John O Connell and Kieran Mc Guinness have recently moved to bright and spacious new premises on the Strand Road, with a great view over the river Foyle.
An outside seating area attracts attention as you approach, but it is only as you enter that you are really drawn in to this stylish contemporary restaurant with seating on two levels: an open kitchen is clearly visible as you enter, providing a perfect backdrop for enjoying Kieran’s creative cooking.
Frequently changed menu are refreshingly unpretentious, with old favourites such as his classic 5 onion soup and Donegal bacon and cabbage remaining as popular as ever with lunch time diners, as they are always reliably good, generous and reasonably priced.
Evening menus move up a gear and include an especially appealing house speciality of fillet of Finnebrogue venison, with sweet potato purée, pan seared spinach & redcurrant jus is a not to be missed; local seafood’s and meats also feature, of course, and vegetarians are well catered for too, with tempting dishes such as gorgonzola and walnut ravioli offered, served with a choice of sauces and dressings.
Friendly staff are always willing to give advice, but not in any way intrusive. A limited but well priced wine menu is offered.
Bright by day and candlelit at night, the atmosphere in this chic and stylish restaurant is romantic and relaxed; the food is as good as it looks, and good value too – no wonder it is so popular.
Seats 120 (outdoors, 50). Open L Tue-Fri & Sun 12-2.30, D daily, 5-9.30pm. Value D £30, 5.30-7pm, also a la carte; house wines about £12.95; sc discretionary; reservations recommended; toilets wheelchair accessible; children welcome. Closed L Mon, L Sat, 3 days Christmas. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Switch.
