Down an atmospheric little laneway in the heart of the town, this pleasant bistro brings an interesting Irish/French fusion flavour to the Westport dining scene.
Named for the owner Arnaud Vaccani, who is from France, Arno’s is small but attractively presented with a smart grey and white exterior and a neat awning covering a raised seating area - and, across the tiny pedestrian ‘road’ there is a very nice addition, as they have taken over and branded a vacant unit, so diners can wait in comfort or enjoy a glass of wine at the end of their meal.
Inside, guests are warmly welcomed into a simple square room which is lifted by thoughtful lighting and some French-themed photos on a painted brick wall - all, like the pared back table settings, creating a sense of understated chic. And the simple surroundings are no harm, as it's all about the food here.
Specific provenance may not be given on the menu (although it is stated that meat and poultry is all Irish and traceable from farm to fork) but there is no doubting the quality of the ingredients. Ultra fresh seafood, for example, may include a sea-fresh starter of scallops, perfectly cooked and served with fermented kohlrabi, hazelnut dukkah and orange dressing or a goat´s cheese crème brulee with rhubarb chutney and sourdough.
For meat lovers, a hearty dish like lamb shoulder, with mint pesto, sheep´s yogurt and garlic and rosemary jus should appeal – or pork belly with spiced apple chutney and black pudding.
Vegetarians will enjoy the carefully crafted cauliflower steak with caper and raisin puree, pickled cauliflow-er and mixed seed crumb.
While not over complicated, there is lovely attention to detail and each plate has many elements, some unannounced. Everything is thoughtfully cooked, with each ingredient allowed to shine - and nothing is on the plate unless it will enhance the experience. The cuisine at Arno's could be described as Irish/French fusion food, but it’s not fussy nor contrived. Donal understands his ingredients and designs each dish to showcase the main one to perfection.
Leave room for dessert if you can. Based on the classics, they round of the meal with panache - a glorious crème brulee paired with s seasonal sorbet and topped with a sesame and tasty tuile, for example - and there's an Irish cheese plate too. To accompany, a short wine list offers good value and includes about ten by the glass, also some craft beers.
All round, Arno's offers great food and great value - an evening spent here a real pleasure, and one you will want to repeat.
