Situated in the centre of Clonakilty, close to a little park, Richy Virahsawmy’s restaurant is one of those relaxed places that attract a real cross-section of people.
It's always had a clean, modern yet warm feeling, with the day's specials chalked up on blackboards and a food style that ranges widely around the Mediterranean, with a leaning towards Spain - and locally sourced ingredients that often include less usual food like samphire, as well as local lamb and fish. An impressive list including many of the area's best producers and suppliers is proudly proclaimed.
Recent developments have seen big changes to the original premises, with one side of the restaurant being completely transformed into a café, The R Café, serving freshly baked cakes, pies, scones and quiches. It has a comfortable Scandinavian feel with white wood panelling and a light and airy colour scheme. The R Café is open all day, serving breakfast/brunch, lunch and afternoon tea.
The original Richys is still going strong too and there's always something going on in this friendly and colourful spot. Friday night is Spanish Tapas night for example (the menu changes weekly), and there are cookery classes off season.
Food provenance is a high priority here and Richy's was one of the Bord Bia "Just Ask" Restaurant of the Month winners in 2011.The wine list offers an accessible selection of about 30 wines, chosen with equal care to match the food.
A great place to know about, especially when on a family holiday. Children are very welcome, and there's a very nice little 'real food' children's menu.
*Richy has published a cookbook, West Cork Fusion, which gives recipes for many of their most popular dishes and is available online from their website.
Richys Bar & Bistro : Seats 70 (outdoors, 16); children welcome before 9pm (high chair, childrens menu). Open daily; Mon-Fri L12-5pm, D 5-10pm; Sat-Sun B 10-12, L 12-5 & D 5-10pm. Special L Mon-Thurs €60 per couple inc. bottle of wine. Early D Mon-Thu, 5-7, €25; also set D for 2 people €50 including bottle of wine; also a la carte. House wine €19.95. Closed 25 Dec. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
