Bistro Martello, Dun Laoghaire

Bistro Martello is located in the basement of a small house on the Dun Laoghaire seafront. The dining room isn’t large but it was packed with people who were obviously enjoying themselves when we visited for dinner on Saturday night. Tables are fitted tight together, but not in such a way that you feel that others are too close. In any case, it’s the food that counts and everything that came out of the kitchen was good to eat. Starters included sautéed kidneys in a cream and mustard sauce that was very tasteful, especially when mopped up with the good bread that was provided. The other starters were done well without rising to any great heights. The nightly specials included game pie, just the job for a bitter night, and proved to be both filling and tasty. Other mains included a nice halibut. Desserts included a toothsome brownie and some excellent bread and butter pudding. We had a nice Chilean cabernet. Coffees round out the evening and the bill for four was EUR152. All in all, good value for good food in a place that deserves support. On a fashion note, some might not care for the way that the young and cheerful male waiters who display their choice of underwear to all and sundry by wearing their trousers at half-mast. Knowing that one waiter prefers patterned undershorts while others prefer plain could detract from the food. Although I’m sure it is comfortable, it’s a tad unprofessional but evident of the friendly nature of the place, similar to the way that they leave blankets on the chairs outside for smokers to use when they take their nicotine breaks.

Ate here as a party of 4 on a Sunday evening. We all enjoyed our food, it was cooked to high standard and there is a decent selection. Service was fine too. Our only minor complant was that we were the only people in the restaurant on this evening which is obviously not the staffs fault but it can make you feel a bit uncomfortable and it lacked any atmosphere. I'd recommend this place to all

Having been a couple of weeks before with our Menupages deal and being well impressed we decided to return for the Christmas lunch menu with our friends. We were in before any of the 'office party' folk so we were well looked after. Two of us enjoyed the pigeon breast salad and the soup was a winner with my friend. Main courses were excellent though the stuffing was left off my husband's plate but when he asked about it they did bring him some to try and explained how it had been left off. Game pie was enjoyed by two of us and everyone was very pleased with all that was on offer. It was great value and we will return!