Restaurant Review: Exciting new chapter for Fara’s Restaurant at the Villa Rose

With a new Head Chef, a delicious menu, beautifully redesigned interior and the warmest of welcomes, Fara’s Restaurant at the Villa Rose is proudly claiming its place among Donegal’s top dining destinations, writes Journalist Siobhán McNamara.

I was fortunate to attend the launch evening, and it was a delightful experience from the moment I came through the doors. 

A glass of prosecco and a most friendly welcome from the team, as well as members of the Gallen family, set the tone for the evening. I enjoyed a chat with some of the other guests in the bar before being brought to my table.

The first thing that struck me about Fara’s Restaurant was the stunning decor. Natural materials such as wood, stone and copper added a natural warmth to a colour scheme which had a lightness and comfort that felt almost tangible. Live music by the very talented Mark Langan provided a rich but gentle backdrop.

The food and wine were outstanding. My barbecued mackerel starter was a delight, as was the duck main. This was followed by the not overly sweet (just how I like it) apple crumble was elevated with the addition of roasted hazelnuts - a cosy, autumn hug in a bowl. For those with a sweeter tooth, there were plenty of options including sticky toffee pudding and pavlova. 

The waiting staff had the perfect blend of warmth and professionalism which added to the comfort-meets-class atmosphere. The wine pairing was inspired, and my little espresso at the end was just perfect. 

I was pleased to note that the portion sizes were generous, as is not always the case with food of this calibre.

I mentioned this to chef Richard McKee afterwards, and he said: “We don’t want people leaving here hungry.”

This was a most enjoyable evening, and I will leave it on this note - I will most certainly be back.

Fara’s Restaurant is open Thursday to Saturday from 5.30pm to 9pm, and on Sunday from 2pm to 7.30pm.