Ard Bia at Nimmos

Portside Restaurant, Cafe & Artspace

If you were given the choice of a table overlooking the Claddagh Basin, on the River Corrib in the heart of Galway city, you could only be in Aoibheann McNamara’s Ard Bia and Nimmo’s Restaurant, either upstairs or downstairs. And indeed, if you’re a chef, could there be a better view out the window as you prepare the day’s menu? The river rushes over the stones and across on the other side you can see the Claddagh.

Go through the Spanish Arch and on the right hand side, in a stone building that was originally a boathouse, you’ll find Ard Bia and Nimmo’s. Two really gorgeous spaces, downstairs has lovely little nooks and crannies with comfortable sofas to sit on, while upstairs has a restful cream and wine décor. Nimmo’s has been in this location for some time and Ard Bia has recently moved so the two have been amalgamated into one, with Ard Bia open during the day and Nimmo’s in the evening. Ard Bia, which is the Gaelic of High Food, could not be more aptly named as Aoibheann’s energetic enthusiasm and commitment to quality are evident throughout, and her passionate use of local and artisan produce has really put this atmospheric restaurant and café on the food lovers map.

As you’d expect, fish features heavily, with the prawn, haddock and mussel chowder definitely one of the best I have ever tasted. Other fishy delights on the evening menu include pan-seared sea bream and a haddock and pollock fish pie topped with smoked mackerel and potato gratin. Starters include a mezze plate with grilled halloumi, olives, babaganoush and hummus, and warm puy lentil salad tossed with rocket, Irish goats cheese, balsamic dressing. Some of the starters can be ordered as mains. There’s a definite leaning to Middle Eastern cuisine as well as rustic Irish here.

Medallions rump steak or casserole of ham hock are two favourite mains while vegetarians are well looked after with Syrian vegetable parcel with lemon scented cous cous and organic leaves or for those who eat cheese, there’s polenta cake with smoked Gubbeen Farmhouse Cheese, creamy mushroom, spinach and tarragon sauce.

Desserts are a great speciality here – how could you resist dark chocolate and hazelnut square with rich chocolate sauce and fresh berries? Or poached pears with cinnamon cream and honey glaze?

There’s an excellent wine list, with prices from a low as €20, with Italian and French featuring heavily. You can finish off with one of their speciality teas or coffees.

At weekends, there’s a Saturday and Sunday brunch, where you can choose from the full fry with McGrath’s all-pork sausages and Sean Kelly’s famous black pudding, the veggie fry, buttermilk pancakes or homemade granola. Light lunches offer homemade sandwiches - smoked chicken and brie salad with apricot chutney and soda bread is just one example. There’s a homemade lamb and rosemary burger or try the chickpea and coriander burger. Treat yourself to a warm chocolate cake with smooth ganache, carrot cake or tart of the day. Fresh juices include carrot, apple and ginger, Moroccan orange, kiwi, pear and apple or an unusual beetroot, apple, carrot and ginger.

And don’t forget to keep an eye open for various cultural and social events and exhibitions taking place upstairs in the evenings.

News:

New Look Cafe Menu >>>

New Look Restaurant Menu>>>

Just launched at Ard Bia view our new Summer Menu served upstairs

As members of Good Food Ireland Ard Bia and Nimmos are passionate about their commitment to using local Irish Food Producers and they are proud to tell you where their produce comes from and are also proud to be associated with the 

Bord Bia Just Ask! Campaign

Click here to see their Bord Bia Just Ask! Menu >>>

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Have a look at their Wedding Menu

For more information about their Wine Bar

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Contact Details

To Contact a Member Directly, please click on the email or website below

Spanish Arch
Galway City
+353 (0) 91 561114
Email: ardbia@gmail.com
Web: www.ardbia.com

 

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