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King Sitric Fish Restaurant & Accommodation

Named after an 11th century Norse King of Dublin who had close links with Howth, Aidan and Joan MacManus' striking harbourside establishment is one of Dublin's longest established fine dining restaurants. The bright and airy first floor restaurant takes full advantage of the harbour views, especially enjoyable on summer evenings.

From this East Pier site, chef-patron Aidan can keep an eye on his lobster pots on one side and the fishing boats coming into harbour on the other. Informative notes on menu covers state the restaurant's commitment to local quality produce - and gives a listing of Irish fish in six languages.

Specialities worth travelling for include a luscious red velvet crab bisque, and classics such as sole meuniére and Dublin lawyer. In winter, lovers of game are well looked after and farmhouse cheeses and desserts are always worth leaving room for.

Aidan MacManus oversees one of the country's finest wine lists, with strengths in Chablis, Burgundy and Alsace, with the special feature of a temperature controlled wine cellar on the ground floor. The house wine is outstanding for both quality and value, and a perfect match for delicious fish cooking.

Aidan and Joan MacManus work hard to keep fine dining prices accessible - lunch is especially good value, also their Special Value Menu (D Mon-Thu, no time restriction).

The King Sitric was the Guide's Seafood Restaurant of the Year in 2006, and received the Wine List of the Year Award in 2001; the restaurant operates a Food & Wine Club off-season. Banqueting (70).

Seats 70 (private room, 28); children welcome (high chair); air conditioning. L Mon-Fri, 12.30-2.15; D Mon-Sat, 6.30-10. Set L from €32. 'Value' D €35/40 (Mon-Thu evening all year, no time restrictions); 4-course Set D €58; also á la carte; house wine from €24; SC discretionary (12.5% parties 8+). Restaurant closed Sun, bank hols.

Accommodation:

There are eight lovely rooms, all with sea views and individually designed bathrooms.

Rooms 8 (2 superior, 1 family room, 3 ground floor, all no-smoking). B&B from €72.50 pps, ss €32.50; children welcome (under 12s free in parents' room, cots available free of charge; baby sitting arranged); limited room service. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Far end of the harbour front, facing the east pier.