Our "go to" restaurant in Athlone. Some of us have specific dietary requirements, but the chef and the staff have always been able to accommodate our most cumbersome modification requests without an issue (when we learned that our boy is intolerant to dairy, the chef got plant-based cheese and composed a delicious, dairy-free pizza just for him!).
This is also one of the very few places we've been to where, after dining, my coeliac wife has not felt unwell. This goes to show that the chefs really understand allergies, intolerances, cross contamination, etc. Their food in general is great (love their fried salmon!), their wine selection comprehensive and staff knowledgeable.
It can take a bit of time for the food to get prepared, but this is a good thing, as you can be certain the kitchen is not rushing it, taking their time with each modified order, which is paramount for people with allergies. Simply allow 15 minutes extra compared to what you'd normally allow.
Can't see coming anywhere else for the foreseeable future.
FINE is an absolutely exceptional spot in Athlone that impresses on every level – from the quality of the coffee to the food and the overall atmosphere. If you're looking for a café where every detail matters, this is the place for you!
First and foremost, the coffee – the selection is impressive, and every cup tastes like a small masterpiece. They serve beans from top European roasters, so you can try something truly special. On top of that, their homemade pastries and delicious breakfasts are light, fresh, and perfectly balanced.
The staff? Absolutely wonderful! You can tell they love what they do and are always happy to help with recommendations. The atmosphere is cozy, and the interior is stylish but not overly fancy – the perfect place to unwind.
Another big plus is the variety of options for vegans and those avoiding gluten – everyone can find something delicious here. And let’s not forget – it’s pet-friendly, so you can enjoy your coffee with your furry friend by your side.
I highly recommend this place – it's a café you'll want to keep coming back to!
Dining companions cleaned their plates. I am Celiac and GF sausages/puddings were not available, which I expected, but rashers and streaky bacon were. It was nice to get true GF bread at a restaurant. Owner was knowledgeable about Celiac and forthright about what was/was not possible to make GF. I felt great after my meal.
Bakery items looked tempting and coffee was delicious. If I weren't Celiac, I would have ordered one of the ginormous sausage rolls they looked very appetizing. We'd definitely go again.
Visited yesterday, food was delicious, very knowledgeable about coeliac, staff were soo friendly and nice. Exterior of the building could do with refreshing, almost didn't go in after parking but really glad we did.
It was fantastic! Gluten-free and dairy-free options. Crisp and healthy foods with great taste. Anne the owner was grand! Storefront had lots of great items for the pantry to bring home like nut butters, cream chesse alternatives with cashew. Fresh chocolate protein balls, carrot cake, just amazing food.
Got the sweet potato falafel bastion kitchen sink salad, green juice and chocolate protein ball for dessert.
Great gluten free options. (Pancakes, scones, French toast etc)
Staff were nice but got my order slightly wrong. However this was still delicious. Alight markdown.
My partner had pancakes with bacon and they were divine.
Definitely stop here if passing through Athlone.
As a celiac, the menu was very limited. Although at first glance I thought there was lots of options but all the pasta dishes were marked with milk as only allergen, but the sauces all bar one were made with flour. No point having gluten free pasta if all sauces contain flour. Disappointing
Everything about this place is amazing!! From the moment we stepped in everything was phenomenal, the artwork on the wall to the beautiful booth we were seated in. The menu has amazing gluten free and vegan options. My dining partner and I both got the full Irish vegetarian breakfast. I had the cranberry juice and my dining partner had the açaí smoothie.
Any time we are back in Athlone, we will be coming here!! Can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Gluten free buns available so can get sandwiches and burgers gluten free. Sandwich part closes at 7 on Friday so was able to try out the 5oz burger which was lovely, great bun. Very handy stopoff spot for coeliacs especially those driving EVs as there's a few ultra fast chargers (200kw)
I don’t understand the low ratings. The service was lovely and the food was outstanding.
Even better was their attention to food allergies. The allergens are listed on the menu but there is nothing to indicate what modifications are possible. They are extremely accommodating. I stopped by the hostess in the afternoon to make a reservation and she walked me through the whole menu and explaining which items could be adapted to be gluten and dairy free, which was easily 75% of the menu. When we arrived for dinner they told me all of the staff was notified of my allergies and the chef was ready with a separate fryer and everything. They had options like steak, fish, burger, pasta, pork belly, and they also had a separate vegan menu. What a gem!
Both myself and my partner require gluten free food one is coeliac and one intolerant, but there was no issue with the servers explaining the options, and the kitchen arranging for our food. It was super tasty, prompt and great value for money.
Celiac friendly
