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. read more