L'Arco Italian Restaurant

Italian Restaurant

If you are visiting Ballyvaughan in County Clare make L’Arco Restaurant a must stop. This restaurant was established just over a year ago by George Quinn and his son David marking the restaurant as one of the most stylish locations in the region. The food is truly authentic as are many of the ingredients like salamis, oils, olives and wines. George believes in providing a thoroughly Italian experience – enhanced by the use of local meat and fish when it features on the specials menu.

Situated in a quiet courtyard behind the main village street, L’Arco is built on the site of an old Royal Irish Constabulary Barracks. The stone arches through which you walk to the restaurant are from the original barracks hence the name L’Arco, meaning archway. Once inside you’ll soon relax in the stylish chic of the place with its elegant draped linen tables, sparkling glassware, dark crimson walls and exposed wooden beams. Seating is well arranged too with a central terraced area in the centre, perfect for a large group occasion. Roomy tables are located around the walls and in the window where a large corner table is slightly raised with a small wooden balcony around, offering a private feel for special gatherings of small parties.   

George is not a professional restrauteur but he has taken to his own premises like a duck to water. The friendly ease with which he looks after his customers rubs off and gives the place a really relaxed air. His son David is often to be found waiting tables too – and he’s another natural since his true profession is in the field of law! Neither of these guys ever thought they would be running their own restaurant but Lady Fate pointed her perfectly manicured finger at them and they are really glad she did. Originally they had decided to lease the premises but then decided to take it on themselves. Now they couldn’t imagine doing anything else and what a fantastic job they are making of their new found skills.

Italian ingredients and studiously researched and sourced here with help from the Italian School of Cooking in Dublin. The chefs were also found this way, twin brothers whose culinary passions are evident in every mouthful. They make their own ciabatta breads and pasta for the house special Ravioli. Other dishes use pasta from the Molise region of southern Italy which is considered a true home to the art of pasta making. And good news for all our coeliac friends as gluten free pasta is also available here. Of course what makes a pasta dish is a fine sauce. These guys have a serious range including fresh Carbonara with Pancetta, tomato based Amatriciana with chilli, and gorgeous Siciliana which is made with fresh aubergines, tomato sauce and Ricotta cheese then mixed with cooked penne topped with Mozzarella and oven baked. Our particular favourites were the wonderful aromatic L’Arco home made pesto, served with Spaghetti and Cherry Tomatoes, Penne al Salmone, tossed with Burren Smokehouse Smoked Salmon from nearby Lisdoonvarna, and enriched with a touch of cream. Let’s not forget that House Special homemade Ravioli served with Ricotta, Spinach, Butter and Sage (Ricotta e Spinaci al Burru e Salvia). Amazing. That’s all we could say afterwards!

Pizzas here are of the traditional Italian style with stone baked crispy thin bases and old fashioned recipes. All the favourites are on the list – and all cooked to order. The specials menu changes according to whatever the chefs’ fancies! When we visited we were treated to platter of Antipasto Misto Al’Italian, a selection of Italian meats and cheeses with olives, sundried tomatoes and artichokes along with a fresh rocket salad from a nearby grower, great for sharing. One word... Yummy! This plate is soon to feature some Irish charcuterie too. We also enjoyed the Bistecca alla Griglia – a tender cut of local Burren Beef striploin steak which was cooked to preference on a charcoal grill and served with sauce of your choice or a simple salad of fresh rocket and Parmesan cheese. Hard to fault the menu here – there is something for everyone and all freshly made to order. Desserts include the most amazing Panacotta – the most perfect version just set and still wobbling on the plate and boozy Tiramisu a riot of mascarpone, cream, espresso and liqueur and delicious Linnalla Ice Cream. 

Wines have been specially chosen, and George and David are very proud of their list.  Start with a glass of sparkling Prosecco, then move on to superb selection of Italian whites and reds, many of which won’t be found anywhere else.  Beers include Menabrea – a pale lager from Italy’s oldest brewery and the ever popular Peroni.  L’Arco is set to become the food destination of this part of Clare – so make sure you pay a visit.      

Follow L'Arco Restaurant on   Facebook
Follow L'Arco Restaurant on  Twitter

Contact Details

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

Main Street
Ballyvaughan
Co Clare
+353 (0)65 7083900
Email: eat@burrenrestaurant.com
Web: www.burrenrestaurant.com

 

Print this page »

Map and Directions »

 

Facilities