Customs House

Gillian Oliva and her American husband Billy (who is the chef) have been running this well known restaurant since 2006, and it continues to please with good cooking and value.

You ring the doorbell to go into the restaurant which is in two interconnecting rooms and has a classy and relaxed feeling, with very low music, a subtle shade of yellow on the walls, oil paintings, venetian blinds and floorboards painted rather funkily with (sound-absorbent) red rubber.

There's delicious home-made ciabatta bread on the table, water is brought without asking (efficient service is a strong point here) and two menus are offered: a very short menu offering just two dishes on each course, including a vegetarian option, for €35 and one with more choice for €45.

Local seafood is dominant, of course - a seafood tapas plate is a speciality starter, and Dover sole on the bone is an ever-popular main course - but you'll also find alternatives including dry aged Hereford beef and roast breast of local Skeaghanore duck, an all-Irish cheese selection may offer lesser known cheeses such as Ardagh Castle and Crozier Blue as well as some of the more famous local ones.

Pride is taken in both the ingredients (local, where possible) and the cooking here; upbeat classic desserts and breads - are all home-made.

The wine list offers a fair choice and includes some half bottles and pudding wines, but none by the glass, and you can round off your meal with artisan hand-roasted coffee, or one of a choice of Dilmaha teas.

Seats 34. D, 7-11. Set D €40; not suitable for children under 13. Opening times & days vary, please call in advance off season. Closed Oct-Apr. No Credit Cards.

Directions:

Beside the Garda Station 50 metres from the pier