Keshk Cafe

Keshk may be seen as specialising in Egyptian cuisine, but rightly includes the many other traditions that sit on the Mediterranean shores, from Greece to the north of Africa.

This cheap and cheerful Dublin restaurants no wine licence and the closest you’ll get to liquor is a non-alcoholic beer, Lazizza, for €3.50. But there’s no corkage charge either, so guests can bring their own (nearby suppliers include Spar next door and the more up market Louis Albrouze wine shop) which will be served in sparkling glasses and regularly topped up.

In true Mediterranean style starters are conducive to sharing, and include favourites like garlicky hummus with warm pitta bread, spicy falafels and feta salad with toasted pine nuts. Generous portions feature in the main courses too, with highly-flavoured meat and fresh salads – although the salads can be a little old-fashioned-looking.

Tasty classics like charcoal-grilled lamb skewers marinated in spices can be enjoyed alongside more unusual offerings like ‘Mediterranean-style’ baked tiger prawns with mixed peppers, courgettes, olive oil and lemon. All of the mains come with a choice of basmati rice, plain potatoes or spicy potatoes, which are flawless with the lamb.

Vegetarians are well served – as one would expect from this type of cuisine – and the menu offers excellent value for money.

The dining room may be no-frills, but the service is charming and the honest cooking is both satisfying and delicious.

For an authentic finale finish up with the popular baklava (if it hasn’t run out) and an Egyptian coffee, served from tiny individual pots with long, elegant handles.

A little gem.