OMG - what an experience. My husband and I availed of the Celebration menu and the whole experience was absolutely faultless. We had chowder and smokies for starters, sorbet, then mixed fish grill for him and salmon for me and we could barely fit in our chocolate gateau desserts. All this for €60 - it was fantastic value for money and all the food was superb. The restaurant was packed yet the service was fantastic. The chef himself came out at the end to talk to all the guests, a really nice touch and I believe he has been doing this for years. This is a really special dining experience and its very affordable on the current special menu. Definitely worth a visit. We can't wait to go back.

I ate at the Guinea Pig last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. We ordered from the early bird menu, which has a great range, approx 8 starters and 8 main courses to choose from. Superb value for such great food. I had the deep fried garlic mushrooms which were delicious, but almost a little big as a starter. My date had the french onion soup which was also very good. As a main course I had the penne with salmon, shrimps, cream and parmesan which again was a filling choice, but very very enjoyable. My date choose the steak for main course which was cooked to perfection (€5 extra charge - well worth it!). We were entirely satisified by the first two courses that we couldn't consider dessert, but there was a great range to choose from so next time I visit I may skip the starters! Our bill came to approx €60 with 2 cokes and no wine. All in all a very enjoyable evening. As usual, the Chef and owner came out to speak with each customer and the service was excellent. We also noticed that they have a birthday deal whereby if 4 people are eating the birthday celebrant eats for free - another great deal by the guinea pig! I look forward to visiting again soon.

I have eaten here a number of times, usually going for the early bird option, which I always enjoy (even if I do find it really difficult to decide what to have). Last night we ate a la carte, and although it is pricey, the food was top notch. The service here is second to none, and the 'tour of the tables' that the head chef does every evening is a nice touch. I'll certainly be back, although I think for now I'll stick to the early bird, unless it was a very special occasion!

Went here with my wife,opted for the celebration menu,€80 for 2 including wine. I was shocked to see a bad review below.This was one of the best meals we've had in years.Honestly could not fault anything. I had chowder,it was a taste sensation.Wife had smockies,they were fab. For main i had a mixed fiss grill with garlic,it was 10/10,cod,salmon,sole and haddock. My wife had salmon with crab,again fab. We also had a lovely sorbet after the starter. Choc cake and cheesecake for desert were also lovely.We also had a few side portions which they siad were on the house,fried onions and fondant potatoes. A super dining experience,we will be back soon

Amazing FISH !!!! Unreal value, had the celebration menu 5 courses for two only 80€ and a free bottle of wine, Unique offers for Birthday! Will see you soon again! Nice touch with the Chef coming around to each table after the meal!!

VERY VERY Disappointed! Expected great things from this restaurant, heard great things from my partner that the food was great here. But it was far from that. Had the smokies and smoked salmon for starter. Both were very ordinary, defintely not worth the price you are paying for them. Quality of the food was ok, presentation was ok, taste was ok. Nothing great. For mains we got the sole and prawn/scallops. Sole was awful, dry, chewy, felt like fish you would get from a chipper. The scallops and prawns were also disappointing, nothing special about them at all. Sauce was horrible, actually took from the already scant taste of the scallops/prawns. Desert was also a non event, went for the safe option of ice cream and cheese cake. It was fine Must have been a bad night for chef or something, but I wouldnt be rushing back there

Went for dinner with three friends using our menupages offer and we were all very impressed. Great to see a restaurant busy and with atmosphere on a Tuesday evening and also get excellent service. The food portions were very generous and I really enjoyed my tasty fillet steak - which was cooked just to my likiing. Two of the group had pheasant which they really enjoyed and the fourth had duck and the nibble I was allowed from her plate was absolutely georgous. The house wine was very acceptable and not expensive. It is a convenient location with the DART just on the corner and plenty of car parking in Dalkey itself. I think we will all be very happy to return and may all opt for the delicious duck!

Dined last night as part of the MenuPages deal and had a lovely evening with delicious food at a great price. The staff were very helpful and pleasant and there was a nice atmosphere in the restaurant. I had a salad for starter and then duck for main which was the largest portion I have ever seen for one person but more importantly the most delicious. It was all washed down with a nice house red. I will certainly be going back.

Visited this well-known Dalkey restaurant with a group on Saturday night last availing of the good value early bird offer. Overall the food was very good, plain in some areas but perfectly cooked and executed. Menu is old style and interior quaint. The service was excellent and attentive throughout. Nice touch that the chef / proprietor comes out after service to meet his customers and the desserts are offered on a tray for you to choose! Def would go back only gripes are, without the early bird or any other offers it is overpriced. Wine prices were very dear also and don’t agree with compulsory service charge other than that great place!

Excellent Restaurant coudn,t fault a thing staff are very friendly and helpful. Food was excellent went on a menu deal. Had the chowder the best one ever had and had the scallops and prawns for main course these where to die for partner had the duck. Portion where big and excellent. Will be back looking forward to it already. Thanks

We visited the Gunea Pig with a Menupages voucher. The service from the booking to departure was excellent. For starters we had Salmon parcels and Chicken Liver Pate, both top class. For mains we had Salmon stuffed with Crab and Sole stuffed with Prawns and Mushroom. Both meals were fantastic with great sauces and were very filling. Great variety of Deserts and we both went for the Baked Baileys cheesecake and icecream. Beautifull and included a Profitrole as well. We completed the meal with Coffee and drank a bottle of Riesling wine throughout the meal. The experience was wonderful and reminded us of the sort of food produced by Masterchef. Definitely recommend the Guinea Pig in Dalkey

The restaurant that time forgot. The restaurant itself is quaint enough however tables could be bigger and seating more comfortable given the price levels at which they are setting themselves. Interaction with staff\owner was spot on from booking to leaving. Starters were all fairly simple, and should maybe have been around €8 each rather than around €11. Calamari was cut into rings without removing the outer membrane, leaving an unpleasant looking "thread". Not a biggie but shouldn't have been there at those prices. I suppose it proved it was fresh squid. Crab gratin had a predominant flavour of brown meat. Perfectly valid, but I think most people prefer the sweeter white meat coming through. Not so valid were hard little bits that should have been removed. The little smoked fish gratin was a simple tasty dish well executed. Sorbet after the starters added nothing to the meal. Main course of lobster was perfectly good, as was the fillet steak. The batter was too heavy on the scampi for me, like an effort to recreate donegal catch with expensive ingredients, why? A light batter to bring out the flavour of the prawns is surely better. Sole stuffed with prawns was the least successful. The whole thing was covered in a thick gloopy sauce that tasted of very little, with virtually raw mushrooms added. You couldn't tell anything about the quality of the fish through the gloop. If it was a beautiful fresh piece of fish that was criminal. Desserts of nicely presented strawberries were better than a heated pear cake slice and a apple strudel messed up by the pastry being in a microwave. We went on a menupages deal for €30 a head which, given ingredients available like scallops, lobster, dublin bay prawns, should have been a steal, but somehow just was bare value. I would have been very cross had I paid full price.

Got one of their special deals from menu pages and it was fab as usual. This restaurant is top notch both food and service wise and alot of others would do well to note this. For €59.95 for 5 course meal for 2 off the a la carte menu the value we got was amazing and nothing was scrimped on. Crab mornay and goats cheese to start, duck and yes LOBSTER for mains and cheese/dessert to finish with coffee tea etc. Ok I am slightly bias as this is my favourite restaurant in Dublin bar none but the extent they have gone to reduce the prices with early birds and celebration menus not to mention a great vegetarian one too. Specials aside, the original menu is hard to beat anywhere with the most gorgeous fresh fish/prawns/lobster always guaranteed and well worth a treat every now and then. Cant speak highly enough of this little gem and the staff are top notch too. Get yourself down to this Dalkey delight if you have not experienced yet, you will not be disappointed.

I have eaten in the Guinea Pig many times over the years so when I saw the deal on Menupages, I jumped at it! The owner/chef greeted us on arrival as being the first arrivals from the deal. He made us feel so welcome. I had Oak Smoked Salmon Parcels to start and my partner Liam had Smokies (flaked Smoked Cod, simmered in Cream, Tomato & Herbs & finished with Cheese) - both of which were absolutely delicious. For my main, I had Fillet of Sole stuffed with prawns, steamed, on a bed of mushrooms in white wine sauce. This is possibly one of the most delicious fish dishes I have ever had. Liam had sirloin steak which was cooked to perfection. I couldn't recommend this restaurant highly enough. Although the prices are high, the food is absolutely amazing and well worth the expense for a special night out.

Ate here first 11 years ago alongside Elvis Costello, indeed the website boasts of its celebrity patrons, but the star quality stops there.My husband and I went for the early bird at the invitation of some elderly friends. I mention elderly because we were surrounded by the entire South county blue rinse brigade. While I have no problem dining with octogenarians they stand accused of facilitatiing restaurants well past their sell by date to continue charging extortionate prices for less than mediocre food. I started with a seafood salad that, while it didn't state on the menu that it would be warm, the temperature of the shellfish was way on the "just defrosted and kept in the fridge' side of things rendering it inedible for me. Main course was overcooked lemon sole and soggy veg. Desserts looked shop bought, nuff said. By far the worst food I've had ever -on a par with golf club and wedding reception standard. On a positive note service was very good, the friendly waiters brightened up the very tired decor and I did note the 'meals on wheels gang' relished the soggy veg. Poligrip anyone?? Never will return.

Over the years, we have eaten in the Guinea Pig regularly. Lovely setting in the heart of Dalkey village. I had the Calamari to start whilst my wife had the smokies - 2 great dishes, adequate sized portions - just right. For mains, I had the duck, which was crispy and cooked to perfection. Very tasty! My wife had steamed fillet of cod which she thoroughly enjoyed. We had a bottle of mid-priced wine. The Guinea Pig is not cheap, but is very good, and has stood the test of time. Many people are criticizing the prices of Guine Pigs menu, but, you get what you pay for, and the prices here truly reflect the excellent food and service received.

We ate here for Valentines Day and took advantage of the special offer of 4 course meal & wine for 2ppl for €80. This restaurant had been recommended to us and we are fond of fish food so gave it a try. Its a quirky little restaurant with pleasant staff. It was not explained to us that we were restricted to certain wines on the meal for 2 offer but the staff were understanding and did not charge more. I had calamari & my girlfriend had spring rolls for starters & both were delicious with tasty fresh bread on the side. Then there was orange sorbet & onto main course. I had 3 grilled fish & she had salmon stuffed with crab meat with fresh veg & potatoes. Food was great quality & we were extremely satisfied. I had chocolate cake for desert by which time I was stuffed. We will definately eat here again and take advantage of the meal for 2 offer.

I was not impresses at all with this place, the food was overpriced and could have been better prepared. There was hardly anything on the menu for people who don't like fish and what was there was ridiculously overpriced.

Disappointing meal here last Saturday.We ordered smokies and muscles for starters. Felt the smokies weren't as good as I have had in other places, the muscles were overcooked, many of them quite shrivelled and the sauce was very thick, I would have preferred a lighter sauce. For mains we had the sole which was good but served up on its own on a plate, it looked a bit rough, like it had been plonked. no garnish. As a second main we had a crab gratin which was only warm and had to be sent back. Veg and sides are extra which makes things expensive. Service was polite and pleasant and they served port on the house because of the crab. Not sure I would return.

Service is friendly and attentive, good choice of food, there were four of us for dinner and the best dishes were the smokies starter, the salmon stuffed with crab main. Food is very good and the only thing i can complain about id the price, I think it is overpriced, some may say good food is worth it but I think it must be reasonable also. It is a visit once restaurant for me, maybe a second time if something very very special comes up or if the prices drop at least €5 a dish.

I have eaten here many a time and it is just as good now as when I first dined here 10 years ago. I was down a couple of weeks ago my fav by far is the starter smokies is the best I have ever tried. I am forever recommending them to my friends if they go there. Their Lamb shank is to die for also. To all the staff keep up the good work and I will see you very soon.

I always come back to here for dinner it is superb! recently I was in with another couple . We had suggested the place to them. We all had the Special €80 celebrations menu and the duck was excellent as always. My friends loved it and have since gone back. I love this place and the feeling of relaxing in a friends nearly antique dinning room is just so cosy compared with so many modern places. The service is what makes this place and being a ceoliac I could not ask for better. The early bird also has an extensive range to choose from and best off all you can order nearly anything on the menu and it can be made gluten free! I have suggested this place to lots of people and so far they have all enjoyed it. The only thing I would say is maybe add a few more cushions as you spend so long sitting having dinner because you can, I have never been rushed out!

This is a great place to eat. The special menu is suprisingly good value given that the a la carte is quite pricey. The pate is paticularly good, as is the gluten free bread that is available with it. A wheat allergy was catered for without a problem which is refreshing and makes dining out so much easier. The wheat free pasta with seafood was also excellent as was the fish pie that my other half had. Dessert completed a lovely meal. Will definately be returning. A must for seafood lovers!

Yes the food is great, the portion sizes large and the seafood melt in the mouth. BUT.... the place is shabby, the furniture very old, the decor looks like it hasnt been changed since the 50's and its dusty...very dusty. The winebottles lined up beside our table reminded me of college digs days, all in all we felt it was Fawlty-Towers-esque, and were not alone in our thinking... the large party of eight beside us had actually come for that reason. So if you are into that kind of night out and want to meet Irelands interpretation of Fawlty-Towers by all means dine here. But at those prices I expect a little more. I dont want to have cracked tiles and plastic flowers in the loo, nor indeed have the ladies doubled up as a cloakroom. I want to feel special when spending that kind of money. But as mentioned before the food and variety of menu is good... If its just good food you are after I recommend it. But guys at that kind of money you could give the place a makeover....

Dinner at The Guinea Pig is a fish-lovers Heaven. The Smokies, the Calamari, the Fish Mixed Grill..... one dish better than the next. The service was efficient and so friendly - the owner/chef came out from the kitchen to chat with all the patrons. Where else would you get that....? Can't wait to return. Early Bird also available..... will be trying that so we can go more often. TRY IT - its GREAT.

Three of us dined at the Guinea Pig on a Friday evening. We had the Early Bird and, as usual, it was excellent. The atmosphere is cozy and warm and the staff are friendly and helpful without being intrusive. We are regular diners at the Guinea Pig and always recommend it to anyone visiting Dalkey. Perhaps the menu could do with a few changes, as it has remained the same for quite some time now - although there are always specials which are always excellent. However, the dessert selection could do with a little zip-up - just a suggestion.

I've visited the Guinea Pig a good few times for their early bird, and have been very impressed each time. At 24.50, you get generous helpings of fabulous food. The starter of potted smoked fish with cheese was my first ever 'adventurous' restaurant order when I was younger, and it set the standard for the rest of my dining experiences here. The mixed fish grill is fabulous, and a nice variety of fish is served, with appropriate seasoning and sauces. For dessert you can choose from their tray of desserts for the day, and they always have a large selection to suit differant tastes. For kids (or adults I guess...) you can get, what were praised as 'the best chicken goujons in Dublin'. There are two differant dining rooms here, and the service is great. They were more than happy to adhere to our request for a varied dessert for a little eater, and were very helpful when we needed to make space for a wheelchair. A must for seafood lovers.

If you like seafood, the Guinea Pig is hard to beat. We were in Finnegan's pub across the road having a drink and decided to try the Guinea Pig for dinner. We had no reservation, but the staff fitted us in-I think we got the last table because the restaurant was packed. We both started with the seafood chowder and it was perfect-a meal in itself. I had the fish mixed grill, and my fiance had the fillet steak served with pepper sauce. We also had the seasonal vegetables, and were very impressed with all of the food. We shared a bottle of wine-I can't remember the name but it was reasonably priced and very nice. While the food is on the pricey side for the area, it certainly is tasty, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this restaurant.

I grew up in Dalkey and have dined here several times over the years. The positive reports by other reviewers are generally correct. However, my recent experience was not as positive as on previous times. I went with a large-enough group to celebrate an ‘event’. Although we were on time etc., they did not manage our sitting at all well and ended up rushing us out the door. This was due to their slowness between courses. The food in the Guinea Pig is usually great, but there was mixed reaction in my group. I ended up going for the ‘game’ items which were specials on the menu for that particular evening. My starter was great, but my main course, pheasant, was almost inedible. Others in my group who went for the pheasant fared better with theirs: I guess I was just unlucky. Having said that, their handling my poor meal was not up to scratch. The Guinea Pig is not a bad place at all. If you look at the other reviews, you’ll see that a couple or small group going out mid-week are likely to have a great dining experience. But if you’re in a group larger than six people, my advice is to steer clear of the place ... especially on a Saturday.

Went here on a Tuesday night, not expecting it to be as busy as it was! We were quite squashed in as there were many X-mas parties going on and there was only 2 of us. Went for the 80e special with 4 courses for 2 with a bottle of wine. The food was beautiful! Excellent flavours and presented well. The house wine offered with the special was not what I expected. We went for the house white and for the price we paid expected so much more!

This place is a little gem - quaint, full of character and in a beautiful setting in Dalkey. Great for access as it's beside the DART. We chose the 4-course special including a bottle of wine for €80 per couple. The whole meal was absolutely delicious - the service and personal attention was excellent, without being in your face - and the chef came out at the end of the evening to ask if we'd enjoyed our meal. We'll most definitely be back here for another visit and would highy recommend this restaurant without hesitation.

Yet another great evening at the Guinea Pig. Treat yourself and someone you care about to the 'Celebratory Menu' of five courses if you include tea or coffee. To celebrate 52 years of the Guinea Pig in Dalkey (any excuse for a party. You've got to love it !! ) The proprietor has succeeded in balancing special treat with great value. Instead of lowering the bar, he has raised the value. Food to perfection, staff who are a credit to themselves and to the owner and an old world setting with a taste of something special yet a soft comfortable landing from the world outside. What a combination. I have to say that when I saw the cap twisted off the bottle of wine I thought oops cheap wine but I am happy to say that effort went into choosing a wine that was again not selected for cost but rather for value and could not be faulted. Portions were to say the very least were ample and the pace of service was just right. By right I should not be singing their praises so much as I fear that judging by the custom they had there this evening (tuesday), it may be difficult to get a table there the next time. They deserve the success.

I have been coming here for many many years with my family. We really love it here and always have. The prices are dear but the quality is excellent so we keep it for our special family occassions. It's one of my favourite places to go. The exterior is beautifully presented with flowers and a warm welcoming. The interior is a little small but this keeps it warm,cosy and quiet. It's sea food is a must most of it having come from the fresh waters of dalkey. The duck is one of my favourites so i would highly recommend it for those who don't like seafood. The price is high but again the amount of meat and lack of duck fat makes up for it best duck i have had. Its tender and very tasty with it's apriocot sauce. All the dishes here ( have tried most of them) are full of richness and quality. I can't wait to go back.

We celebrated my wife's birthday with a friend in the Guinea Pig which made for a great evening out. The simple ambience of this little restaurant in Dalkey, accompanied by excellent service and a visit to the table by the chef de cuisine is a treat not to be missed. Celebrating 52 years in business this year, there is a celebratory 4-course menu offering of dinner for two, plus a bottle of wine at €80. This was easily amended to €120 to include our guest and an extra half-carafe of the same wine offer. It’s a Chilean reserve wine offering and it was very pleasant. We had starters of deep-fried Calamari rings, Vegetable spring rolls and Smoked Cod flakes in cream and herb sauce with cheese topping. This was then followed by the orange sorbet, another fine little touch to cleanse one's pallet. Fish mixed-grill, Lamb shank, Chicken wrapped in bacon, Crab meat dishes were just a few from the mains, but the three of us selected the Crisp Honey Roast Duck with apricot sauce. A selection of hot and crunchy vegetables plus small roasted potatoes accompanied this dish. The duck was already sliced across by the chef which made for easy parting of the skin for a selection of thin crispy pieces to the moister large ones, all very tender and so sign of any oiliness usually associated with duck. There was a good gap break between servings which gave us plenty of time to enjoy the wine & water servings for good conversation time. It was at this stage the chef visited our table to listen to any first-hand remarks. Then the desserts basket was brought to the table for us to select from, a much nicer way to choose rather than by a menu, don't you think. Compote of berries, Cheese plate for me and Chocolate slice with fruit, complete with de rigueur birthday candle on top just topped off the evening for us. An obliging staff member took photos of us for our memory keepsake. Coffee and endless top-ups completed a splendid celebration, and all for €120, excellent value. To be recommended.

Ate hear Sunday evening from the special menu (€80 for two with bottle or wine from Sunday to thursday). We arrived to have to ring on the door so they “could give us an individual welcome”, which I felt was a little over security conscious in the elite village of Dalkey. The dining room (or series of small rooms that make up the restaurant) are quaint & quite old fashioned in today’s modern clinical feel that seems to have become the norm. The set menu with this offer was good, wide & varied which was pleasant to see. I would love to have had the chowder but with the thought of 3 more courses to go, including a sorbet I felt it would be too heavy for me. We were automatically served homemade brown & tomate scones.My husbands smokies was scrummy, really smokey & I choose the calamari. I got a HUGE serving, so much my husband helped me polish this off. A light orange sorbet followed. Hubby had lamb shank which he declared wonderful & falling off the bone, sitting in a think rich sauce. My DAlkey crab meat was delicious too, however there was a little bit too much cheese which was a little heavier with the delicate crab meat. I had the cheese board for desert which was excellent for a set menu. I got 6 different cheese, with grapes & celery, which id expect on an al la carte but not usually on a set menu. Tea & coffee were also included. The wine was a lovely Chilean reserve, not the usual plonk you’d get served in this type of deal. What nailed this meal/experience for me was when the chef came out to our table to ask how our meal went? How we enjoyed the menu & talked to us about how & why he decided to create this set meal option. To me this is a chef/owner who wants to remain competitive in this environment & is willing to listen to his customers – this type of effort will ensure that the Guinea pig restaurant remains open & doesn’t fall into collapse like a lot of other establishments. I will definitely be back & soon.

I wasn't happy with the food here at all, went for the early bird, got the smokies for starters and the crab for main, the main was like a bigger version of the starter,both were very runny,i ate both because like most of us we don't like to complain or send things back, my friend on the other hand just couldn't stomach the crab and didn't eat it, she got a complimentry dessert, the reason we were giving was that sometimes that crab can be like that with the different season, they should take it off the menu if thats the case! I was dissapointed as i've always wanted to eat here,I won't be back!

Keep this one for a special occasion, its a real treat! Its very pricey but well worth it!. Excellent selection of food, and caters for all tastes. The fish is so fresh it falls to pieces on your fork. The waiter brings around a tray with the selection of the deserts, its a really nice touch, and you just cant resist ordering. I would definitely recommend this to anyone.

Had a lunch party in the Guinea Pig with 37 guests, the organising of it was made simple by the owner. The food was tasty and delicious, the staff were professional, friendly, they couldn’t do enough for you, they provided an outstanding service.

First visit here last night. Availed of the Early Bird. Was great value. This is a quirky little place. Have to ring the doorbell to get in which ensures personal service from the start. Was extremely busy for a Tuesday night, but the two waiters on hand were very attentive. Calamari and lemon sole were gorgeous. Food is very fresh and the owner comes out during the night and greets every customer which I thought was a nice touch. Great choice for an early bird. Will definitley be back again.

Dined there on Sunday evening and managed to avail of the Early Bird menu. There were very few items on the A La Carte that weren't on the Early Bird which was a nice surprise. The food was good, if a bit simple. The calamaris to start were particularly good, but the breaded mushrooms and the paté were ordinary. The Lamb was superb, but the fish and chips were slightly disappointing. The fish was in breadcrumbs where we had been expecting batter, and the chips were good but frozen. The room is small and there was a loud, noisy, party at one of them, but probably not the norm. I was expecting more at the Guinea Pig from the food, but the value was excellent.

Went here after looking around for a restaurant & what a find. The food, service was great and the staff were really nice. We had the set menu which was delicious, I had the 4 fish grill for main & it came with lots of veg and then dessert was beautiful too. I would definitely recommend this to anyone.

This is one of those places you go to for a special celebration as it is very pricey. The food is always delicious and cooked to perfection, fantastic selection of seafood available. The head chef comes around to all the tables as well which is a nice gesture. The decor is a little out dated and it always seems very hot in there, other than that a lovely spot in wonderful Dalkey, a treat indeed.

Cosy and intimate - excellent seafood which is cooked to perfection - new early bird menu option has taken the sting out of the normally extravagant prices and will bring diners back in their hordes!

Although it will somewhat lighten the load in your wallet, you will not be disappointed by the quality, atmosphere and service at the Guinea Pig. Although specialising in fantastic seafood, it has an extensive menu that does include other options. I'm sure we're all tired of paying high prices for mediocre food in Dublin, but in the Guinea Pig - you definitely get what you pay for. Highly recommended.

Food here is sublime - and oh-so expensive! It's lovely to see a restaurant showcase Irish cuisine as this place does. The food and cooking is really superb. The atmosphere is very cosy and unpretentious (a bit like someone's house rather than a commercial establishment) - which gives it a lovely, relaxed ambiance. Three courses for four and two bottles of wine cost a whopping €400 but as a treat - I'd highly recommend it.

the early bird menu has a really broad range to choose from and is excellent value. My spring rolls starter were crisp and very moreish. My parents loved their pate.My main course of sole and my sisters main course of beef were really really good. My mother's crab main course was a bit overpowered by the cheese sauce and my parents felt the tomato scones were a bit stale. but on the whole for the range on offer,the quality and cost of the early bird makes it one i will definitely go back to

This is a long established family restaurant in Dalkey that specialises in sea food. I had not been there for some time so my wife and I tried out their early bird menu. The food was excellent, the ambience cosy, the staff attentive and pleasant, and the prices very reasonable. I can particularly recommend the duck and the house red wine. For an early bird meal this place cannot be bettered. I suspect that prices for the main dinner menu might be a little more prohibitive.

Stumbled in here the other night with my partner. Really old fashioned small cosy restaurant. Yes the interior is dated, but that adds to its old style charm. The food was very good (although not amazing). The service is very attentive, and the chef came out several times to check everyone was being loked after and the food was ok. This small personal touch really added to the service and the overall dining experience. At €20 euro for a dublin bay prawn starter it is very expensive. the mains are from 30euro for a steak fillet up to 60euro for lobster etc. Most main course dishes fall in the 35 - 45 range. I would possibly go back, but I'll try some other places first as Im sure for that money there are some fine dining experiences to be had in the area.

We had a great night here the food is very good will be back soon.

This restaurant is not bad, food is consistent and pretty tasty but over priced and the decor is a bit old fashiòned.

Was brought here for a meal a few weeks ago and was very impressed. Really cosy and old fashioned decor. Food was great. Pricey enough but great quality food and service good. Hard enough place to get a booking in as it is only small. Well worth a visit.

Excellent seafood! Lovely little place in Dalkey. Top quality fresh produce. Good service and atmosphere. We'll be back.

I dined here on a Saturday with friends who are regulars; it was busy with a more elderly clientele. I have been a few times and liked the friendly staff, this time was no different. The service was very good and attentive and toilets were spotless. The food was average but some dishes were great, like the Dublin bay prawns, but at €20 for a starter I think it is overpriced. I know it’s been here years as it really shows it now. The decor is tired and shabby in places, it really needs a lick of paint and some resprung seats but please (a year later) can you get a handle on the Gents Toilet inner door. The food hasn’t changed and is unimaginative and old fashioned with some heavy sauces, but if you pick well: Fish is cooked perfectly and Duck I would recommend, but overall its exactly the same as when I dined here two years ago in everyway, and there lies the problem. It needs to change and have food cooked and presented with more flair and imagination, especially when the ingredients are so good. The wine list is average, but pricey, but has a few bottles for the connoisseur. You can have a nice, if overpriced meal if you pick well, but this place is crying out for change and it needs it.

On our first visit last year we were a little disappointed with level of service and probably would not have returned. We were however invited by friends to join them and enjoyed excellent service and some very good food. Yes the decor is a little dated but overall we a great evening.

A bit dated needs a lick of paint but try the duck it's really good!

This was the second time in the Guinea pig. Great friendly staff. Food was good but not excellent. Others in the party had the sea bass which I am told was lovely. This is a average to good place to eat but on the expencive side.

We had a meal here for eight and I can't wait to go back. Enjoyed the food. Enjoyed the staff and the setting. The bill was lower than expected. No wonder it is hard to get on a weekend night.

This is a great place to go either as a couple or with a group of friends. Yes, the prices are on the high side, but the food is well worth every penny in my opinion. Staff here are very friendly. I had a group booking and ended up with 2 more people than planned and the staff were very accommodating - even apologising to us for keeping us waiting while they arranged the seating!

Exquisite in all ways. Cannot be faulted. This is probably why this establishment has lasted as long as it has without a glitch in quality.

This is where I like to bring friends from abroad for a treat. The homely, slightly olde-world ambience is both intimate and a treat for anyone who wants a more Irish-type dining experience. A wonderful wine list, brilliant menu, and we always get to meet the Owner/Chef known as the "King of Dalkey". Wonderful food in comfy, homely surroundings. Love it!

I have visited a few times recently with family members and find the decor very dated, like going into a pub or an old hotel in the back of beyond, even the tables and chairs are "pub like". I have only had the early bird menu but find it very uninteresting, salads, smokies, lamb shank, was hoping to see crab, lobster or prawns. I think the chef needs to update himself, or buy a new cookery book or two! Wouldn't be rushing back.

Took a day out of the city today and chose Dalkey, wandered into the Guinea Pig which advertises itself as a fish restaurant but has meat dishes if your not a big fish fan. Found the staff to be really nice but the food not too great. However if your a fan of old school this place has it all, doilies on the plates and bread and butter pudding, not to mention heavy handed measures of whiskey in your Irish coffee. Good atmosphere and a real feeling of being somewhere the locals hang out.

I've been to this place 3 times in the last few months so that must say something. I thought the food was excellent especially the lobster (although it is pricey). The decor is old fashioned but it's cosy and it just adds to the charm. The service is good although the last time I was there it was a little slow as the place was full but the staff were friendly. Great place to go for a nice treat.

The owner of this establishment I remember fondly was crowned King of Dalkey many years ago, a festival celebrated in the village (though don't let the locals hear you call it a village, it's "a town" apparently!) which has sadly died out. Fortunately for our taste buds, the King still runs his Guinea Pig kingdom with aplomb and they offer up a very good value early bird menu as well as the regular more expensive a la carte, etc. The food is comfy and traditional. The place is also comfy and traditional, warm and quite soothing, especially on a cold winter's night. Yep, worth a visit.

Food is good, with very classic dishes. Prices are too high considering the standard of the restaurant. The atmosphere is very old fashioned, not to say simply old... Still, with good service and good food, it is a good place to eat with relatives for example.

Had a beautiful non-typical Christmas lunch here! Service was excellent, fantastic food - wasn't drinking but selection of wines looked inviting. Highly recommend this jewel of a restaurant - I will revisit in 2007.

Had a fab meal here great value for money and quality chef came around the tables in person to check everything was satisfactory... A nice touch

The early bird gives an opportunity to bring the whole family. Good affordable wines, ever attentive service, fresh ingredients, a wide choice of fish, a warm atmosphere, what more could we ask for?

Absolutely delicious from start to finish. The decor is dated but this is part of the charm of the Guinea Pig, a step back in time with all age groups enjoying the wonderful fish dishes and excellent service. The presentation of the dessert menu involved a dish of every kind being placed on your table for you to choose, too much temptation, so if you want to stick to your diet I suggest you don't ask for the dessert menu!! The chef toured the restaurant later in the evening to make sure diners enjoyed their meals - a touch that doesn't happen many other places these days.