Congratulations to Ilia Tapas and More - who have just won the "Best Restaurant Website in Ireland 2009" - website was designed and developed by www.handyweb.ie Source: handyweb.ie
Ireland Guide - Georgina Campbell's
A younger sister establishment to the Ilia Gourmet fine food store and the original café, Ilia A Coffee Experience (see entry), this stylish tapas bar-cum-restaurant has proved such a hit locally that reservations are always essential, even early in the evening.
Bearing little resemblance to a typical standing room only Spanish tapas bar, it’s a pleasing contemporary restaurant, in a room well designed to create interesting shapes and break up the space into more intimate areas - and (one case where lack of authenticity is welcome) the seating is very comfortable indeed.
Although it’s the sort of place where you can eat as much or as little as you like, the point of tapas here seems to be mainly its sociability; servings are of the generously-sized rather than a small nibble variety, making them particularly well-suited to groups sharing, and in the Guide’s experience they like you to order the full meal at the start, as in other restaurants.
The menu, which may prove a little confusing, is made up of two pages of tapas, i.e. International tapas (including some traditional Spanish items like platters of Spanish meats, or olives), and Tapas to share (a mixture of beautifully presented and fully garnished starters), then main courses (‘More’) offer a balanced range of popular fish, meat, poultry and vegetarian dishes, not specifically Spanish.
The sharing theme returns at the end of the meal, with the option of ‘Ilia Delight’, a fondue with strawberries and marshmallows to dip, or a shared cheeseboard.
A reasonably priced international wine list includes some by the glass.
This is a fun and relaxing place to dine out with family or friends, the food is clearly carefully sourced and tasty dishes are cooked with flair and served efficiently – and, once you get the hang of the way the menu works, it offers a good value too: no wonder it’s always full. Source: Ireland-Guide.com - Georgina Campbell's
Best Of Bridgestone.com
Since the last Bridgestone Food Guide, Julie Kenny has opened ilia Gourmet to complement ilia, a coffee experience, her original café and restaurant.
We have a feeling this dynamic lady is still nowhere near hitting capacity, and that future years will see future ilia plans and projects brought to realisation. Which is just fine by us, and even more fine as far as the residents of Mullingar are concerned. ILiA does everything well – good cooking, a lovely ambience, nice service, great foods in the shop, two places you return to again and again for a piece of that magic. Excellent. Source: bestofbridgestone.com
Taste of Ireland.com
It would appear that Julie Magan and Simon Mooney are taking over Mullingar. Following the increasing popularity of “iLia a Coffee Experience” and “iLia Gourmet” it was through a natural progression that the “Tapas & More” concept was developed by opening the Coffee shop in the evenings. However it soon became apparent that the high standard of food being served and growing customer demand dictated it would be necessary to move the operation to new premises, indeed booking is advisable at just about any time, such is it’s popularity.
Julie has spent her life in the Restaurant & Hotel industry and her enthusiasm for good food being evident, following extensive research of the excellent Tapas bars of Europe and in particular, Spain, the idea was conceived. To turn the dream into reality a partnership was formed with Simon, who has worked locally from time to time over the years but developed his passion to become a top Chef by working in some of London’s top restaurants. This combination has created a new restaurant to match any in the industry and the front of house staff, led by manageress Miriama, ensures the quality food is served in a friendly, professional manner.
The restaurant is beautifully designed with a modern, trendy bar area, to enjoy your pre dinner drink as you browse through the menu and then dine in a modern, relaxed atmosphere.
The menu gives you the choice to order as much, or as little food as you wish, a Tapas selection or a full three course meal, to relax and enjoy the experience of good food, good wine in a warm friendly environment.
The wine list has been specially selected by experts who continually update our Staff on wine selection to compliment the food. This combined with an exciting International Tapas Menu and Main Course Selection offers a new dining experience in Mullingar.
Ilia tapas and more is a gem of a restaurant. The food is fabulous, service excellent it is no surprise the place is so popular. Source: tasteofireland.com
