Promising 'rustic fine dining' and situated on the edge of bustling Doolin village, Oar Doolin has all the advantages of association with this tourist hotspot while also being in a quiet location with plenty of private parking.
Formerly the highly regarded Roadford House, it was taken over by Kieran O’Halloran (of 'Kieran's Kitchen' at The Roadside Inn in Lisdoonvarna) in 2018, given a stylish revamp by Ciara McGrath Walsh and re-opened just in time for the following summer season.
"We love what we do and we hope you do too!" is the disarming message from Kieran, head chef Viv Kelly and the team - and, once the elegant room with its white clothed tables and gleaming glassware begins to work its magic, it would be hard not to enter into the spirit of the endeavour.
You’ll find longer menus but you’ll travel a long way to get better food, as the best of local produce is well flagged (“Only the finest and freshest ingredients from local butchers, fishmongers, fishermen and farmers”) and the carefully sourced ingredients are cooked and presented with flair.
Typically, on an early summer menu, starters might include an upbeat version of Beef Carpaccio (Hereford prime fillet, lemongrass and chilli oil, wasabi crumb); Atlantic Smoked Salmon (with pickled cucumber and radish); and perhaps a Clam & Smoked Fish Broth.
Next you may well be offered a Pork Fillet Parcel (bubble and squeak, apple and cinnamon relish), a fish option such as Cod with figs, aubergine and Parma ham - and there will always be a vegetarian choice of course.
Desserts lean towards the indulgent - Dark chocolate truffle tart, perhaps, or a pretty Passionfruit soufflé with a passionfruit sorbet - and there's also an appealing Chef’s Cheese Selection with crackers and chutney.
Excellent service is a match for the good food served and, to accompany, there are beers from local brewery Western Herd in nearby Ennis, as well as a fair choice of wines (just three by the glass). Unusually too, they offer three Kombucha, to be consumed on their own or as part of a cocktail, with suggestions given on the list.
A must-try destination for food lovers when in Co Clare.
