Situated on the main street of the picturesque village of Moira, the Ivory Bar and Grill offers modern bistro style food in bright and comfortable surroundings.
Following recent refurbishment, the décor is stylish and contemporary, in soothing tones of browns, beiges and creams and with interesting pictures on the walls – an attractive setting in which to enjoy pleasing food and good value.
Large patio doors at the end of the restaurant open out on to a small courtyard. Friendly, chatty staff promptly greet arriving diners, who are taken directly to a table simply but smartly set up with white linen napkins and good glasses.
Menus promptly offered include a 2/3 course early bird, which is available every evening (times vary) and a more extensive evening menu with additions to the earlier selection.
Expect well-flavoured and nicely presented renditions of popular dishes, with early bird starters like Deep Fried Breaded Mushrooms with Salad and Garlic Mayo, or Chicken Liver Parfait with Salad and Warm Toast; main courses such as Grilled Steak Ciabatta Sandwich with Horseradish Mayo, or Battered Whiting Fillet with Chips, Peas and Tartar Sauce; and desserts including fruit crumbles and cheesecakes with cream.
Later additions on the evening menu raise the game somewhat, to include starters like Smoked Salmon and Prawn Cocktail Home Made, or Goats Cheese Risotto with Chilli Oil; main courses include some steaks with various sauces and spicy dishes like Monkfish & Tiger Prawn Thai Green Curry with rice and naan bread or a Confit of Duck Stir-fry, with sesame seeds, peppers, onions and noodles.
The house speciality is Chicken Ivory – a generous fillet of chicken wrapped in bacon, with a cheese & onion stuffing, it has a nice gentle hint of tarragon in the accompanying cream sauce.
The wine list offers about a dozen bottles each of red and white, plus couple of rosés and sparkling wines, ranging in price from £11 to £27; although quite basic it complements the not overly complicated menu and is fairly priced.
The Ivory Bar & Grill is a relaxed place with unhurried service and friendly, well-informed staff – a pleasant place to enjoy an informal meal.
L&D daily 12-2.30pm (to 3pm Fri-Sun) & 5-9pm (to 9.30pm Wed-Sat; 8pm Sun). 2/3 course early dinner (£11.95/ £14.95) available Sun-Thu, 5-7pm and Fri & Sat, 5-6.30. Otherwise à la carte.
