Search Results for 'Types of restaurant'

By and large Galway does not like fine dining. White table cloths, fine linens, and silverware don’t appeal to our Bohemian tendencies. Elaborate five hour, three-figure, hushed meals make us collectively regress to our inner toddler, wanting to smear our foie gras and veloute around. That is not to say we don't enjoy fine food, we just like it in a more lively environment. Galwegians, and those who are drawn to settle here, are comfortable in the easy elegance of Kai, the relaxed charm of Il Vicolo, or propping up the bar upstairs in Sheridan’s — any place with that touch of novelty, eccentricity, and fun. In recent times, it seems the rest of the world is coming round to our point of view. There is a shift in the industry from formal and traditional establishments towards a style of low-key dining, both nationally and internationally. Now that chefs are busy opening pizza joints and noodle bars, the days seem numbered for fancy dining rooms and yet that is exactly what has just happened.

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” - JRR Tolkien.

One of our favourite family spots has to be Mulberry’s restaurant in the village of Barna, on the coast road to Spiddal, close enough to Galway city to be almost considered a suburb. Set back from the main road, in a line of pretty shops, this is usually a busy spot with well thought out menus and family friendly dining. The two very hands-on owners, James and Deirdre Cunningham, are blessed with a good chef, Ziggy Kolanczyk. There is real focus on local seasonal produce and James himself can often be found foraging among the rocks on the local shores. The quality of ingredients, reasonable prices, and the casual elegance of the decor all adds up to a very good dining experience, with an emphasis on seafood and European style cuisine. Parking is both ample and free and the sky blue frontage is conveniently located next door to Ali’s Fish Shop, so you are guaranteed the seafood will be as fresh as can be.

For such a tiny village there is certainly no shortage of choice when it comes to eating out in Barna. Mulberry's for casual and family dining, O'Grady's for the seafood lovers, and what many consider to be the jewel in Barna's culinary crown, West at The Twelve. West's outstanding contemporary regional cuisine and seamless service has earned much critical acclaim, as has its extensive wine list. Here seasonal and local ingredients shine to deliver a superb fine dining experience.

Seasons Restaurant, Castlebar, is now taking bookings for Communions and confirmations 2012 with menus to suit all budgets and party sizes. Contact John or Mary to discuss your requirements.

There are certain things that I regularly encounter in the world of restaurants which just seem to make no sense, and when I mentioned a few of them to some friends they immediately had several to add, so if anyone is guilty perhaps you might consider the following.

The Harlequin restaurant is established locally as one of Castlebar’s finest restaurants and is open daily serving breakfast from 7am and lunch from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. In the evening enjoy a mouthwatering meal from the contemporary menu prepared from local produce by award winning chef Frank Walsh. Savour a nice bottle of wine from the Harlequin restaurant’s carefully chosen selection, or allow the excellent waiting staff to give you their recommendations.