Wolfe Tone Square Bantry, Co. Cork.
O'Connor’s Seafood Restaurant is in the beautiful West Cork town of Bantry. O'Connor’s is a famous destination seafood restaurant that is recommended in all of the major food guides including Taste of Ireland and Michelin. Former Head Chef Pat Kiely has returned as the owner, and has re-assembled the team that made O'Connor’s Seafood Restaurant of the Year in 2009.
The restaurant has been re-painted on the outside, it’s now brighter and easier to spot from across the square, while the inside is pretty much the same - soothing creams and browns, very stylish chairs and leather booths, and handsome granite topped tables. The famous lobster tank is back, and the menu is a seafood lovers delight.
Pat is concentrating on running the business this time out and making sure everything runs smoothly front of house, where he works alongside restaurant manager Daniel and his team. The kitchen is an all female affair, with two talented young chefs, Maggie and Anne Marie in charge. Maggie was here before under Pat, and knows the restaurant and the customers tastes well, while Anne Marie has worked in some of West Corks other good spots, notably Ritchie’s in Clonakilty.
There are around eight specials on each lunch time, and the same in the evening. Typically there is black sole, hake, fish and chips two ways and my personal favourite, the monkfish on a smoked venison risotto, which for me is the fish dish of the year.
The prices are certainly lower than under it’s previous incarnation, with the house speciality mussels coming in at a very reasonable €8.50 for s starter, or €16.50 for a main course, while the oysters at only €9 for a half dozen, is the best price we have seen anywhere.
This is one of Ireland’s best seafood restaurants, and we don’t think you will be disappointed. Great food in a picturesque setting at very good value for money prices. Try it for yourself.
