Rhonwen's Eyeries Bistro

My husband and I went with friends who live locally, in early January; all four of us were blown away by the food, wine and service. All of us are vegan, with one being gluten-intolerant also, and they catered for all of us on-menu rather than having to search around for something they could make suitable. I don’t think I’ve been anywhere other than a specific vegan or vegetarian restaurant where there’s been such a choice.

I can particularly recommend the tempeh salad starter – it’s really flavoursome and yet not too filling. Attention to detail is something most eateries seem to forget about, but not here – there was chilled water on the table when we arrived, chips - often not that great in many places – which we ordered as a side dish were just right (not too thin, not too fat, just crisp) and when I couldn’t decide on dessert I was able to order two, one to take away, which they are also prepared for. I had the upside-down apple pie (really sticky and sweet – just right) and the banoffee pie (lots of textures and gorgeous flavours).

I should also mention the wine was amazing too – especially the Horgelus rosé. I’m not often a huge fan of rosé as it can be neither one thing nor the other but this was definitely a classic. The wine is clearly marked on the menu if it is vegan, and most are.

The service was attentive and friendly but not over-the-top; the atmosphere was cosy and convivial (the restaurant was full or almost-full) – not too formal but it felt like a ‘proper night out’ rather than a casual bite.

Certainly a far cry from your standard restaurant with nothing but meat – a real gem, especially for rural Ireland. Long may it flourish! Would have given it an 'Excellent - 5 cows' rating but Happy Cow does not allow it for non-veggie restaurants (understandably).