dede at the Customs House Baltimore — Restaurant in West Cork

Dede at the Customs House For a Michelin restaurant Dede’s was remarkably unpretentious (except for some of the other guests) and the food was, almost all, outstanding. From the time we walked through the door the staff showed how much they cared and the attention level by them was spot on. They were there when we needed them but discreet the rest of the time. As a person who doesn’t normally like lamb I was determined to have the full Turkish experience and try everything and I’m so glad I did. I’m now converted to a lamb eater which no-one has ever managed before. I can’t really add much more to what everyone else has said about the quality of the food. However there was one very disappointing part of the meal when I found a piece of what appeared to be bone/cartilage in my oxtail bonbon about the size of my thumbnail. Chef Ahmet happened to come past before the plates were cleared and we brought it to his attention but he pretty much shrugged his shoulders and appeared very disinterested with no apology. If you are a 2 Michelin star restaurant not only shouldn’t this happen but it should be taken a little more seriously when brought to your attention. Other than the oxtail incident the meal was stunning and we enjoyed it hugely. It’s just a pity that put a little bit of a...

Just finished our tasting and wine pairing menu at Dede. The lack of pictures is a compliment, we were enjoying ourselves so much I forgot to take pictures. Firstly, pairing worked beautifully, complementing each dish perfectly. We had a white wine (no idea what one but it was from the canaries) that was so unusual on the nose, palate and if I poured it on my feet I'd say it would've felt lovely too.

The somelier was knowledgeable and personable, as were all the other staff. The ambience/atmosphere was nice and relaxed and with zero pretence, much like the wider environs of Baltimore; no bs, just itself.

And THE FOOD! The food was unbelievable! Every inch of my mouth rejoiced in the taste. The flavour, presentation and thought put into the dishes made them a feast for the senses. Typically I'm not a fish person but I'd order fish for life if it were prepared for me by Dede. Everything was subtle yet complex. Right when I thought I was ready for another bite I'd pause and a flavour would roll across my tongue and the dish would take on a totally different complexity.

Dede has nailed it and we'll be returning before too long. The only thing, if I had to nit-pick, is that I would have loved a copy of the menu to go as a keepsake, as some...

An outstanding display of Turkish-Irish culinary excellence by Executive Master Michelin two star Chef Ahmet Dede and his team. The superior guest (not customer) table service invigorated warmth, greeting and hospitality along with the surroundings. The culinary delights were serviced by the chefs themselves, explained in detail the construction, ingredients and the sources of those ingredients and where appropriate historical backgrounds. Chef Dede made himself readily available to all his guests. The kitchen is open plan and the guests can view the preparation of their dishes. The kitchens functioning reflects Chef Dede’s own personality; calm, collective and quite. A two star Michelin engine at work – an honour to watch. The food presentation, as expected of this level, is exquisite. The taste, flavours, sensations are something extraterrestrial. Absolute dynamite, magical, nothing overburdens or dominates. Balance is supreme. Some dishes seem to have no gravity, it just simply disappeared in your mouth! No chewing. We salute Chef Dede and his...