Down a little laneway in the heart of the town, Dominique and Anna Miralles's understated bistro brings a real taste of France to Westport.
Menus displayed, French-style, at the doorway underline the value offered here - the 3-course table d'hote is a snip, but the à la carte is also keenly priced - and the modest room, smartly decorated in neutral tones, sets the scene for an experience where the food on the plate will play the starring role.
Guests are warmly received with that special professionalism that combines a friendly chat with efficient service, so new arrivals are soon tucking into the excellent breads (including an unusual one with bacon lardons and parmesan) and musing over menus.
The set menu is available at all times and includes a range of dishes from the à la carte, which offers a choice of eight or nine starters and main courses. The foundation is classic French cuisine and Dominique's cooking has finesse - but alongside sophisticated dishes like Quenelle of crab meat with compressed apple & celery pickle, or chicken terrine with hazelnut & black truffle dressing and celery remoulade, you'll find gutsy bistro favourites like French Onion Soup (the real deal, with parmesan and gruyère cheese) and the house speciality, Chef's mussels.
One of a good range of seafood dishes, it's available on both menus and in two sizes - and, while may sound ordinary enough at first glance, it turns out to be quite superb. Colourful and full of flavour, Chef's mussels comes in a tomato sauce with saffron and - here's the rub - there are no less than three alcohols included as, in addition to the usual white wine, it is flambéed with pastis and cognac.
Another highlight that illustrates the creativity and skill that's applied to local ingredients is the simply named Seafood Gratin; packed with scallops, smoked cod and hake in a velouté sauce, decorated with mussels, and topped with a julienne of vegetables this modest sounding dish is a triumph.
But meat lovers need not fear - there is 'a good steak' steak of course, and several other meat and poultry choices - and vegetarians are quite well looked after too.
A short dessert list includes some excellent classics - Lemon Tart, for example, and perhaps a Pistachio and white chocolate crème brûlée - also a French and Irish cheese plate that features the local Carrowholly Cheese.
The short all European wine list is fairly priced and with a nice spread of varieties - in the reds, for instance, you could have a 500ml carafe of Languedoc red (shiraz or merlot) for €16.00 or a bottle of Burgundy Pinot Noir, the top priced wine, for €34.95.
All round, The Black Truffle offers great food and great value - a most enjoyable experience.
