Oregano

A Victorian house in the small village of Ballyrobert is the setting for this rural restaurant. It’s run by Dermot and Catherine Reagan, a young couple whose passion for good food is evident from the moment you enter their delightful, spacious, high-ceilinged dining room: with three white walls and one in warm raspberry, and classic wooden tables perfectly set off by smart white leather seats, it’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into the décor - but it’s the menu that takes centre stage.

Dermot offers both à la carte and set menus (lunch and early dinner), based mainly on locally sourced foods including fish, duck, beef and venison, which he cooks to perfection.

Two lunch menus are offered during the week, a short à la carte or a Business Lunch of one to three courses; there will be homemade soup and a couple of other appealing starters - a well made Caesar salad with char-grilled chicken, perhaps, or pretty goats’ cheese with mixed leaves and a toasted hazelnut, chilli & herb dressing.

Main courses may include a good mainstream vegetarian dish such as penne pasta with parmesan, cherry tomatoes, spinach & basil, and popular local minutes steak with chunky chips.

Evening à la carte menus offer more luxurious options, with an emphasis on seafood, including treats such as crab & chilli crème brulée, and you’ll also find dishes based on local beef, rack of Northern Irish lamb and local chicken.

Desserts feature favourites chocolate tart with vanilla ice cream alongside more unusual offerings. The set menus – early evening and all day Sunday – are especially good value. A global wine list includes excellent house wines, also available by the glass.