Since chef Daniel Skukalek and his partner Lorna Halligan opened their pleasing Ballymahon restaurant Nine Arches in May 2017, this handsome canalside town has become a fine dining destination of choice, attracting discerning customers from across the county and beyond.
Having honed his skills with the celebrated chef Gary O'Hanlon of VM Restaurant at Viewmount House, Longford Town, Daniel's classical training is plain to see in his creative and beautifully presented cooking. But he has also brought from Viewmount a down to earth respect for local demand that ensures an exceptionally good meal at a very fair price - and, under Lorna's supervision, very friendly and professional service to match.
An early dinner menu, for example, is offered on week nights and it's a far cry from the usual predictable 'early bird'. While concise - offering just four starters, four mains and two desserts to choose from - every dish on this well considered menu has equal appea,l so everyone in a party is likely to choose different starters and main courses and nobody will be disappointed.
It's an appealing outing for a family and, while options for children are limited to a couple of simple dishes like goujons and chips or pasta with a tomato sauce (exxcept at Sunday lunch, when roast beef or chicken is also offered); children will be very happy with that as they are really good and flavoursome, with an obvious use of fresh ingredients.
Each dish is as good as the next, with wonderful flavour combinations and great attention to detail with the presentation of each dish. The portion sizes are generous, and at just under thirty euro for a three-course meal, the price is excellent for the quality of food offered. It would be hard to find a fault with anything and, although the prices are higher later in the evening, the value for money is excellent.
Sunday lunch is especially popular and it's advisable to make a reservation well in advance, as they are often fully booked.
Before or after your meal why not take a stroll along the nearby Royal Canal, or perhaps drop into the marvellous Skelly's pub for a drink.
Longford's loss is Ballymahon's gain and this excellent restaurant should entice many to linger awhile in south County Longford.
