Mulberrys Restaurant

In a line of pretty shops with ample parking, this is one of the newer restaurants in the busy Barna suburb of Galway and its contemporary duck egg blue and cream shopfront is both inviting and welcoming, with clear signage declaring its Italian and Seafood style.

It's become a popular spot and, after several years of successful business, James and Deirdre Cunningham decided that their restaurant needed a revamp, so the former reception area was redesigned to create an inviting wine bar. Friendly staff are quick to welcome arriving guests here, and offer the tapas-style menu which is served here with an extensive range of wines, or show diners through to a table in the restaurant. 

Here, the tone is stylishly understated, with plain dark wood tables set simply, comfortable seating and warm lighting making for a relaxed atmosphere. The impressive artwork on the walls, by local artist Andrea Rossi, is for sale.

There's an emphasis on local ingredients (suppliers are listed) and, while pasta dishes and local seafood are to be expected, there is perhaps a less predictable highlight in the meat supplied by the renowned Oughterard butcher, James Mc Geough: his sirloin steak is a speciality, served grilled with stuffed portobello mushroom, skinny truffle & parmesan scented fries, green beans & bacon - and well priced for the quality too.

Daily specials offer extra fresh fish dishes. Desserts offered tend to be old favourites - apple tart, crème brulée 'of the day' - then good coffee and teas to finish. 

The quality of ingredients and cooking is good which, along with reasonable prices and the casual elegance of the place, makes Mulberrys a pleasant place to visit.