Just a couple of minutes walk from Kilkenny Castle en route to the bridge, you can't miss Florin Sima's long established wine and tapas bar.
With its frontage freshly painted in vibrant colours, it's a real come-on-in kind of place - and, once inside, the long narrow room is bright and full of character, with exposed stonework, wine displays and Spanish pictures and posters giving it that holiday feeling from the start.
The location, Spanish themes and music create a great atmosphere and The Grapevine is very popular with groups celebrating special occasions or dining early before going on to sample the city's later attractions, and with families who enjoy the buzz and the wide selection of Tapas offered.
Chef Bryan Ahearne has been here for many years and he has built up a loyal following for consistently excellent cooking and the creative dishes offered. There is something for everyone in the extensive selection of about two dozen Tapas dishes (with clear descriptions of each), a Paella selection (all made to order), also six Chef's recommendations, boards to share, Bruschettas, salads and and an Early Bird menu that is available every night except on bank holiday weekends.
All of the Spanish favourites (and more) are here and, while there isn't a children's menu, menus can be adapted to suit different ages. Typical Tapas (or starters) might be Pimentos de Patron (small fried green chili peppers with sea salt) and Gambas al Aljio con Chorizo (Prawns tossed in chili oil and chorizo, garlic and parsley) both perfectly cooked and piping hot, while Paella choices (only served for two persons as a main dish, from about €16.50 each), include ever-popular Paella De Marisco. This wonderful traditional rice dish served with seafood and shellfish, onion, garlic andmixed peppers includes a good balance of shellfish and fish with well seasoned rice and it is obviously cooked to order (allow 45 minutes when ordering).
Everything is beautifully cooked, full of flavour and served in typical Spanish style in traditional brown and a mixum-gatherum of pottery dishes that all add to the relaxing ambience. And then there is the wine... Supplied by highly-regarded Kilkenny specialists Le Caveau, of Market Yard, the wine list is very good, with excellent descriptions and tasting notes, plus recommended wines for particular dishes. White wines are organised in different sections, such as Light and Crisp with food notes, Juicy, Aromatic and Intense, Full Opulent and Rounded Whites, with similar sections and notes for the reds. There is also an especially interesting section on New Special Spanish Wines (entry level about €33) as well as sparkling wines, ciders and beers, including local favourite O’Hara’s.
So all-round, with its delicious food, terrific wines and very warm, friendly and fun atmosphere, this restaurant is a sure-fire winner.
