Well-known wine buff Pat Keown celebrated 20 years of running this hospitable first floor restaurant on the main street Greystones in 2008, and his warmth and enthusiasm are undimmed.
Pat is a great and enthusiastic host; his love of wine is infectious, the place is spick and span and the monk-related decor is a bit of fun - and a combination of hospitality, great wines and interesting, good quality food at affordable prices are at the heart of this restaurant’s success.
Seasonal menus offered include a well-priced all-day Sunday lunch and an evening à la carte menu, with fish the speciality in summer, and game in winter. Blackboard specials guaranteed to sharpen the appetite include the day’s seafood dishes, any special wine offers - and, perhaps, a special treat like suckling pig.
Menus give a slight nod to current trends, but there is no pretence at cutting edge style and you will also be pleased find faithful renditions of old favourites, like lambs kidneys Madeira and roast fillet of Irish pork. Vegetarian dishes are highlighted on the menu and there is emphasis on high quality ingredients, including Angus steaks and Wicklow lamb as well as seafood, both local and from Castletownbere.
The famous wine list (‘The Thirsty Monk’) is clearly a labour of love and, in turn, gives great pleasure to customers, especially as prices are very fair; affordable favourites include a whole page of house wines listed by category and of course, offers many special bottles for connoisseurs. Two pages of half bottles too, and a couple of dozen pudding wines.
Restaurant Seats 35. Food served daily 12.30-9; value D €28/35; also á la carte and vegetarian menus; Set Sun L about €27. House wines from €21, SC 10%. Children welcome (high chair, childrens menu, baby changing facilities); reservations advised; air conditioning. Restaurant closed Mon & Tue. Closed 24-26 Dec. *Downstairs, The Hungry Monk Wine Bar offers an informal menu of bistro style dishes (Monk's famous burger, Dublin Bay prawn scampi & chips...) and a carefully selected short wine list. Wine Bar open daily, 5-12. Closed 25-26 Dec. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
