An attractive limestone-fronted building on the main street in Midleton, Pat O’Donovan’s highly-regarded restaurant blends traditional and modern decor - some features have been retained from its previous use as a pub, tables are elegantly set up with classic white linen tablecloths and napkins, and original modern oil paintings adorn the walls.
But the most interesting feature is the hand-written mouthwateringly promising menu which, with a choice of 10 starters, and 7 main courses and desserts, offers a varied and adventurous meal and excellent value. Nothing but the best ingredients are allowed in this kitchen, and they are locally sourced where possible - fish comes from Ballycotton, mussels from Rossmore and scallops (when available) from Castletownbere.
The cooking is excellent, and some dishes enjoyed on a recent visit will give the flavour - penne with wild mushroom and bacon to start, followed by a main course of salmon wrapped with Parma ham and a delicious dessert of clafoutis with ice cream: all perfectly cooked well presented and full of flavour.
Efficient, informative staff ensure that guests will enjoy their meal to the full, and there’s a good wine list includes some interesting, unusual wines, and a fair choice of half bottles.
An early dinner menu offers outstanding value at about €25 for three courses.
Seats 60. D Tue-Sat, 5-9pm (from 6pm Sat). A la Carte; house wine about €21. Closed Sun, Mon. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
