Truly Artisan

Discovering new places to eat with an interesting menu and reasonable pricing can be a struggle, especially when variety is not the pressing issue, taste and value is. This is particularly true of Galway, where restaurants are abundant. Be it Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Asian, Indian, French- our collective cuisine preferences are adequately catered to. Too often it happens however, that a high rated restaurant with a promising menu only goes half way. It's not good enough that a dish contains chillis, I want to be able to taste those chillis. You know?

On the quest for such a spoiling, a small group of us booked a table at Artisan restaurant last Thursday. Over-looking busy Quay St., Artisan is a quaint perch to people watch, poised above Tig Neachtain. We decided to go for the three course early bird menu. To kick start things, we were served a tasty little amuse-bouche with a selection of homemade breads. Following this, I chose the French style charcuterie plate for a starter, with cured meats, olives, pate and thin slices crispy baguette which I savored with a glass of a rich French red. My entrée was baked trout, with baby potatoes. The delicious tangy salsa and roast parsnip accompaniments really made the dish, after which I polished off an indulgent selection plate for dessert.  Upon recommendation, we went with a bottle of Syrah from the extensive wine menu, a nice and light red wine from the Rhone Valley in France.

The overall experience was hard to fault, the service was very friendly and we were well looked after. The interior is elegant and classy, the silver napkin rings were a nice touch! For you foodies- Artisan specialises in locally sourced farmhouse produce, serving good sized portions of fish and meat dishes with exciting ingredient combinations like brie, roasted pecans and cranberry. For you romancers- the narrow, low lit layout provides an intimate dining setting. For you penny-pinchn' fast food junkies- go somewhere else! 

Evening meals are served daily from 6-10pm Mon-Sun, the early bird option is served from 6-7pm, a bargain for €25. Booking is advised 091 532655

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**Artisan was awarded 'Best restaurant in Galway' at the recent Irish Restaurant Awards last Tuesday, March 20th 2012! **