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Food is usually prepared in a simple, country-house style, though pleasant surprises abound. A number of ambitious Irish chefs are at work in the Southeast's restaurants and hotels, and at newer joints with inventive offerings that offer a great value. The best of the region's cuisine rests on modern, international interpretations of classic Irish dishes. Leading lights in the area include chef Kevin Dundon at Dunbrody Country House, Paul Flynn of the Tannery, and Martjin Kajuiter at the Michelin-starred Cliff House in Ardmore.
Other than its fabled strawberries, the Southeast is probably best known for its rich seafood, especially Wexford mussels, crabs, and locally caught salmon. Kilmore Quay, noted for lobster and deep-sea fishing, hosts an annual Seafood Festival the second week of July. Many restaurants serve local lamb, beef, and game in season.
Situated on the ground floor of a Victorian house with a wonderful vegetable garden out back, the Beach House has rapidly become one of the hottest seafood restaurants in the country. Their shellfish bisque is a gorgeous starter, and while mains change with the daily catch, the brill with mussels and Muscadet and the black sole are two of the more popular. There are excellent meat and vegetarian options and the almond tart is a standout dessert.
Given its quayside location, seafood is the specialty at this busy family-run seafood restaurant. Fisherman's pie is a real favorite—scrumptious freshly caught prawns, monkfish, salmon, and cod in a dill and Pernod cream sauce topped with a mashed-potato crust. Non-seafood options include chicken Angelica stuffed with potatoes and leeks and wrapped in bacon with mushroom sauce. Simplicity and freshness define the food here.
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