Location: Arklow
Top Restaurants in Arklow
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Arklow Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Arklow
Arklow (from Old Norse Arnkell-lág, meaning 'meadow of Arnkell', Irish: An tInbhear Mór, meaning "the great estuary") is a town in County Wicklow on the east coast of Ireland, overlooked by Arklow Hill. Founded by the Vikings in the ninth century, Arklow was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the 1798 rebellion. Arklow's proximity to Dublin led to it becoming a commuter town with a population of 14,353 as of the 2016 census.
Things to do in Arklow
1. Grainstore Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
Augrim, Gold Medal Tidy Town winner welcomes Chef Keith Gerreyn to the Grainstore Restaurant. With 20 years international culinary experience, Keith will combine local ingredients and Irish produce to create a truly unique dining experience unrivalled in Co Wicklow. From succulent starters, to innovative mains and exotic desserts. Business conferences, office parties and special occasions also catered for. The Grainstore at the Meath Arms. Taste The Difference!
Reviewed By Jill E - Elk Grove, California, United States
We had an exemplary dining experience at the Grainstore. Kevin, the chef/owner, was personable and attentive. The ambience was very nice. Food was exceptional--especially the Sri Lankan Curry. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone staying in the Wicklow County area ( Rathdrum, Avoca, Aughrim, etc.)
2. Fitzgerald's of Ballykissangel
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 209 reviews
Reviewed By Rose186605 - Dublin, Ireland
Having watched and loved Ballykissangel, my father, son and I were very excited about eating in Fitzgeralds! On entering we were immediately hit with the stale smell and darkness of the interior, the pub is very tired and in dire need of updating. Myself and my father ordered Turkey and ham, my son ordered lasagne and chips. The food took a long time to arrive and the man who served us never once smiled. Turkey was tough and the ham was completely inedible. Potatoes were lumpy with hard bits. My son did not like the lasagne at all, I tasted it and there was a most peculiar overpowering herb in it. The chips were the only thing I could not fault. It was gourmet food prices for meals that could not be eaten. As we were leaving a tour bus load of people were entering, we pitied them! This is not what a representation of Ireland should be, how sad that they don't maximise on a golden opportunity. If it weren't for the tour buses this pub would close down , I will never eat here again!
3. Christy’s
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Christy's Arklow comprises of a large ground floor lounge, bar & restaurant, with an impressive outdoor Terrace opening out onto the Avoca River.
Reviewed By Oscar Douglas H - Sandefjord, Norway
Christy´s is in Arklows Main Street. In wintertime the surroundings can be rather grey and dreary, but once inside the warm restaurant life gets more colourfull. They do a good selection og pub-grub with beer and wines to match. However, this is not a pub, and if you are looking for pub-food inside a real pub, go elsewhere. But if you simply are hungry and would like to eat decently, this is a place for you. You don`t even have to be Irish.
4. Howard's Dining Room
Overall Ratings
4 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By eamon m - northern Ireland
we stayed with another couple in the arklow bay. as part of the package we had a 2 course dinner included. we would have prefered to eat in the bar as the menu was more extensive.1 of our party dosent eat chicken or fish leaving the only choice being penne pasta. the manageress was quite abrupt in inforning me that we had to eat in the dining room. the pasta looked the same as the spagetti with tomato sause 2 kids were eating at the table next to ours.the main courses arrived 1hour 5mins from ordering and as 1 person didnt have a starter quite a wait. we were offered a glass of wine complemintiary. the food was of a good quality except the pasta. overall not a great experience would reccommend to eat in the bar as we did on 1 nite good service good portions and abetter choice
5. Asian Harvest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Take-away Thai and Chinese Food counter on the ground floor with sit-in restaurant served on the first floor.
Reviewed By paul p
I ate here with family and friends and we were all let down. The food came out at different times so some were finished before others had started their meals. We were a party of eight so there was a good variety of dishes ordered...MoreWe felt so sorry for your bad experience in our restaurant. Please ring 0402-22202 and speak to the manager, Aggie. We will try our best to work out something for you. Thank you so much for letting us know.
6. Eddie Rocket's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 66 reviews
Eddie Rockets a unique American style diner themed restaurant operating nationwide. Customers love Eddie Rockets because the food is freshly cooked to order each and every time and is renowned for its excellent quality and taste. Eddie Rockets customers are served with a smile and maybe a cheeky wink! For hungry diners looking for great food, Eddie Rockets provides quality, taste and value in a fun diner experience.
Reviewed By Rhoda Y
The hygiene leaves a lot to be desired. The food is greasy and the coffee is cold. Staff are friendly enough, but the run down dilapidated furniture would leave you to wonder about the state of the cooking facilities. Wouldn't go back.
7. Darcy McGees
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By cathalr_99 - Ireland
This place was recommended by the staff of the first place we went to, which had no tables free. It is hidden off-street through an arch, and as we walked in, the arch was crowded with smokers and strewn with litter and empty glasses - not a good start.
The food however was very good. They were happy to do half-size main courses for the kids (not suite half-price though), and every plate was cleaned. The value was pretty good as well.
Service was not very good, but we reckoned that was simply because the place was mobbed (Sunday evening). We got the last table, in a very big room. Overall: very unlikely to seek it out again, but perfectly fine.
8. Brewery Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
The Restaurant is a fun, inviting and a relaxed place to eat in a rustic setting where we aim to cater to all your needs and indulgences. Situated in the OLD Colliers Foodstore & Hardware shop, we've strived to keep a lot of that real rustic charm alive. The shelving is still visible and we've created a bridge across the centre of the room with the remains of the first floor. An old bakery stone wall was discovered during the renovation which has being left exposed at the end of the room which adds to the charm of the room. At the opposite end a wood-burning stove heats the room. At night the Morrocan lamps and candle light give a warm intimate atmosphere perfect for any special occasion. Enjoy an aperitif in our cosy Sitting Room at the entrance to the Bistro with burning open fires and that ambient feeling of being at home in such a relaxed setting. A wonderful stone courtyard adjacent to the Brewery Bistro is lit by candle boxes and during summer months food will be available al fresco in this unique outdoor space.
Reviewed By Julieanne O
We had been on a wet sightseeing cultural experience in Wexford and we were heading back towards Dublin when a voice piped up from the back seat "I'm hungry". I quickly consulted Trip Advisor as we were travelling along the motor way and I wasn't too sure where was close by. Brewery Bistro popped up and wasn't too far from where we were, the reviews were great so we exited the motorway and headed towards Redcross a part of Wicklow I'm not familiar with. The place seemed busy and we later discovered it also services the nearby camping village. At this stage it was 5.45pm and we were shown to a table in the front that was reserved for 7.30pm. We quickly settled in and read the extensive menus. The children's choice was basic but suited the 6yr old who immediately opted for the pasta with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese and this was devoured without fuss. My 10yr old son chose the Brewery Chicken wings with fries and each one was attacked with gusto..he's probably in danger of turning into a chicken wing,..my husband opted for the Artisan Irish 8oz burger with maple smoked bacon this was very well presented and enjoyed by the recipient. I chose the Bacon and Cabbage - Brewery style. This was presented lovely on a bed of mash accompanied with a white sauce and delicious black pudding, each mouthful was a wonderful symphony of tastes and textures. My husband looked on with envy...but I relented and let him taste both the bacon and pudding the finest I had ever tasted. The children enjoyed a brownie sundae each while I indulged in another glass of Sauvignon Blanc. This truly was a gem of a find, while the staff are very busy they are also very attentive. The surroundings have entertaining quotes to muse and a warm atmosphere to relax within. It's easy to see how this place is so popular with locals and visitors alike. The bill was very reasonable all things considered and this shall definitely be a spot that we shall return to in the not too distant future. Thank you.
9. The Blue Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Marm621 - Dublin, Ireland
Lovely friendly welcome. Pleasant surroundings. Clean and comfortable. Ordered a tea and scone. Scone was a major let down unfortunately. Tasteless and commercial . Please, please, please make some homemade scones and serve with homemade jam and perhaps a little cream. They are so easy to make and there is just no comparison between homemade and mass produced. Charge more- I would be willing to pay it!
10. River Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By DaveThomas2014 - Arklow, Ireland
All greeted with a friendly warm smile and a chat when I enter the lovely River Cafe. With a great selection of food on offer, along with pastries and beverages, this is an ideal place for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or just a coffee and cake while chatting as you have the stunning River Walk view beside you. With ducks and geese waddling past, this is a quite and picturesque place to relax and enjoy some homemade food. Their home made chips/fries are delicious along with the fluffy omelettes they have on their menu, along with wraps, burgers, grills, sandwiches and lots more, you will be spoilt for choice.
