Solas Tapas and Wine Bar opened in 2019 to immediate acclaim, attracting the admiration of local diners and visiting tourists alike. Chef Nicky Foley has brought a winning combination of Spanish-inspired tapas dishes and quality Irish ingredients to Dingle, all enjoyed in a pleasingly low-key setting.
Chef Foley’s career has seen him work with Richard Corrigan in London and as executive chef for the Imperial Hotel in Cork, but it was his four years in Spain which inspired the Waterford man to open Solas. Drawing on this experience, he has designed a simple but appealing menu designed to suit a variety of tastes and appetites, so you can tuck into snacks like olives or roasted almonds or choose from speciality small plates, such as crisp pork belly, octopus carpaccio or grass-fed beef.
Showcasing the region’s abundant produce, the Solas menu features Kerry smoked haddock, Kerry mountain lamb, Atlantic prawns and probably also a dash or two of the much-lauded Dingle Gin. A particular highlight is the selection of more-ish croquettes: whether they’re filled with chorizo and manchego, dillisk and wild mushroom, or smoked haddock and cheddar they’re bursting with flavour and contrasting textures, with the succulent interior encased in a delectably crunchy shell...
With its vivid red paintwork, a sincere welcome and caring service from co-owner Ann Connell and her front-of-house staff, and comforting rustic dishes, Solas radiates warmth - and, in the summer months, the outside seating is perfect for enjoying a well chilled glass of white and a locally-sourced supper while taking in the famous Dingle cultural scene. Diners in search of a relaxing glass of red won’t go thirsty either, as there are plenty of reasonably-priced options on the well-selected wine list - along with a ‘Cellar’s Choice’ pick for splurging on something special.
Solas Wine and Tapas is offering something different and very good on Dingle’s vibrant food scene - and it would be worth a visit for those more-ish croquettes alone.
