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Cruzzo Bar & Restaurant

Built on a platform over the water, this attractive bar and restaurant is large and stylish in Florida style, with views over the marina.

Approaching from the carpark over a little bridge creates a sense of anticipation, and the interior is dashing, with a large piano bar on the lower floor and a rather grand staircase rising to the main dining areas above, which are comfortable and well-appointed, with well-spaced tables in interesting groupings - although it is worth ensuring a table with a view when booking, as there is always something interesting going on in daylight, and the sea water all around is impressively lit at night; an elevated section at the front has the best tables in the house.

Contemporary menus hold no great surprises (except, perhaps, the use of ingredients like lump crab and Canadian lobster) but offer a varied choice of perhaps eight or ten dishes on each course, including attractively presented starters and main courses that offer imaginatively dressed up versions of popular dishes (dry aged beef - sirloin or fillet - is a speciality).

Cooking can be inconsistent, but the location and ambience always give a sense of occasion - especially at weekends, when a band or pianist playing downstairs adds to the atmosphere.

Although prices on the à la carte are quite high , the early dinner menu is very good value (although vegetables are charged extra), and there is a nice little 'grown up' children's menu too.

*Proprietor Damien Molloy also operates Dublin Sea Tours - sightseeing coastal tours of Dublin Bay (www.dublinseatours.ie).

Seats 260; children welcome before 9pm (high chair, children's menu, baby changing facilities); lift, toilets wheelchair accessible, air conditioning. L Tue- Sat 12-3 (Sun 12.30-3.30); D Mon-Fri 6-10pm, Sat, 5.30-10.30pm, Sun 6.30-9.30pm. Early D €18, Mon-Fri, 6-7pm; L & D also á la carte. Live music (Jazz & Sinatra) Fri, Sat evening. House wine from €21.50. SC 12.5% on parties 6+. Closed L Mon, D Bank Hol Mon, 25-26 Dec,1 Jan, Good Fri. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

From Malahide Village through arch into Marina