With much of County Mayo lying on the Irish coast, quality local produce is important for the fantastic restaurants lying all across the county, creating fantastic menus with passion, the right ingredients and everything else that goes together to contribute to the flavour of the Irish country.
An Port Mór is a very popular destination in County Mayo and lies in Westport, near the west coast. Set in the heart of the town, it’s a restaurant that features an award-winning chef as well as a mention in the Best Restaurants of Ireland 2013. This charming little setting has a diverse menu, ranging from traditional Irish dishes to a selection of fresh seafood, including its renowned fresh shellfish.
Another superb feature of Westport is La Bella Vita, a strong Italian offering that emits more of a romantic thrall, perfect for dates and celebrations. It’s a break from the traditional by all means and may be exactly what some people are after with its fresh pasta, delicious sauces and selection of chicken, brimming with Italian tastes.
Market Kitchen, known for its award-winning customer service, also makes the list and is found in Ballina. Its cuisine tends to consist of bistro and gastro-pub selections, making it a wholly different experience from others in the area. Another great restaurant in Ballina is the restaurant at Belleek Castle, highly recommended thanks to its quaint, peaceful location as well as its suitability for large occasions such as weddings. Again, priding itself on using ingredients and flavours of the country, the chef and his team manage to illicit a mystical, yet traditional, menu, fitting for the setting with its selections of meat such as beef, duck and lamb.
Sticking with Ballina for now, Brennan’s Lane Bar & Restaurant features rave reviews for its eclectic menu, branching out from tradition and embracing a slightly European taste. It’s something of a hidden gem, yet, inside, it stretches onwards, guaranteeing space as well as the perfect ambiance one might expect. Holding a bar also, it’s a lovely little place to attend a few local gigs whilst enjoying a drink or two. The dining room is quite elegant and, like many of the restaurants featured here, is big on its seafood and game. Monkfish is cooked and wrapped in banana leaves with ginger and sea bass is served with spices and oil, adding a stylish edge to proceedings. It’s a contemporary restaurant and sits at the heart of Ballina, a must-visit for any budding foodie.
Finally, returning to Westport with the aptly named Temptations Restaurant, an abundance of old and new, traditional and exotic food is on offer. The restaurant features another glamorous interior with attractive decorations glittering from the walls and ceiling and tends to offer a more international menu to cater to a larger audience. This all helps it to produce a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that goes well with just about any occasion, morning, noon or night.