Review
All has changed utterly in Jeff and David Behan Vinos restaurant in Greystones since our last visit, except the great food and value for money prices. The restaurant and cafe deli next door are now all one, an all day cafe and restaurant. During the day, people come in from the deli side for a light bite, the homemade cakes or for some of their gourmet ice creams, while in the evening the room is busy with locals and visitors enjoying an early bite, or a catch up dinner with friends.
An early bird offers two courses for €21.95' and the A la carte offers good value with most of the starters around €8 while main courses are under €20 except for the fillet steak. There is a selection of pasta dishes available as well for €12.95, and a blackboard list daily specials.
We had a window seat on one of the warmer evenings so far this year, and so had the sun streaming through the windows. Outside the myriad Greystones dog walkers stroll by, the the sun shone on the green across the road, lighting up some of the grand houses just beyond.
Inside the room is casual and pleasing, and a little snug at the back has a view over the strand down to the sea, except when the Dart pulls in and there is a train almost at the next table, which delights small children - boys in particular - who look on in wonder.
The food here has always been good, and the Meditarranean inspired menu features lots of fish, with some steaks, a lamb dish and a selection of pasta dishes which include some classics.
Being beside the seaside on a summers evening informed our choices and it was fish all the way. Deirdre started with a huge bowl of mussels in a classic white wine, garlic and cream sauce. She worked her way through them, pausing now and again to mop up some of the broth with the crunchy bread. I had a taste of the liquid soaked in bread and it was delicious. My own starter of crispy calamari rings with tender inside and a lemon infused aioli was very good.
Main courses brought Deirdre a stonking piece of salmon, perfectly cooked au pointe, and sitting pretty on some crunchy leaves. This was a very healthy option, than managed to combine real flavour with pared back ingredients.
I had the special of hake with mussels in a spicy tomato broth, which reminded me of fish dishes on the shores of the Med in Barcelona. Again, the fish was perfect, and the chorizo infused broth packed a flavour punch. The last of the bread was put to good use, and we finished the mains with that sense of smugness that the diner who chose well knows.
After our healthy choices we felt a little of what we fancied were in order, and a portion of gorgeous Eton Mess with light meringue and lovely strawberries was a perfect end to a lovely meal.
Good coffee and tea sent us on our way for a stroll down the strand with our little dog Rafa, who had a rest in the car while we ate.
Vinos is a great neighbourhood spot serving great food day and night. It’s definitely a place to visit this summer and while there explore thos pretty seaside town and enjoy a walk on Greystones strand.
