Very popular with local people (but perhaps harder for visitors to find) the McDonnell family’s well-named old-world bar and restaurant is in a row of traditional cottages east of Oysterhaven, en route from Crosshaven to Kinsale.
It can look uncared for from the road, but it’s a very charming place, packed with antiques - and, because of the piecemeal nature of the building, it's broken up naturally into a number of dining areas.
Seafood stars, of course - smoked salmon, Oysterhaven oysters, bisques, chowders, scallops and lobster are all here, but there are a few other specialities too, including steaks, lamb and tender crisp-skinned duckling, and the cooking, by Cormac McDonnell, is excellent.
Good desserts, caring service under the supervision of brother, Donagh, and a great atmosphere - well worth taking the trouble to find.
: Seats 90 (private room, 70). D Tue-Sun, 7-9.30pm; L Sun only, 2-7pm. A la carte; sc discretionary.not suitable for children under 7, or older after 10 pm; toilets wheelchair accessible. Closed Mon; Christmas week. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
