Three of Donegal’s most popular restaurants have earned places on the Sunday Times Top 100 list of restaurants in Ireland for 2020.

The Foyle Hotel in Moville, Lemon Tree in Letterkenny and Fisk Seafood Bar in Downings have all proudly placed in the Top 100.

This elite list is put together annually by John and Sally McKenna and their team of expert food writers across Ireland.

The writers heaped praise on the innovation, food champions, superb local produce and cooking styles of all the Donegal restaurants.

Foyle Hotel Chef Brian McDermott pictured with the Sunday Times Top 100 2020 list

At the Foyle Hotel, Chef-patron Brian McDermott and head chef Derek Creagh were described as ” one of the great double acts in Irish hospitality , ably supported by a team that strains every sinew to match their standards.”

While the local menu is described as conventional, the writers added: “What is unconventional is the way in which this culinary tag-team renders every dish drop-dead gorgeous.”

Speaking earlier today Chef Brian Mc Dermott said the achievements are amazing for Co Donegal.

He said, “I believe it is now our time in this county and it’s fantastic to see it getting recognised as a leading destination for food in Ireland.”

Chef Chris Molloy at the Lemon Tree Producers Wall, Courtyard Shopping Centre Letterkenny

Lemon Tree in Letterkenny was lauded as a creative family-run restaurant that offers a culinary tour of Donegal and has “found its focus over the past two years” since moving to its new location in the Courtyard Letterkenny.

“Chef-patron Chris Molloy excels in showcasing local ingredients, which he sources from a superb group of artisan producers who supply Donegal’s top restaurants,” the review said.

Tony Davidson and Lina Reppert – Co-owners of Fisk

Fisk in Downings, which also won a McKennas’ Guides Megabites award this month, was described as a heavenly food experience: ” Tony Davidson is a brilliant cook. Working from a galley kitchen the size of a cubby hole, he fires out small plates of seafood for the gods…”

The Top 100 list is exclusively printed in today’s Sunday Times. Read more at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/irelands-best-restaurants-donegal-and-dublin-6bhqrgt55