The Mill Restaurant, being one of the finest restaurants in Ireland, is worth not only a special trip but a couple of nights at the Inn (€48 per person sharing). The food, the lake and mountain view, the service, and the dining "experience" are thoroughly exceptional. This is the Irish equivalent of the Inn at Little Washington, in Virginia (USA).
You will need to reserve well in advance. The restaurant is open from 19:00 to 21:00 Tuesday through Sunday, from mid-March to December. While reaffirming Scott's comments in 2009, let me add that in the past four years, this venue has received many awards, including the "Hideaway of the Year 2012 Georgina Campbell Award, the "Best Restaurant in Donegal" and the "Best Chef in Donegal 2012" from the Restaurant Association of Ireland. It is family run -- including the chef, and continuity is clearly a virtue.
The food is locally sourced, and as flavorful and artistically presented as you can possibly imagine. Portions are somewhat small by U.S. standards, and the all-inclusive price (starter, main and dessert) is rather high (€41 per person). The wine list is fairly priced.
We selected from a half-dozen or so alternatives in each stage of the meal, with all choices made in advance. Our appetizers were steamed mussels, and mackerel. Main dishes were fresh local fish, and Horn Head lamb. Desserts consisted of chocolate cake with chocolate sauce, and a half-dozen Irish cheeses. Each dish item was expertly prepared and displayed, and altogether delicious.
The opportunity to socialize with other diners in the lounge (with coffee and petit fours) after the meal makes this a dining experience unlike any other. We met a couple that traveled all the way from Belfast, Northern Ireland, just to eat here. read more