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Dillon's

In the ’90s, Dillon’s traditional shopfront on the main street in Timoleague was a welcome sight for anyone needing a good food stop when heading west from Cork and, although they don’t do daytime food any more, it’s still something of an oasis in this area.

The dining experience has moved up a few gears since then, but the informal café-style restaurant is much the same and, although Isabelle Dillon isn’t in the kitchen herself these days, she’s very much in evidence front of house.

Vivien Toop is the chef now, but the philosophy of using the best local produce and making everything on the premises remains constant breads, pasta and desserts are all home-made.

Vivien’s interesting menus offer about half a dozen choices on each course, and they change frequently, although some specialities (or variations) are always likely - de-boned roasted quail is a favourite, for example, and may be stuffed with bacon, almonds, prunes & raisins and served with a Muscat sauce.

A well-chosen wine list is organised by style, and includes some interesting half bottles.

This is an unusual restaurant and the slightly bohemian décor and background jazz make for an atmospheric outing.

Seats 30; not suitable for children under 7 yrs after 7pm. Open for D Thu-Sun, 6.30pm-9.30pm; á la carte. Closed Mon-Wed (open Bank Hol Mon); first 2 weeks Mar, first 2 weeks Oct. Reservations recommended. No credit cards.

Directions:

On main street of village.On M71