Review on Gorman's Clifftop House & Restaurant
Vincent and Sile Gorman's ultra-comfortable guesthouse/restaurant occupies an awesome spot on the north-western tip of the Dingle Peninsula: out front is Smerwick Harbour and Sybil Head, to the rear are the peaks of the Brandon Mountains. This is 'Gaeltacht', where Irish is the first language.
The restaurant is perfectly placed for gazing out to sea and watching the sun go down over the Atlantic. Vincent Gorman's cooking also catches the eye - as well as the palate - and he is keen on native produce. Traditional potato cake and Annascaul black pudding sandwich is a signature starter; otherwise begin with a bowl of salmon chowder. Main courses make good use of the local catch for - say - fillet of turbot with lentils, vanilla and orange syrup, while meat eaters might go for sirloin of beef with scallion mash, brandy and mushroom sauce.
It's worth leaving room for luscious, comforting desserts such as chocolate chip and hazelnut cookies with ice cream and toffee sauce or caramelised rhubarb and custard pie. Cheeses are Irish and the well-chosen wine list includes a few organic bottles.
Cuisine
Modern Irish / European
Chef
Vincent Gorman
Restaurant Opening Times
Dinner: 6.30 - 8.30pm Mon-Sat
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card