This weekend, dust off that Leap Card and hop on the train to one of these destination restaurants without the hefty taxi fare …
Big Mike’s, Blackrock
If you are still reeling from the sudden closure of Mike’s in Mount Merrion, you are not alone. The shock announcement earlier this summer blindsided the dining public. So maybe it’s time – time to board the train to Blackrock and finally discover why there is so much fuss around Big Mike’s. Surprisingly, the famous fish platters are not featured on the online sample menu, but, the clue is in the name – it’s a sample. If the effervescent proprietor Gaz is to be believed, the seafood options are still as prolific as ever, if not more so. With a ‘beef jewellery counter’, a covered terrace, and a vast selection of cocktails to enjoy, a 24-minute jaunt on the Dart from the city along the coast feels like a no-brainer. www.michaels.ie.
If you fancy extending your trip a bit further, continue to Greystones and try your luck at the Michelin-recognised Caladh which opens for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. www.caladh.ie.
Bresson, Monkstown
Bresson in Monkstown is worth any train journey, although, happily, it will only take you a mere 28 minutes on the Dart to reach from the city centre. Don’t let the term ‘fine dining’ put you off, dining at Bresson is pure joy and the only problem with the menu is choosing just one item from each course. Coquille St Jacques or steak frites? Fromage or dark chocolate mousse? C’est impossible! If you prefer something in a more casual vein, Mermaid, next door has a very pleasing brunch menu and the the fish and chips are excellent. www.bresson.ie. www.mermaidmonkstown.ie.
One stop further brings you to Dun Laoghaire and the wonderful Oliveto at Haddington House, which is always a good idea. Think homemade pasta, chargrilled meats, fresh fish, and artisan pizza. www.haddingtonhouse.ie/oliveto.
Cavistons, Glasthule
Cavistons in Glasthule is a food day-trippers dream. Two courses will set you back €35 until 6pm (or three for €42) and the Dover sole doesn’t disappoint. The roasties are deliciously moreish, as is the seafood tagliatelle. Other recent options were a Hake Kyiv with pearl couscous and wild plaice with wild mushroom, spinach, and confit potato. Plus there’s a terrace so you can sit outside and soak up the sun on warmer days. www.cavistons.com.
Continuing to Dalkey will give you an array of great food options but lunch at The Guinea Pig would be one of my top choices. Chowder, crab, gambas, and lobster are just some of the delicious seafood options. www.guineapigrestaurant.ie.
King Sitric, Howth
Seafood by the sea? Yes please. 26 minutes from the city, Howth is always a popular day trip destination, especially over the summer months and lunch at King Sitric is just one more reason to go. The menu is filled with seafood dishes in every incarnation and there are always a couple of options for the seafood-averse. Go on the premise of completing the cliff walk, stay for crab claws and cold white wine. Plus, if you happen to get carried away, King Sitric is also a guesthouse so there’s always the option to stay… www.kingsitric.ie.
Too far? Hop off the Dart in Clontarf and visit the delightfully old-school Picasso Restaurant in its new home, a few doors up from its previous location on Vernon Avenue, for the legendary Granchio al Limone, tossed crab claws with garlic, white wine and lemon juice. A walk along the seafront will work up the appetite. www.picassorestaurant.ie.