COUNTY KERRY - FOOD


The most south-westerly region of Ireland, County Kerry is often described as the most beautiful and scenic area in the country. With its breath-taking views of the Atlantic sea, peninsulas, mountains and rich Irish culture, Kerry is also one of Ireland`s gourmet destination, with numerous traditional restaurants scattered across the county, from Killarney to Dingle. Here is our pick of the top ten cultural restaurants in County Kerry.
Rozzers Restaurant

Killeen House Hotel,
Aghadoe, Killarney
Located in the Killeen House Hotel in the picturesque Aghadoe, Rozzers Restaurant is a hidden gem overlooking the famous Lakes of Killarney, a renowned area of natural beauty. An establishment at Rozzers for over 15 years, Head Chef Paul O`Gorman has used the local environment and flavors to design a menu that is critically acclaimed. Highlights include starters of fresh oysters, or slow-roasted pork belly served with rillettes of confit duck leg, main courses of pan-seared medallions of monkfish, or roast rack of Kerry lamb with a basil and pine nut crust, finished off with a dessert of tangy lemon tart. For a really luxurious evening, diners can splash out and order the Chateaubriand, or a Dingle Bay lobster from their fresh water tank. With culinary delights such as these, Rozzers Restaurant fully deserves the many awards and accolades it continues to receive.

Jack`s Coastguard Restaurant

Lower Cromane, Killorglin
Situated on the Ring of Kerry in the small fishing village of Cromane is Jack`s Coastguard Restaurant. The former coastguard station dating back to 1866 now functions as a restaurant, but still remains an important part of the community. Its location is unique, as it is the only place in Kerry where you can view the McGillicuddy Reeks and the Brandon range of mountains at the same time. Jack`s Coastguard Restaurant specializes in seafood, but they can also whip up a tasty Kerry rack of lamb or fillet of beef as well. From Thursdays to Sundays, resident pianist JP Murphy accompanies diners with ambient music, creating a memorable dining experience. After a delicious meal, diners can also pop into the Station Bar for a traditional pint and an animated atmosphere.

QC`s Restaurant and Bar

3 Main Street, Cahersiveen
An offshoot of the famous Quinlan`s seafood business, QC`s Seafood Restaurant and Bar in Cahersiveen has been serving locals and visitors quality seafood dishes since 2000. Owned and run by husband-and-wife team Kate Quinlan and Andrew Cooke, QC`s features ultra-fresh seafood as well as daily changing blackboard specials. Popular favorites include their Valentia crabmeat and Quinlan`s smoked salmon on QC`s brown bread, their sizzling `Dingle Prawns` and the baby squid. In 2010, the enterprise expanded to include a townhouse, offering quirky boutique accommodation, and in 2012 QC`s was named the BIM Seafood Restaurant of the Year, as well as winning a number of other accolades ever since.

An Canteen Restaurant

Dykegate Lane, Dingle
Founded by two brothers Niall and Brian Ó Conchúir from the Gaeltacht, west of Dingle, An Canteen uses only the freshest and highest quality seasonal local ingredients to create their menu, even growing its own organic vegetables in a polytunnel. Open in the evenings, An Canteen is situated in the heart of Dingle town, and has been praised by visitors and critics alike. The menu features traditional dishes with a modern twist, such as the 16-hour Kerry braised beef with a red wine and beef gravy, and the Dingle Bay hake with lemon coriander butter, a confit tomato, a bacon shallot mashed potato and a salsa Verde. These dishes are complemented by local craft beers and a lively atmosphere.

Bricín Restaurant

26 High Street, Killarney
A joint venture of brothers Johnny and Paddy McGuire, Bricín Restaurant and Craft Shop has become a firm favorite in Killarney since it opened over 20 years ago. Its name is the Irish for `little trout`, and is also the name of a little stone bridge in Killarney National Park. The restaurant`s traditional vibe is evident throughout the restaurant, from the timber and stone décor, right down to the menu. Their Killarney boxty, which is like a potato pancake, is a house specialty, and Bricín offer a number of variations, including beef, fish, duck, and vegetarian options. After feasting on these delights, it`s imperative to leave room for one of Bricín`s home-made desserts of sticky toffee pudding, and their popular pear and almond tart.

Cellar One Restaurant

The Ross, Town Center, Killarney
The main dining area of The Ross in Killarney, Cellar One restaurant caters for every palate and time of the day. At breakfast, Cellar One has a fresh and welcoming atmosphere; in the evenings, Cellar One dims the lights, and an exciting buzz fills every corner of the eatery. The menu includes culinary treats such as a starter of spinach, rocket and strawberry salad with candied walnut and crispy fried goats cheese, main courses like baked prosciutto wrapped hake, and dessert like their melt-in-the-middle chocolate pudding. The ambiance at Cellar One is contributed to by the restaurant`s innovative design, the focal point of which is a stainless steel and glass curved staircase. With subtle lighting, color furnishings and vaulted ceilings, an evening at Cellar One is one to remember.

No 3535

Main Street, Kenmare
Another firm favorite in Kenmare is the award-winning restaurant No 35. Local ingredients are at the heart of the culinary creations that feature on the menu, and are carefully sourced and prepared by proprietor Dermot Brennan, Head Chef Joe Ryan and his team of skilled chefs. The menu is a fusion of European dishes with an Irish twist; these include Moroccan tagine with Kerry lamb, simmered slowly in spices, served with couscous, cucumber and mint yoghurt, and Cashel Blue Cheese, leeks, pine nuts and thyme pizza. This exterior, clad in local hand-cut limestone, as well as the interior comprising of exposed timber beams, stained glass windows and open fires, make the atmosphere at No 35 warm and inviting.

Out of the Blue

Waterside, Dingle
For those who prefer the fresh taste of Irish fish right from the Atlantic Sea, Out of the Blue is the place to eat. This year sees the restaurant celebrating its 12th year as one of Dingle`s best seafood-only restaurants. The menu is constantly changing here, depending on the daily catch – if there is no fish caught, then the restaurant doesn`t open. Head Chef`s Jean-Marie Vaireaux and Eric Maillard aim to create tantalizing dishes through the use of local ingredients, such as the seafood chowder, oysters on the half shell, chargrilled tuna mini-kebabs, chargrilled john dory on the bone, and pan-seared scallops with flambéed calvados pineapple and chili salsa. The vibe of Out of the Blue is casual, with the menu written on blackboards.

The Lime Tree Restaurant

Shelborne Street, Kenmare
Housed in a historical building dating back to 1832 is Kenmare`s landmark restaurant The Lime Tree. The premises were originally built by Lord Lansdowne as his estate office, and during the famine of 1845, it was used as a center which provided free travel for starving land tenants to journey to America and other countries. From the 1860s until the 1970s, the building was used as a school. Many local diners received their education there! Now a restaurant, The Lime Tree`s menu is crafted from carefully sourced local ingredients, from fish straight out of the Atlantic, to lamb from local farmers. Chef Patron Michael Casey and wife Gillian create dishes that amplify these local flavors. The restaurant has been continuous in winning awards and accolades, as well as new customers.

The Phoenix Restaurant

Shanahill East, Castlemaine
Located in the small town of Castlemaine, the Phoenix Restaurant is an artisanal vegetarian retreat. The brainchild of Lorna Tyther, the Phoenix is the culmination of her lifelong fascination with food and flavors. Using local produce, as well as vegetables and herbs from the kitchen garden, the menu at the Phoenix includes gluten- and dairy-free dishes such as caramelized carrot and onion Dahl, which is flavored with coconut and lime, or grilled artichoke hearts and a tangy cracked pepper and lime hummus. Not only does the Phoenix provide wholesome food, but there is also creative accommodation available in the form of `glamping` in traditional caravans. For an all-round cultural experience, the Phoenix also features local artwork, live music and is a venue for holistic workshops.

Tom Crean Fish & Wine

Main Street, Kenmare
Formerly known as D`Arcy`s, this venerable restaurant has been renamed in honor of owner/chef Aileen d`Arcy`s grandfather, Kerry`s pioneering Antarctic explorer Tom Crean. Local purveyors supply the best in organic produce, cheeses and fresh seafood, all served in modern, low-key surrounds. The raw oysters capture the scent of the bay; the homemade ravioli of prawn mousse and sesame seed-crusted Atlantic salmon with lime and coriander are divine.

Quinlan`s Fish

The Mall, Tralee
Quinlan`s is Kerry`s leading chain of fish shops, with their own fleet, so you know its seafood bar fare is fresh. The fish and chips are great; alternatives include Dingle Bay squid and chips with sweet chili sauce. The Delft-blue and scrubbed-timber premises have a handful of wine barrel tables, or head to Tralee`s Town Park.