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The Grill and Grape Steakhouse

This new steakhouse is in the ground floor of a modern complex of apartments and offices in Carlow Town. Attractively situated facing the River Barrow and a pleasant park area (well lit at night), the bright and airy restaurant has high glass walls on three sides allowing a view of swans on the river.

An open grill kitchen with salad bar adds interest at the back, enlarged views of Carlow tourist attractions decorate the walls and discreet background music creates a relaxed ambience.

Guests are greeted promptly and shown to a small bar area, or to tables set up simply but smartly. Menus offer a wide range of starters and salads, a few specials and fish dishes in addition to the main offering of grills, burgers and steaks - and a novel feature is the Hot Rock steaks, which are served to the table for you to cook yourself.

Very good ingredients are seen at their best in simple dishes - classic starters like plump and delicious steamed mussels in white wine, or perfectly cooked scallop salad with crisp green asparagus and salad leaves.

Typical main courses include perfectly cooked Tournedo Rossini (at a hefty €33.50), a large prime fillet with a generous slice of foie gras on top; or you might try the hot rock fillet (about €28.50), which is just seared and served on a volcanic rock heated to 420 degrees; you can then slice it and cook it as you like it in front of you; it comes with an excellent béarnaise sauce and side dishes of grilled onion steak (large slice of grilled Spanish onion ) and baked potatoes.

Only bought-in ice creams are offered for dessert, but there's an interesting wine list, and staff are knowledgeable about the menu and wine list, although some further training would improve service in general.

Overall, although prices tend towards the special occasion bracket, an outing here should be a very enjoyable experience.


Parking: Pay car park to the side of the restaurant. MasterCard, Visa, Laser