Shannon is fortunate to have a fine selection of eating places. In this feature you will find a number of cafés, bistros and restaurants, all family run by local people who live in the area and all serving your every need.

Not alone that, but each of these local businesses provides gainful employment in these difficult times. So next time you call a friend to go for a chat or treat a loved one to lunch, support our advertisers.

Zest Bistro

Since it opened, Zest Bistro has been an astonishing success and a welcome addition to the complex at the Shannon Knights Bars. Due to that success, management has announce an extension of their new business hours to include late opening until 9pm, seven days a week.

Zest Bistro opened its doors just seven weeks ago and has proved very popular with customers. According to Eoghan Quish of Shannon Knights Bars, “Feedback from customers over the past few weeks has been extremely positive. It is great to see customers returning time and time again to enjoy the great food, customer service and surroundings.”

From July 13th Zest will open daily from 10am- 9pm, serving coffee mornings, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Eoghan continues: “Our idea behind Zest was to offer customers a relaxed casual dining experience in a visually rich environment with fantastic and  affordable food. Our head chef, Clifford Ryan, has but together a deliciously tempting menu to suit all tastes. The bistro also offers an all-weather outdoor dining area.”

Some of Zest’s most tempting dishes include a ‘Zest Bistro Burger’, ‘Wild Mushroom Risotto’, ‘Fish and Chips’ and ‘Pan Seared Chicken’ with the most memorable cabbage you’ll ever eat!

These are just a sample of the food offering at Zest. To try it for yourself phone reservations for a table on 061 361045 or email zest@shannonknights.ie. Walk in customers are also very much welcomed.

Joe’s Restaurant

Convenient for workers on Shannon Industrial Estate, Joe’s Restaurant has a light and airy feel in a welcoming environment. Joe’s provides breakfast or a hot lunch at very reasonable cost and will even deliver to your home or workplace. Outside catering is also an option for office parties and all occasions whether for a small or a large group.

Rowanberry

One of Shannon’s great little secrets is the Rowanberry Restaurant at Ballycasey Craft centre where Linda prepares delicious home-made food at very reasonable prices. The Rowanberry also holds a wine licence and will offer evening catering for your private parties and functions. There is a fine Baker’s Corner with a tasty selection of freshly baked scones, breads and sweetbreads.

On Friday July 16th there are special offers on all home baking, so pop in and treat yourself! Give Linda a call at 061 360590 to discuss your requirements.

Murphy’s Cottage

Without doubt one of Shannon’s oldest buildings is now home to a very friendly and atmospheric café. Located on the main road, opposite the Oakwood Arms, the Cottage does a great breakfast. Lunchtime too will not disappoint and their menu includes chicken, fish burgers, lasagne, kebabs and pizzas of all sizes.

Special offer during July and August are price reductions on pizzas with a 10” selling for just €7 and a 12” for only €9, the offer applies for collected items only.

The Baking Tray

A new venture by husband and wife team, Philip & Ruth is the Baking Tray which opened recently at Ballycasey Crescent. This has proved a very popular addition to the town.

Lunches can be pre-ordered for sit-in or takeaway. The lunch menu is very appetising and includes quiche, salads, paninis and wraps to name but a few. Cakes are also available to order and they even have a weight-watchers recipe section. The Bakery Tray also offers outside catering, delivery and takeaway services.

Oakwood Arms

Shannon’s multi award-winning hotel has a fine reputation for good food. In particular call in for their mouth-watering carvery lunch. An extensive bar food menu is available every evening up until 9.00pm.

Shannon Golf Club

If you want wonderful views with your meal, then Shannon Golf Club is the place to go. Here you will find terrific value on lunch and evening meals. Bookings are not usually required but it is advisable to call at busier times of the year.

Shannon Golf Club caters for private parties and all your function needs. If you want delicious food in breath-taking surroundings, then this is the place to go.

Smitz Café

Now in its second year of operation, Smitz Café is located in Smithstown and is owned by Don Murphy and Darragh Quinn. Breakfast and hot lunches are served daily with a full deli take out service available.

Smitz offers a range of services including outdoor and canteen servicing. They have a reputation for quality produce at reasonable prices combined with a strong focus on customer service.

Check out daily specials available at €6.95 - €8.95. “We offer a value for money lunch for our customers,” said Darragh, “and our breakfast, served from 7.30am is proving very popular”.

Located ideally in Smithstown, pop in to Smitz Café for a coffee, bite to eat, or take a salad, sandwich, roll, wrap or toastie to go.  Whatever catering requirement you may have, from daily lunch delivery to christenings, birthday celebrations or otherwise, Smitz will have the perfect solution to cater for you.  Contact Don at 087 9370395 with any catering enquiries.