Housed in a handsome cut-stone listed building (once the Kingstown train terminal, and a treat for railway buffs), Hartley’s sits elegantly overlooking Dun Laoghaire’s modern harbour.
The neo-classical masterpiece is a wonderful setting for a restaurant and since the end of 2007 it has been in common ownership with the popular Dalis in Blackrock (see entry) – and is notoriously difficult to get into, especially at weekends.
The handsome dining room has been opened up to make the most of its high ceilings and huge windows, with oversized mirrors hanging high on the walls to reflect the smart cream seating, simple Corian-style tabletops and wooden floors.
Efficient, welcoming reception sets a positive tone; to the right of the chic dining room a long, sleek bar faces the harbour, making a pleasant place to sip aperitifs, read the menu and enjoy the relaxing ambience.
This Dublin restaurants menus offer a great selection of dishes for all palates including salads, pasta, steaks and char grilled burgers, with extra space given over to seafood - chowder and a daily mussel dish have taken their place as signature dishes, alongside fish dishes with international influences and more traditional choices such as textbook perfect whole black sole with lemon tarragon butter.
Although, in the Guide’s experience, cooking may be a little inconsistent, the food is attractively presented and the menu offers considerable value on many dishes.
A carefully chosen wine list has many appealing bottles across a good price range too, and the overall experience offered in this stylish and well located restaurant should be enjoyable - especially since a recent extension, including a terrace, was completed.
Seats 100 (outdoors, 60); L Tue-Sun, 12-3pm (to 5pm Sun), D Tue-Sun 5.30pm-"late" (Sun until 9pm); Value 2/3 course D €24.50/29.50 all night Sun, Tue-Thu & until 7.30pm Fri & Sat. L&D also a la carte. House wine from €22. SC 10%. Children welcome. Wheelchair access restricted (ramp available), full access to toilets. Closed Mon, 25-26 Dec. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
