John and Julie Finn built up a following for their first restaurant, in Timoleague, and when they opened Finn’s Table in Kinsale, in 2013, it moved effortlessly into the top rank of a very competitive class.
The beautifully appointed restaurant, Julie's warmly professional hospitality, John's fine cooking of local food and his passion for interesting wines all ensured they were consistently among the leaders in this famously foodie town - so it was a big surprise to their many followers when they decided to revamp the restaurant in 2020, and re-brand it as Finns' Farmcut.
Returning fans may be somewhat anxious about the changes, but they should be pleasantly surprised to see how well it has worked out. The dining room is less formal, but there's still an obvious focus on quality, with superb stemware and linen napkins setting the tone - and, although 'Bertha' (the specially imported charcoal burning oven) now leads the kitchen style, John's cooking is as good as ever and Julie runs the room beautifully so the atmosphere is still great.
Fresh fish and seafood are the speciality at most Kinsale restaurants and you'll find some very tempting seafood dishes here too, but the difference at Finns is that meats, including some from the family farm, are supplied by John's Dad who is a third generation butcher from Mitchelstown.That has been the case since they opened, but it's a more obvious USP since the arrival of Bertha and the menu now has a broader appeal, attracting more families as well as the gourmands, wine buffs and elite golfers who fly in to play the Old Head of Kinsale.
The wine list is among the best in Kinsale, with a handpicked selection of Rieslings among many gems on offer.
Pricing is fair for the quality offered and, with lots of new produce coming in daily (including local lobster) there are menu changes every day - all of which which adds to the sense of personal care and value at this great destination, ensuring that every customer will want to revisit as soon as possible. A flagship restaurant for Kinsale.
