West End House

John O’Leary is by far the best chef in Ireland let alone he makes one of the top meals I have ever eaten in all of my travels. He is the owner, the chef, the bartender and our gracious host. With his family in tow, The West End welcomed in 50 of our family and friends from the US, showed them all the true meaning of Irish Hospitality and allowed our wedding day to be perfect. Thank you John, Monica, The West End House and O’Leary family. Your restaurant is exquisite.

This joins a small group of some of my favorite restaurants ever, on all fronts: Food, service, setting, etc. Everything really.
(Chicago Chophouse, Chicago IL US; Cragie on Main, Cambridge MA US; Pig’s Ear, Dublin IR).
My wife and I were here twice, the first by reservation, the second by luck/​hospitality (we incorrectly assumed we wouldn’t have trouble getting basic pub food somewhere around 8pm in Kilarney, but every restaurant was full. We walked back to the West End House, and the waitress very kindly got us a table after minimal waiting)
The menu may have changed slightly. I do not recall the starters as well as the main dishes, but I’ll try to remember and update.
I do recall that the only dish I considered good instead of outstanding was the Wood Pidgeon, simply because the bird itself did not seem to have much flavor to it.
The first time we were there, I had the beef and my wife had… either the monkfish or the bass, and each was excellent.
But the special we had on the second time were were there was simply outstanding, breath-​taking even: Some special preparation of Venison. I don’t know what the chef did, but I haven’t tasted meat like that.
I’m normally underwhelmed by venison but… what can I say?
You must dine here if you pass anywhere near Kilarney and enjoy food. They know what they are doing, and take excellent care of you.

Went for dinner with my wife around 7:15. The very nice hostess/​waitress informed us that the early bird special was still on. For 25 €
pp, you get an app, entrée and a glass of wine. She had the fried goat cheese salad to start, which was very good. I had the duck fillet salad with candied pecans. It was unbelievable. I’ve never had duck that was so lean and delicious. Plus, the duck made up most of the salad. We both had the short ribs, also delicious. Would absolutely go back.