Above The Mill Bar at Annacotty, Seema and Brian Conroy's attractively named restaurant is very pleasantly located in a restored mill overlooking the Mulcair River, and well away from the traffic.
Agreeable staff are quick to welcome arriving guests and Indian background music immediately creates atmosphere. The ambience is very pleasing, with the spicy theme seen in the warm tones of the stylish modern decor while some open brickwork lends a hint of rusticity.
First time visitors may be surprised by the promptly presented menus, which offer an unusual combination of cuisines - not just Indian/Pakistani, as might be expected, but also Japanese and Thai. However, there is a stronger leaning towards authentic Indian food than the other cuisines, and a very wide range of vegetarian dishes is offered.
Unusually, there are home-made ethnic Asian desserts, as well as a selection of popular Western ones, including home-made ice creams.
A fairly priced wine list offers a balanced selection of world wines - most of which are under €30, but there is also one big fat celebration bottle (Roederer Brut Cristal 2002, €250) and an unusual Takara Plum Wine (€25), from Japan, which is served as an aperitif. A couple of half bottles are offered and 8 wines are available by the glass, including one sparkling.
There's also a good range of Asian beers, the classic partners for spicy food - and an Irish craft beer, Copper Coast Irish Red Ale (of course), from Dungarvan Brewing Company.
This stylish Limerick restaurant offers a different experience from other ethnic restaurants in the area, and gives both a sense of occasion and value for money.
