Leading Sligo restaurateur Anthony Gray opened his fine dining restaurant Eala Bhàn (‘White Swan’) in the town centre in December 2011 and quickly established an enviable reputation with local diners.
Eala Bhàn soon became a favoured destination for any special meal out, so weekend tables need to be booked well in advance - and not only has it stood the test of time but was joined nearby in 2018 by a new sister restaurant, Hooked (see entry) which is located in a former butchers shop once run by Anthony's father and specialises in local meats.
Located in an attractive riverside premises that was previusly home to several restaurants, including one of Conrad Gallagher’s brief Sligo ventures, the interior is cleverly divided by curved wrought iron railings and its focal point - two floor to ceiling curtain ‘walls' of double thickness cream voile with fairy lights are hung between the layers - is reminiscent of the eponymous swan.
Block mounted photographs inspired by nature decorate the walls, and tables – which include two especially desirable window tables looking out on the river - are smartly set up bistro style.
Well trained staff create a good impression from the outset and Head Chef Marcin Szczodrowski's menus – which include a very nice early dinner menu and a proper children’s menu (not for tinies, although some dishes could be adjusted) – make promising reading, with many dishes offering upbeat versions of restaurant favourites.
Steak and seafood are the stated specialities, and they offer a very good lunchtime menu with favourites such as slow-cooked braised featherblade of beef, served with creamy chive buttery mash and roast carrots.
Eala Bhan utilises all fresh local organic produce and this shines through in their Taste of the Wild Atlantic Way which combines the flavours of pan-seared scallops, Mullaghmore fish cake and Streedagh beach fried carrageen moss.
As well as the popular steaks – sirloin, fillet and featherblade – the main menu also features Sherlock’s of Tubbercurry loin of lamb and Irish chicken supreme with Kelly’s of Newport white pudding crumb.
But all menus offer plenty of choice, and good value too - mains on the lunch menu are around the €17/€18 mark.
Vegetarians and vegans are well looked after as well, although you don’t have to be either to enjoy a delicious dish like the mushroom, spinach and blue cheese lasagne or baked stuffed courgette served with spiced chickpeas and carpaccio of local beets.
The dessert menu features old favourites including baked Alaska and newer surprises such as chocolate and hazelnut dome.
Coffee is excellent too, and efficient service is provided by pleasant and well informed staff.
Coffee is excellent too, and efficient service is provided by pleasant and well informed staff.
While not over-extensive, the wine list is carefully selected and, like everything else at this pleasing restaurant, well priced; although special celebrations are allowed for (Dom Perignon, €200), almost everything else is well under €30, with French house wines just €22.95 (5.95 per glass).
Offering delicious food, pleasing surroundings, great staff and real value for money, it’s not hard to see why this restaurant is so successful.
