The Best Restaurant in Fermanagh – Café Merlot

Based in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh there is an unassuming eatierie that delivers a gastronomic experience without compare in the area. Comparisons that can be made are ‘Michelin Star Restaurants’ and ‘Heston Blumenthal’….(!) Read on…

Simply the best restaurant in Fermanagh, Café Merlot outshines its competition with repeatedly superior standards. The prices are also a real plus here, the quality certainly didn`t match the bill.

You can find Café Merlot under the traditional (and authentic – a rarity!) Irish bar, `Blakes In The Hollow`. The décor of Café Merlot is minimalist and perfect for its basement setting. A warm greeting is standard and once seated, you are given a wine list that has been clearly curated by a food and wine specialist.

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The staff are attentive, the atmosphere relaxed and intimate. The food – outstanding!

On my first visit to the best restaurant in Fermanagh, I had a simple steak and chips. The measure of a good dining establishment is turning something simple into something perfect. The rib eye was cooked to my exact specifications and the chips rival Heston`s famous thrice cooked chips.

The second visit drew me to pork belly aka Heaven on a plate. This cut can be a disaster if it hasn`t received the attention it deserves. Too hard and overcooked or too soft – fatty and mushy.

The pork belly was the best I have ever had, better even than some from Michelin starred restaurants. This truly was a stand out dish, and is in my top 5 meals of all time (and I have sampled many a decent restaurant by now).

The reputation of Café Merlot is without question, just check out trip advisor to see other favourable reviews. What I think has been missed until now is the impressively high standards of the food that is served.

Dishes better than some Michelin star restaurants, chips on a par with Heston`s, Café Merlot gets my vote in a huge way.

If you are planning to travel to Northern Ireland, a trip to Café Merlot should be considered. The best restaurant in Fermanagh? You bet, it`s worth a visit to Fermanagh just for the pork belly!

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