Atlantic Restaurant - INGONISH BEACH

After 60 miles on the Cabot Trail on Ebikes, we ate here. Honest to God, I just don 't understand the critical reviews of this. Only negative was that the staff seemed a little confused when we showed up; like not sure if they were open or ready? Once we got settled, we were off and running. Delightful waitress; cannot remember her name; she was super patient, very helpful, split the checks, she was dealing a few pretty inquisitive diners. Now, my initial wine order (for a local Tidal Bay white) was turned down because the bottles had just been put in the cooler but the wine she brought me was not cold either. But the dishes were good, the drinks were good even a couple of dirty martini 's ordered by a couple of the gals. Salads were sensational. Desserts were very good. Great view. By the end of our meal, the place had completely filled up. we all enjoyed it. Live music in the bar adjacent to the dining room was nice and not obtrusive.

I must say, without being overly enthusiastic, that the Seafood Chowder at this restaurant is the best I have ever had. It is made with large, juicy chunks of fresh lobster, giant scallops, shrimp, mussels, and a rich creamy base that is not too thick, but incredibly flavorful and not overly filled with potatoes. The fish cakes were also excellent, and the Tom Nak Asian curry soup was delightful.

During our Tauck tour, we spent three nights at the Keltic Lodge and had dinner at Arduaine’s on our second night. Our server, Lily, provided excellent service. The appetizers, entrees, and desserts were all very good. We dined with another couple from the tour who also enjoyed their meal. Chef Norm from Arduaine’s gave a demonstration at the Keltic Lodge earlier in the day and made recommendations for our dinner, which were spot on. I wish we had dined at Arduaine’s for our other two evenings instead of the Purple Thistle Restaurant (review also provided).

We came here for a birthday getaway for my partner. We went out for dinner, we hadn't made a reservation but we were fine to wait in the lounge while a table opened. We were told we couldn't order anything but drinks and apps there, however we watched others sitting there ordering full meals and enjoying it there. We ordered two virgin caesars and the waiter returned to the table to say they were out of Clamato and didn't carry tomato juice as a substitute. We ordered the Pretzel Bread, $6, as an appetizer and it was tasty but we didn't get the dip with it. When we checked out of the lounge to move to the dining room we noticed two bottles of Clamato behind the bar. We move to the dining room and attempt to order the Caesar again. It came after our dinner had already been served and half eaten as it was forgotten about. The vegetarian option was a tasteless $28 Buddah Bowl of barely a 1/4cup plain rice, canned black olives, store bought guacamole and hummus and sliced carrots, very disappointing to have a lack of love in a dish and exceptionally overpriced. My partner wanted Striped Bass but they were out and settled for the Salmon, $35. The Salmon was warm at best and tasted of low standard grocery store quality. We ordered the carrot cake recommended by the server, it was dry and evidently recently thawed from the freezer. We dared to return for breakfast and were let down again. The hashbrowns had been so old, likely sat in a hot dish and reheated from a previous day were just shelves of grease. My partners bacon also had the heat lamp, made before ordering texture, taste and temperature. The meal came out far too quick which increases the suspicion everything was not made fresh to order. The quality and price is unreasonable for a place trying to give a fine dining feel. The views were nice, and service was pleasant, but not enough for us to want to return for food.

We decided to take a quick getaway and the Keltic Lodge had a Valentine special. The dining room was spacious with beautiful views. Our meal was beyond our expectations, fresh and delicious. I had the pan fried haddock and it was no problem to have vegetables instead of fries. My hubby had the chicken parmesan. The wine list was great and reasonable. Best dinner in a very long time! We will definitely be back.