Euro-Toques chef José Barroso from Portugal and his Westport born wife Sinead Lambert run this lively restaurant on two floors over the Connemara Shop on Bridge Street.
José takes pride in sourcing local and organic food and this is highlighted on his menus, where suppliers are credited - including Kate McCormack & Sons, Country Fresh, McLaughlin's Fruit & Veg, Clarke's Seafoods and O'Connells C&C, all in Westport; 100% Irish beef is from the Slaney Valley.
The tiled floor, light coloured decor and simple table settings of the lower room contrast with the style upstairs, which has more of a party atmosphere and is in great demand over the weekends.
The welcome is warm and friendly from the very helpful local staff. Very extensive menus offer a very wide range of popular dishes (starters and pasta dishes, pizzas and a selection of fish, poultry and meat dishes, with at least ten choices in each section) and are well priced, with generous main courses ranging from €18 to €28 .
Unusual dishes include a Trio of Irish meats (Irish fillet steak, pork and lamb, drizzled with a red wine jus), and daily specials could include local scallops and crab claws in a good beurre blanc ,or roast duckling with an orange and cranberry sauce.
Popular desserts include tiramisu, banoffi pie and profiteroles.
Lunch is a lighter affair with soups, chowder, wraps, panini and baguettes, and some pasta dishes for a continental flavour; main courses under €10.
A balanced choice of wines from the old and new worlds includes 4 house wines at about €20, also served by the glass, and some half bottles.
Try to get a window table so that you can watch the comings and goings of night time Bridge Street.
Seats 75 (private room, 40). L&D Wed-Mon, 12-3pm & 6-10pm; a la carte L&D; house wine from €17.95. Reservations recommended; children welcome (high chair, childrens menu); air conditioning. Closed Tue. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
