Chestnut - Ballydehob

Absolutely delicious food set in a stunningly beautiful restaurant! Outward appearances are somewhat initially deceiving as the restaurant has still preserved t... read more Absolutely delicious food set in a stunningly beautiful restaurant! Outward appearances are somewhat initially deceiving as the restaurant has still preserved the traditional West Cork townhouse style which one would typically expect in rural Ballydehob. The moment you step inside however you are instantly catapulted into a truly top class culinary delight. Elaine warmly greeted us at the door and showed us to our table upstairs which was minimal in presentation, so elegantly set. David, our main waiter, was top class, courteous and helpful at all times, and extremely knowledgable on all dishes and wines. From the crackling pork belly, melt in the mouth turf smoked butter with warmly cut homemade bread, delicately shaven slices of duck to the decadently smooth chocolate mini dessert…the food was just abundant with flavour. These are just a sample of the dishes we ordered. If you are looking for a stand out dining experience when next in West Cork do not hesitate to book this rare gem, you will most certainly not be disappointed!

We had dinner in Chestnut to celebrate our wedding anniversary, courtesy of our adult children. We had the most gorgeous tasting menu which kept getting better... read more We had dinner in Chestnut to celebrate our wedding anniversary, courtesy of our adult children. We had the most gorgeous tasting menu which kept getting better and better with each course. Every element was thought through, beautifully prepared and presented all obviously done not just with expertise, but with love. We certainly ate with our eyes as much as our tummies! Rob and Elaine could not have been more welcoming or charming. The staff are as knowledgeable as they are friendly absolutely no stuffiness in this amazing Michelin starred treasure. The option of lLght Bites upstairs is very clever we'll definitely try that soon. Run, don't walk to book this jewel in West Cork. We drove quite a long way there and back and we'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Went for the snacks and nibbles menu and the signature tasting menu. The dishes in the snacks menu were nice, and the atmosphere upstairs was quite casual. They... read more Went for the snacks and nibbles menu and the signature tasting menu. The dishes in the snacks menu were nice, and the atmosphere upstairs was quite casual. They had a good selection of wines in both, the snacks and the signature menus. The signature tasting menu was excellent, this was, by a remarkable margin, the best fine dining experience I 've ever had. You could see the chef 's attention to detail in each and every dish, and many of these dishes were very innovative and tasted absolutely delicious. Even my least favourite dishes were ones that I would love to have again, and the best ones were to die for. The serving staff were very friendly and so knowledgeable. They knew the cooking methods, the ingredients and the origin of these ingredients. Some of them even gave me general directions to the ingredients ' origins. Kudos to the chefs, service staff and everyone involved who made this experience possible. Highly recommend visiting this place, worth every penny

A wonderful experience with friends. The quality and finesse of the dishes were remarkable. Cooking and flavors were perfectly executed. The wine pairing was ex... read more A wonderful experience with friends. The quality and finesse of the dishes were remarkable. Cooking and flavors were perfectly executed. The wine pairing was excellent value. The dessert was outstanding, as was the mushroom and langoustine appetizer.

Incredible experience; delicious food; knowledge, friendly, contentious staff. Wine pairing was excellent, as was the juice pairing! Will 100% be back. read more Incredible experience; delicious food; knowledge, friendly, contentious staff. Wine pairing was excellent, as was the juice pairing! Will 100% be back.