The Waterfront

Owner- chef Brian Fox's busy bar and restaurant on the front at at Rosses Point boasts fine views of Oyster Island and Coney Island, seen against the splendid backdrop of Knocknarea with its magnificent cairn, the burial place of the mythical Queen Maeve. And, if you are lucky enough to get a table by the window or eat alfresco on the terrace, then you are guaranteed a magnificent view while dining.

An unusual modern interior has plenty of variety, with raised sections, nooks and crannies, an abundance of artwork, and tables that are given different treatment in each area - tables at the back have starched white linen cloths, for example, while others at the front are left bare. All, however, overlook a striking contemporary bar which is the interior focal point of the restaurant. 

Brian leads a busy team of chefs and in-house bakers and his menus offer variety, with steaks and chicken featuring alongside tasty vegetarian choices - but the main focus is the variety of fish and seafood, both local (named on the menu) and imported; examples include cod, monkfish, mackerel, sea trout, red snapper and seabass as well as mussels, scallops, crab and prawns (both local and imported), all of which is cooked by a range of methods and combines traditional and more adventurous flavours. 

The seafood platter for two provides an interesting way of tasting some of these flavours and texture combinations, or you might try more traditional panfried monkfish and Sligo Bay mussels, with champ and a creamy leek sauce. 

Light meals are available during the day but daytime menus are likely to have much less emphasis on seafood, especially in winter. However the in-house bakery provides a tempting array of breads, cakes (including special occasion cakes) and and cookies throughout the year.

Service is casual and can be a little slow but this is hardly noticeable in the relaxed environment.

While meals here may be on the pricey side for the present economic climate, the ingredients are fresh, mainly local and good quality - and the setting is priceless.