Please mention ireland-guide.com when enquiring.

Cookes Restaurant

Cookes has one of the most pleasant locations of any Dublin restaurant, and was among the first to offer tables outside, on the pedestrianised street under the trademark dark green awning. Johnny Cooke is a great chef and was probably also the first to present the real essence of The Med to Dublin diners.

The restaurant may not have quite the cachet it once had but, as always, the very best ingredients provide the basis for stylish food including fresh fish, and you can expect a really good steak, although you may have difficulty in getting the chef to agree if you like yours well done. Begin, perhaps, with an antipasto platter to share; main course platters are also available, including a Seafood Array that requires a week's notice and includes sea urchins, abalone, and palourde clams.

Cookes is known for its breads, and desserts and cheeses are usually worth leaving room for. Service is very friendly (some might feel it over-familiar), and wine service can be outstanding.

Avoid the upstairs room unless you are in a large group - eat downstairs, or preferably outside, and try and get a table from which to 'people-watch', especially in the afternoon.

Seats 100 (outdoor seating 40). Unsuitable for children under 8 yrs; air conditioning. L & D daily; L 12-4, D 6-12, Value L&D avail, €25 & €35 (Value D 6-7pm). Otherwise à la carte. House wine €25; SC 12.5% on groups 6+. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

On corner of Castle Market and South William Street.