Greenacres Bistro

Greenacres started off, predictably enough, as a greengrocers – but it is now part of a complex that includes a wine shop, deli and an impressive modern art gallery.

It’s heaven for any wine buff, with nearly 2,500 thousand bottles in the wine shop, a private tasting room and a fine wine vault. You can select from their wine list or browse through the shelves, select your choice and only pay a nominal €5 corkage for a bottle to go with your meal.

Set in a pedestrian area (next to another well known Wexford eating place, Roberto Pons’s La Dolce Vita), you arrive through an impressive outdoor seating area, or through the wine shop; either way the entrance is very welcoming, with courteous staff ready to greet arriving guests and show you around the deli/wine area where you can admire the wonderful cheese, hams and desserts while you browse the wines and pick your bottle if you wish.

The lovely bright restaurant is almost wrapped on three sides with wines lining the walls and, together with low French music, polished wooden tables with white linen runners, fresh flowers and candles, an atmospheric scene is set.

Breads, olives and water are served smartly by very informative but relaxed staff, while you consider the tempting dishes offered on both the menu and blackboard specials.

A typical meal begins with a complimentary treat (cream cheese and smoked salmon with pesto, perhaps), and then starters might include baked quail en croûte, complemented by black grape coulis and thyme jus and garnished with half quail eggs; or baked Dublin Bay prawns in Bayonne ham with tomato coulis and garlic butter.

Main courses could also include less usual dishes – such as a grilled veal cutlet à la provencale with ratatouille and rosemary, perhaps, or a rabbit dish like civet of lapin in red wine, both coming with tasty side vegetables - sautéed leeks, peas and carrots, perhaps, anda creamy mash.

Classic desserts - chocolate fondant and a traditional tarte tatin are both typical - should end the meal on a high, perhaps with well made espressos.

Wexford is blessed with a choice of good restaurants and Greenacres Bistro offers creative cooking and an outstanding wine offering, together with a lovely atmosphere.