This long-established seafront restaurant has been in family ownership for 130 years, and is now run by Johnny Redmond, who is the chef, and his wife Caroline.
In a dream of a location, it is a long white painted building with bright blue yawning and signs, and a neat balcony looking onto the whole bay, where you can have a leisurely drink while you watch the sun go down; alternatively, you can begin with an aperitif in the recently extended bar and lounge, also looking out over Kilkee Bay and the Atlantic beyond.
In the split level restaurant, a muted colour scheme and simply laid tables allow the view to take centre stage, and floor to ceiling windows right along one side ensure a view for all tables.
Rather long menus - mainly seafood, plus favourites such as fillet steak, rack of lamb, some salads and pasta and a vegetarian dish - arrive promptly at your table, along with home baked breads and a jug of water, and there's also a tempting list of daily specials for seafood lovers: a big bowl of Atlantic Mussels to start, perhaps, then baked John Dory, whole seabass or Dover sole. Aside from the view, the quality and freshness of ingredients is the most attractive quality of this restaurant, especially the seafood which (aside from obvious exceptions such as tiger prawns) is all supplied locally.
Finish with a home-made dessert such as apple & rhubarb crumble, pavlova or hazelnut toffee meringues (deliciously chewy)...
Friendly service, fresh-flavoured food and that view should make dining here an enjoyable experience.
Restaurant: Children welcome (high chair, children's menu); Seats 46 (outdoor, 12); reservation recommended; D 6-9.30pm, early 2-course D, €24.95, also à la carte. SC 10% on groups 6+. Closed Dec-Mar (open 2 weeks over Christmas).
Accommodation:
Above the restaurant there are six freshly decorated en-suite bedrooms, some with sea views, offering simple but comfortable accommodation. More rooms are planned.
Rooms 6 (all en-suite, 5 shower only); children welcome (under 3s free in parents' room, cot available free of charge). B&B €45 pps, ss about €10. Closed Jan & Feb. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
