French chef Nick Denis and his partner Natasha Hughes own and run this excellent restaurant in the heart of Oranmore - and they open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
They have parking at the back and direct access to the reception area at the bar, which is a welcoming and cosy space with bookshelves and soft lighting.
There are three spacious dining areas, including a conservatory with two big dining tables, and the décor is stylish and comfortable. Lots of natural wood and paintings, linen table cloths with gleaming cutlery, china and glassware and funky Scandi style plates.
Natasha runs front of house and the welcome is warmly efficient - staff have very good knowledge of the menus and which dishes are most popular. Their Beef Tournedos, the Mussels with Irish Chorizo and Irish Cider and n unusual Black Olive Crème Brulée never come off the menu.
Local, seasonal and, where possible, organic produce form the building blocks of the menu at Armorica and Nick is a big fan of local food heros such as Castlemine Farm, the Friendly Farmer, Bia Oisin, Caragh’s Microgreens, Cuinneog butter, Doonbeg crab and Galway Bay Seafood.
The cooking is hearty yet sophisticated with flavour to the fore, and sharing plates are offered for those who want to nibble while they have a drink from the extensive wine list.
There are nine well-appointed rooms too - and live jazz on Thursdays.
All round, a really useful (and good value) place to know about when visiting Galway or north Clare.
