A welcome recent addition to the Twin Towns of Ballybofey and Stranorlar, ‘Before’ is the brainchild of local man and former hotelier Niall Jackson, who returned from time spent travelling complete with a palette of new flavours and cooking techniques that - together with his interest in ancient Irish culture (hence the name ‘Before’) - inspired him to open this unusual restaurant.
The restaurant is a bold contrast of colours and textures, from stained glass windows to NFT digital wall art and beautiful native wood epoxy resin tables handmade by Niall himself - a man with an obvious creative flair. This extends into the busy kitchen, which is on full display as you enter the clean-lined modern reception aree. With fresh flowers - and wine and local products displayed on the shelves for sale - it makes for a welcoming and engaging arrival for guests, who can see Head Chef Peter McMenamin and his team at work on delicious creations as they pass through.
The menu, which is designed entirely around charcoal grilled and wood fired cooking methods ('no gas, no electricty'), focuses on pizza and burgers with a good variety of other options to choose from too. There's an emphasis on slow cooked, marinated food and some ethnic flavours. 3-day proved Neopolitan style pizzas (from about €12), corn chilaquiles, whole spatchcock chicken served with chimichurri and burnt corn, are all typical and there's a Market Fish Dish and Steak Choice, changing each week. Steaks and other meats are sourced from nearby McConnells Butchers while pizza toppings include Gubbeen Salami, Finn Valley Honey and Five Mile Town Goats cheese
Drinks menus include kombucha, draught moretti beer and all the usual soft drinks, as well as a full list of biodynamic wines from Wines Direct, with their own descriptions clearly displayed. Lesser known grape varieties like Aligote and Nero di Trioa feature and many wines are vegan friendly - and, with a glass of house wine starting at €6, pricing is very fair.
Friendly, welcoming and kindly-priced, this vibrant newcomer is a must-visit for anyone coming to the Twin Towns area.
