Giles Norman Gallery & Townhouse

There's just something so loveable about this laid-back little restaurant in the centre of a colourful coastal town. That's largely down to the friendly and genuine service team, along with a wonderful buzz inside the small dining room that holds just 15 seats – the heated terrace is also a great place to sit. The concise, daily changing menu offers a range of Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates such as cod with confit red pepper; top local produce is an underlying theme, as are punchy flavours and a welcome simplicity. An all-natural wine list completes the picture.

Take your seat in this understated, rustic-chic dining room and watch the team at work through the large kitchen windows. The chef is from Chennai and it is the southern-Indian region of Tamil Nadu which most influences the cooking, resulting in dishes that make abundant use of chilli, coconut and sweeter elements such as tamarind and date – all underpinned by the abundant West Cork larder. Service is professional and engaging, with the chefs bringing dishes to the table themselves to make for a more personal experience.