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From Garden to Garnish in The Café at Montalto
From Garden to Garnish in The Café at Montalto
The Café at Montalto is a stylish eatery which specialises in locally inspired dishes that people love – all served the Montalto way. Having gained a reputation locally for its efforts, it is now the proud owner of a seventh-consecutive Taste of Ulster award, with the plaques now on display upon the entryway to the caff.
Major moves have been made within the personnel side of the establishment, with the management team boasting an all new line-up. We welcome Head Chef Oonagh Halferty, who brings her wisdom from the hospitality industry worldwide, including Southeast Asia, from which she takes many techniques & flavours. When asked about what her new role entails she said this:
“I create seasonal menus that showcase fresh, homegrown produce, and having a kitchen garden to inspire and shape my menus is an incredible privilege. Working closely with our Head Gardener, Lesley, and her team, ensures I have access to the freshest ingredients and a connection to the food’s origins. I also collaborate with our Café Manager, Sorcha, to craft the best possible dining experience for our guests.“
To demonstrate her impact on the Estate in the New Year, she has crafted an updated offering unlike anything we have seen before at Montalto. With a focus on healthier alternatives, thoughtfully crafted to highlight the natural bounty of the estate, she focuses her efforts contained within the tagline ‘From Garden to Garnish’. In The Café at Montalto, we take pride in sourcing the freshest ingredients directly from the lush gardens of Montalto Estate. Our menu reflects the vibrant flavours of each season, featuring hand-picked produce like ripe seasonal berries, juicy tomatoes, tender spinach, crisp red onions, fragrant mint, crisp lettuce, sweet red peppers, and more.
Chef Oonagh collaborates closely with our Head Gardener Lesley and the dedicated gardening team to ensure only the finest, freshest ingredients make it to your plate, bringing a true taste of Montalto to every dish.
From Fluffy Pancake Stacks, Dublin Bay Prawn Scampi, Happy Chicken, Seafood Chowder, Sourdough Flatbreads, Maple & Pecan Granola, Thick-Cut Chips and More… there is sure to be something to suit your taste!
The current café offering can be seen via our website Here
All of this magic being crafted in the kitchen would be nowhere without an impressive front of house team, able to transform our customer’s dine-in experience to the next level. Sorcha Kelly, Our new Café Manager had this to say about her new role:
“I oversee the day-to-day operations of The Café, ensuring exceptional service and a memorable customer experience. Leading a skilled and enthusiastic team, I focus on training, motivating, and fostering a positive work environment. I also work closely with Oonagh, our Head Chef, to maintain high food quality and continuously explore new ways to enhance our guests’ experience. The breathtaking beauty of the estate is undeniable. Surrounded by nature, history, and a sense of tranquility, Montalto feels like a world of its own. It’s a place that brings people together, offering something special for everyone who visits.”
Having recently just hosted it’s first dine in evening event for valentine’s day – and a successful one at that – Sorcha and the team are looking to change the game via all-new ventures, and exploring untapped avenues to bring visitors from far and wide to the gem of County Down.
This updated Café offering promises to be a sign of good things to come, this chapter of transformation isn’t just about today—it’s about the future. With even greater focus on quality and community, we’re setting the stage for an exciting journey ahead. Expect more events, new flavours, and innovative ways to bring people together over great food and coffee.
We can’t wait for you to experience our updated Café offering. Come and see for yourself – grab a seat, order an appetising dish, and toast your favourite brew to this exciting new chapter with us.