On my recent trip to Dublin, I purposely booked an early dinner at award-winning Dax. Knowing I would be trying their tasting menu and understanding there would be some long days with my Bord Bia tour, I was quite pleased with my choice. After all — someone has to be the person having dinner at 6 PM. Upon arrival into the cozy dining room, I was greeted warmly by the team. Olivier Meisonnave, the GM, had clearly looked me up (not in a creepy way, I promise!) and understood I was a passionate foodie. As I love (love!) talking about all things culinary, between Chef Graham Neville and Olivier, there was plenty to discuss. I sincerely appreciated everyone in the restaurant understanding how to entertain a solo diner — and when to give me my space. (This is in direct comparison to the two Michelin restaurant I ate at the following day…review coming soon).
So, after a lot of research across various platforms, one of the main reasons I chose Dax was because of their 5-course degustation, priced at EUR120 (with wine pairing). As I was dining alone, I knew I couldn’t do a longer degustation (nor did I want to). The reviews, along with the menu, and distance from my hotel (walking!), all led me to believe this would be an excellent fit. And guess what? I was right! Dax was my favorite meal in Dublin.
To start, after delicious fresh bread was brought to the table, I was presented with a selection of amuse bouche, which began my meal on an elevated note. It’s probably worth noting that I went into the meal more or less ‘blind’ in that I wasn’t sure what was going to be coming my way during the evening. This approach is in comparison to my usual (and sometimes obsessive) review of a menu before arriving, as I usually do in the UAE.
The first course was a Smoked salmon and crab dish. I loved the deconstructed presentation, and the taste was briny, but not too salty or smoky. Next was – for me – a strange turn, going to Duck Breast. I only mention this because, in the progression of the meal, I would consider swapping the order of courses 2 and 3. I prefer a subtle start, and building towards more substantial proteins, so the signature Courgette, stuffed with lobster might have been better placed as the second dish. Of course, at this point, I’m picking at something very minor. While the duck was well portioned, it was the buttery Foie Gras that ultimately made the dish, and I appreciated the use of tart cherry to add depth.
As mentioned, the next course was a signature dish, only available three months of the year or so, the aforementioned Courgette, stuffed with lobster, is a thing of beauty. Y’all, I can’t even. The bisque. The cook on the lobster. The depth in the sauce. The simplicity in the presentation. I was seriously contemplating licking the bowl, and wouldn’t have been ashamed to do so. My only problem with the dish is it’s not quite as photogenic as it could be.
Rounding out the ‘mains’ was Chef Graham’s take on Pork and cabbage, an Irish staple, and presented in an appropriate portion size, given the rest of the meal. When I was asked if I prefer a chocolate dish or something lighter for dessert, I’m glad when the kitchen delivered a lovely pineapple and milk ice cream. Petit fours wrapped up this meal, which was a wonderful night out, and a highlight to end the meal on.
My notes are super limited. As I opted for the wine package, I personally prefer when pairings are poured at the table. After all, I think doing so truly elevates the presentation. Also, while I enjoyed the music, it felt a slightly strange fit for the venue, although I’m not sure why — I think mostly because it was American singers, and I would’ve liked a more ‘local’ soundtrack if that makes sense.
Would I go back to Dax? Yes, absolutely.
Who is Dax best for? Tourists, really — and in a good way. The restaurant seemed to attract quite a large tourist crowd, and I don’t think that is necessarily a bad thing — especially given how well everyone was looked after. There was great energy (and plenty of fun conversations for me to listen in to). For those who want an elevated Irish meal, Dax should be near the top of the list.
Do you have any other fine dining must-visits in Dublin?
