By Geraldine Carton
12th Jun 2018
12th Jun 2018
Now that summer is here and the sun is making its annual appearance, is there any better place to be than by the sea? Once a sleepy, seaside village, Greystones has transformed in the last ten years to a place where lycra-clad health-enthusiasts and foodie buffs flock to in their droves with grumbling tummies.
Greystones can thank a large majority of its sudden increase in popularity to a certain hand-standing duo (Dave and Steve of The Happy Pear) who have acted like pied pipers, drawing in unprecedented numbers of people to the area from far and wide. However, while The Happy Pear cafe is famous for a reason (mmmm, Buddha Bowls), it’s worth noting that there is a lot more to Greystones than just this veggie hot spot.
Scroll on to read about the best places to get your fill of fine food, drinks and treats in the sunniest town in Ireland, Greystones.
Brunch
Brunch at The Three Q’s Restaurant (TripAdvisor)
The Happy Pear were the original creators of the “pimped up porridge” phenomenon and serve it up with huge dollops of almond butter, fruit coulis, coconut yogurt and cacao nibs. Through this idea, they have managed to do the impossible and make porridge cool.
This is a small restaurant owned and operated by three brothers Brian, Colin and Paul Quinn who pride themselves in high-quality, local produce and serving it with a smile. Look out for the corn fritters on the brunch menu – a popular favourite.
Buoys is a stylish and relaxed place to satisfy your most aggressive brunch cravings. Add a Bloody Mary into the mix and you’re flying.
Lunch
Image credit: The Bear Paw Deli
The Baker’s Table is a gorgeous little bakery that resides in a 115-year-old building away from the hustle and bustle of the main street. All breads are baked daily at sunrise and served by a team who are visibly passionate about local, handcrafted produce.
Owned by the lovely Barry and Shelley, the Eleven Deli is another new addition to the town and has been welcomed with open arms thanks to its offering of Sheridan’s cheese, Roasted Brown coffee and Firehouse Bakery bread. *drools*
For anyone in need of a hearty salad or a hefty sandwich filled with wholesome, natural ingredients, this is the place for you. Eat in or takeaway for a seaside picnic.
Dinner
Image credit: Daata
A veritable Greystones institution, The Hungry Monk has been the place to go for family occasions and special celebrations since the late eighties. Here you’ll find an incredible range of meat (from wild mallard to pheasant and venison), while the full committal to the cloister-style decor never fails to impress.
Only a year old, this Pakistani-Indian fusion hotspot is bursting with character as much as its food is bursting with flavour. The staff are also incredibly welcoming and friendly. (Fun fact: the tuk-tuk outside the premises is a family heirloom brought over from Pakistan!)
If you want award-winning Indian cuisine in an elegant, white tablecloth setting, then this is the place for you. Expect authentic and adventurous dishes with impeccable attention to detail.
Thanks to their prime position on the main street, the Las Tapas outdoor seating area gets the last of the evening’s sunshine, making it the perfect place to crack open a bottle of red alongside some delicious prawns pil pil and croquettes.
Sweet treats
Image credit: La Creperie
Nothing pleases the taste buds on a warm summer’s evening quite like a little tub of froyo (frozen yoghurt) topped with lashings of chocolate sauce, berries, biscuit chunks and smarties. And if that combo doesn’t tickle your fancy then there are enough alternatives to find one that does.
Authentic French homemade crêpes and galettes (savoury crêpes) that have all the “oo la la” authenticity of la belle France, right here on the Wicklow coast.
Drink
Image Credit: Mrs Robinson
Brilliant for watching big sports matches and when the sun is shining (special mention goes to Dann’s bar, the traditional snug-style add-on to the left of The Beach House that’s surely the cosiest place to snuggle up on a cold Sunday evening)
A great place to go for a cocktail and boogie on a Saturday night, Mrs Robinson’s is probably the trendiest spot in town, complete with eclectic decor and cocktails that are sometimes served in ornate boxes…
The Hot Spot doubles as a speakeasy bar and live music club, and it has played host to the likes of Hozier, Mary Coughlan and Tir na nÓg over the years. Their Sunday jam sessions are a particular highlight and always worth a look.
With a selection of high chairs and wine barrel tables outside, it’s rare to pass by and not spot a group of wine aficionados soaking up the last of the day’s sunshine alongside a crisp glass of pinot and elegant cheese board.
Main image via The Bear Paw Deli & Catering Company
Related Stories
Also Read
