One of the region's most popular and highly-regarded restaurants is to be found in the old courthouse of the attractive village of Kinlough, where owner-chef Piero Melis offers consistently good contemporary cooking in the Mediterranean style, with some local influences.
With an open fire in the main room, which makes it especially appealing on chilly days, this little restaurant is a welcoming place and full of charm.
Piero's philosophy is to keep it simple and allow his carefully sourced local foods to take centre stage, but - with dishes such as a starter of Home made lobster or crab parcel with mascarpone basil sun dried tomato sauce, and main of Pan fried Quail with champ wild mushroom & balsamic reduction both typical of the choices on his extensive and very appealing menus - this simplicity is skilfully achieved.
Specialities include Thornhill duck from Co Cavan - perhaps a peppered Thornhill duck breast with spinach & wild mushroom sauce - and ever-popular steak which is matured on the bone for 10 days and then allowed to mature for a further 14 days after boning.
And, in typically Italian fashion, you can be sure of ending your meal on a high with really delicious desserts such as a properly wobbly panncotta, with summer berries perhaps, a superb house tiramisu, or a seasonal dessert plate.
Consistently excellent cooking, wide ranging menus and helpful, professional service all encourage frequent return visits - and booking is strongly advised at this understandably popular restaurant.
