David Foley and Julie Randles’ restaurant is in the heart of Adare, one of the prettiest cottages in the prettiest village in Ireland - and, with consistently good modern Irish cooking and caring service, it’s an irresistible package.
David Foley is a fine chef who sources ingredients with care - seafood comes from west Cork, there are local meats, poultry and game in season; everything comes from a network of small suppliers built up over the years.
Menus offered include a table d'hote dinner, a semi à la carte which is considerately priced by course, and a separate vegetarian menu, on request. All the niceties of a special meal are observed - delicious home-baked bread (mustard seed, perhaps) is delivered with an amuse-bouche, such as a shot glass of asparagus soup.
The cooking style is sophisticated - a luxurious main course example is pan-fried Castletownbere scallops on potato & chive pancakes, with champagne cream sauce, although a more homely rack of Adare lamb with traditional accompaniments such as potato & garlic gratin and rosemary jus is an enduring favourite.
Like everything else in your meal, desserts (including ice creams) are freshly made on the premises.
Friendly staff and a carefully selected, informative wine list add greatly to the dining experience.
Seats 60 (private room, 30, outdoor, 10). D Tue-Sat 6.30-9.30, L Sun only 12.30-3pm (€25, 3 courses). 2/3 course value D €29/35 all evening; also á la carte & vegetarian menu. House wines €24. Children welcome (high chair); no wheelchair access. Closed Mon & Sun D; 24-26 Dec; 8-26 Jan. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
