Thyme Restaurant

Very nice and cosy restraunt hidden away in Athlone town. The food is delicious and the staff are very attentive. It was a bit warm and very noisy so couldnt have a great conversation but apart from that it was great.

We specifically picked our places to visit in Ireland based on location and food reputation. Athlone has been mentioned on many food blogs and travel guides in the US and so we couldn’t wait to visit.
We chose Thyme based on the reviews from many others on multiple sites and were excited to taste some of Chef John Coffey’s creations.
The restaurant is cosy and really nicely laid-​out. The staff were warm and welcoming and also explained menu choices clearly and carefully so we could choose what to eat.
We decided to try a local craft brewery St. Mel’s of Longford. I tried the Helles lager which was superb dry hopped and had a wonderful crisp finish. Brian had the Pale Ale version which was triple hopped during the brewing process then dry hopped a forth time for good measure. He loved it.
For starters he had the vegetarian soup which was really hearty and tasty. We both loved the homemade Guinness and walnut bread and the waitress kindly shared their recipe so we can make it back home.
I tried the Salmon Croquettes which were really incredible. They were cooked crisply on the outside but with local salmon and potatoes in them as well as some leek but I couldn’t taste the latter. The dish was presented beautifully with some salad greens with small slices of apple. Dotted around the plate were red and gold pickled beetroot and some homemade cucumber ketchup. I was intrigued what this was going to taste like as it was an interesting green little blob but I can tell you it was like biting a fresh cucumber. Ingenious and a wonderful side accompanyment to the salmon.
We were both a little predictable with our main courses but being from America we don’t get very good lamb and we’ve been eating seafood at our most recent ports of call.
The lamb was delicious. Was slow braised or roosted overnight and served with peas on a pea purée, some great garlic mashed potatoes, jus and broccoli. These were big portions so bring your appetite! The mains also came with a side each so we got the potatoe fries which were hand cut thick and crispy as well as some mixed veggies with mashed turnip, green beans and some delicious red cabbage.
We weren’t able to finish everything but we did eat every bit if the tender and flavorful lamb and most of our veggies. Brian raved about his mashed garlic potatoes.
This place was terrific and very creative. Kudos to Chef John and his team. From the reviews Thyme is a proven and consistent winner and should definitely be your first meal in Athlone. We loved it so much we are going back the night after next which will be our last night in Ireland.

Restaurant was recommended by Athlone Springs hotel receptionist Tara and, boy, she was right — best restaurant (food wise) in Ireland.
Food was not only super delicious, but also nicely served. Prices are alright, not too cheap, but we ordered from «value» menu, which was € 21 two course and € 26 three course meal.
One minor waitressing problem — no one did take empty glasses or cups away. I had to ask to take my empty pint away, where was empty cup beside it and staff didn’t take together. So every time I said «could you take this and that, PLEASE, thank you… Other than that, this place is highly recommended.

When you hear from locals that this is among the best restaurants in town, you know it is probably going to be good.
Thyme is not a fancy Michelen star style restaurant, it is simply a restaurant that serves very good food without being pretentious.
Thyme suffers by being located beside The Olive Grove which is far bigger and has a better view but those in the know go to Thyme for food.
There are usually bottles of Irish craft beer from the Carlow brewing company available.
Food is cooked to order so it will take longer than some restaurants where batches of food is sitting waiting to be dished up.
It is also pretty good value for money considering the quality of the food and the friendly service.