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Picturesque Dining by the Water at Charlotte Quay – Review

We arrived at Charlotte Quay on a rare, balmy Irish summer evening with the sun glistening on the water.  Charlotte Quay is the picture-perfect location for outdoor dining with deck chairs lining the waterside for predinner drinks, immediately giving off holiday vibes! 

Sitting beautifully on a corner waterfront site in Grand Canal Dock gives the restaurant a Mediterranean feel straight out of the gate. The view of the water, with the Bord Gáis Theatre and the Marker Hotel in the background, reminds you how nice a part of town Grand Canal is. We sat in one of the two outdoor terraces which are well sheltered and comfortable, even if you were not blessed with glorious sunshine!

In addition, to the appeal of its splendid location, we were eager to try Charlotte Quay with the arrival of Michelin Bib Chef, Gareth Naughton who was recently appointed as Head Chef. Charlotte Quay has built up an excellent reputation for itself over the last 5 years and is the sister restaurant to popular Coppinger Row. Both restaurants are the creations of the successful hospitality brothers, Conor and Marc Bereen. We are delighted to report that the addition of Garrett to the team and his daring approach to flavor combinations has certainly raised the bar even further in Charlotte Quay! 

The menu is an eclectic mix of dishes, such as Lamb Belly Flatbread, Pickled Mussel Escabeche and Tuna Crudo. The restaurant rightly describes the food offering as “Mediterranean meets Middle Eastern cuisine”.

To start we chose the Roasted Scallops with Fennel Barigoule, Pear, Golden Raisins (€15). The crisp pear gave an interesting contrast to the tenderness of the scallops with the raisins giving a pop of sweetness. Pear combined with scallops was a first for us, but it was a flavour and texture combination that is well matched. 

Our second starter was the Truffled Ardsallagh Goat’s Cheese, Lovage & Smoked Almond Pesto (€11).  The gentle creamy flavour of the county Meath goat cheese, with the hint of anise from the lovage along with the smokiness of the almond pesto was delicious. Both dishes were beautifully presented, a real feast for the eyes.

On the list of main dishes, you will find Roasted Cod and a 20oz Aged McLoughlin’s Striploin for two. We were drawn to the Salt Marsh Duck Breast (€26) with Irish Cherries, Beetroot, Hibiscus and Radicchio. The tender duck breast was served pink and was the wonderful balance of sweet and savoury.  

We also tried the Organic Roasted Chicken Breast (€26) which was succulent and full of flavour. Accompanying the chicken was a rich French potato gratin alongside peas and smoked bacon giving this traditional dish a tasty twist. For our sides we enjoyed the indulgent Beef Fat Potatoes with Aioli and the Sprouting Broccoli with Chilli, Anchovy and Lemon which gave it a spicy and zesty kick (Sides are €5 per dish). 

When it came to dessert we took our servers recommendation of the Yuzu Posset, Marinated Iris Strawberry, Prosecco, Shortbread, Yogurt & Lime Sorbet (€8). This was an unusual dish that worked. The citrusy yuzu fruit aligned with the tangy lime sorbet sat flawlessly together in this luscious dessert.

Our second dessert was a delicate summer dessert of Vanilla Roasted Peaches with Honey Mascarpone and Bee Pollen Meringue (also €8) The juicy peaches with the crispy meringue was a nice light, honeyed end to the meal.  

The cocktails are an absolute must at Charlotte Quay, and we really enjoyed the fresh flavours of the frozen strawberry margarita. 

Charlotte Quay is in an idyllic location with beautiful views, exciting food and a great atmosphere in a really nice part of town. The addition of Head Chef Gareth Naughton has only added further to this unique city dining experience and it is one we highly recommend you try for yourself.

Charlotte Quay Dock
Millennium Tower
Dublin 4
t: +353 1 908 9490
e: info@charlottequay.ie

WRITTEN BY ABIGAIL FOX CARROLL & CLYDE CARROLL

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