Mae's Restaurant in Ballsbridge, Dublin, is a culinary gem that deserves every bit of praise it receives. Head Chef Grainne O'Keefe and her team have undoubtedly crafted a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. With each dish that emerged from the kitchen, it was evident that a masterpiece had been carefully created. The precision, creativity, and attention to detail were awe-inspiring, showcasing the culinary brilliance of Chef O'Keefe and her talented staff.
Our dining experience was further elevated by Julien, our server, who proved to be a maestro in his own right. His articulate and knowledgeable explanations of the menu items added a layer of understanding and appreciation to each course. Julien's expertise in wine pairings was nothing short of exceptional; his selections enhanced the already amazing flavors of the dishes. His presence brought a special element to the evening, making it an unforgettable dining experience.
Among the highlights of the evening was the apple dessert, a nostalgic trip back to my childhood. The dessert was not merely a sweet treat; it was a carefully crafted homage to simpler times, capturing the essence of growing up. The combination of flavors in this dish was nothing short of sublime, creating a memorable conclusion to an already exceptional dining adventure.
In conclusion, Mae's Restaurant is a culinary haven in Dublin, and Chef Grainne O'Keefe, Julien, and the entire kitchen staff deserve commendation for their dedication to creating an extraordinary dining experience. From the artful dishes to the impeccable service, Mae's is a must-visit for anyone seeking a dining adventure that engages the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
S.Rhattigan &...
Read moreDelicious lunch at @mae_restaurant. I've been very much looking to try and nab a booking and finally did! 🙌 The service, value and level of food being produced here is definitely up there, and I'm looking forward to hopefully another visit in future. 🙏 Menu on last photo.
I do love a good snack course and these didn't disappoint (though the plates were small so I showered the table with parmesan 🙈). The focaccia was unbelievably soft and a delicate, glutenous pillow. The tartlet was a particular triumph between the smoky, charred sweetness of the aubergine, the melting dollop of sauce and the crisp shell.
Artichoke starter was a myriad of flavours - and I really enjoyed how the goat's cheese was fragrant and sweet, but didn't overpower everything. The carmelised artichoke worked really well with the pear and cheese.
The venison was tender, though I found the dish a bit lacking in savouriness and a touch too many sweet notes for my tastes. I also made the mistake of leaving the potato confit and venison croquette to finish - while delicious, they were quite rich.
Finally, the dessert was simple but well thought out - the flavours of the panna cotta, rose and figs gave a soft fragrance; coupled with the textural smoothness it felt very harmonious. A slight miss in that a small bit of gelatine coalesced and one particular bite was a tad rubbery, but still an overall delight. I didn't try the tarte tatin but have it on good authority the apples were cooked perfectly, and with the sauce just the right level...
Read moreExceptional meal.
Food was stunning. Focaccia was delicious. The 3 snacks were absolutely to die for, in particular the croquette, I'd eat one every single day if I could. Not really a mushroom lover generally but that cais na tire shitake agnolotti was a real standout dish, perfection. The pork was amazing with a great balance of flavours, the confit potato reminded me - maybe just because I wanted it to - of the hash brown fries from clanbrassil house. The tenderstem broccoli served alongside the mains could be a meal in itself, so good. Tried some of the cod as well, incredible too. Lastly finished with the tart tatin which was indeed legendary. The mousse was also great.
The wine pairing was excellent. The most surprising, in my opinion, was the sweet wine served with the desert. Worked so well.
Service was impeccable from the moment we entered as well, couldn't fault it. The description of each wine and dish were great. At one stage we queried what way a dish was done and the server didn't know but she quicky got over the manager who filled us in with great detail.
Also dealt with allergy requirements really professionally which was brilliant.
10/10 for sure. I'll definitely be back.. if I can get a table! (Need to see that...
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