Sporting the smart black and white exterior livery that’s already familiar at the perennially popular parent restaurant Ouzos Dalkey (see entry), this lively contemporary restaurant and bar is much larger but it offers the same expertise in seafood that always been associated with Ouzos.
Formerly a well known pub, the Mad Hatter, it’s a substantial premises with a stylish bar and casual dining on the round floor and a more formal restaurant upstairs.
As in Dalkey, this Dublin restaurants philosophy is to showcase the very freshest of local fish and seafood, notably lobster, along with excellent steaks and a small selection of other dishes (which may include game in season, as well as some vegetarian options).
Fans of the Dalkey restaurant will be pleased to find the same range of menus on offer and – equally importantly – the same good cooking, informed service and warm hospitality. The formula is excellent and it is executed with enthusiasm and expertise.
Customer care extends beyond the doors too, as the notoriously tricky street parking in Blackrock is eased by a ‘parking angels’ system, with someone keeping an eye on customers’ cars – a very special kind of ‘added value’ that is undoubtedly one of the things that has earned this restaurant a loyal following.
Another factor is their wine list, notably the French house wines from Languedoc, a Merlot and a Cabernet Sauvignon which are served straight from the barrel at just €5 a glass, €15 1/2 litre Carafe and €29.50 for a 1 litre Carafe. And, at the other end of the spectrum, they also have a tempting fine wine list - offered at exceptional prices.
