Seafood Restaurants Howth: Aqua Restaurant Howth Dublin

Seafood Restaurants Howth, Aqua Restaurant Howth Dublin: Aqua is a gorgeous restaurant, sleek and warm over the sea with stunning views

What can I say about Aqua Restaurant in Howth that has not already been said, I had the pleasure of eating there very recently and pleasure it was, although not perfect – then, again, in all fairness - nothing is perfect..

I’d like to begin with the value for money aspect. The food served was of an excellent calibre even for the more sensitive palate and the overall experience is heightened if you get there before 7.30 pm and enjoy 2 courses of wonderful fare for less than €23.00 in a restaurant proud to have reduced the VAT rates.

Unfortunately, in these darker winter days, if you do not manage to get there after 5 pm you will be robbed of one of this restaurant’s greatest assets – the stunning marine views towards Malahide, Skerries and beyond but, more importantly, the wonderful views of  Howth itself from the aspect of being over the water. Our waiter put this in context for us in a humorous manner when he told us that in Summer, at times, he can experience a little sea sickness working so close to the water but in winter it’s dark and good to see his own reflection in those big windows!

Seafood Restaurants Howth: Aqua Restaurant Howth Dublin Back to the food

For starters we ordered the chicken pate with side salad and toast. Do not be fooled by my description, this dish is as surprisingly close to Foie Gras as you’ll get in both texture and taste and complemented by a sweet berry sauce – a real treat. Just a comment here – it was so close to actual foie gras, maybe it should be served with a sweeter bread like brioche to further excite the taste buds.

Seafood Restaurants Howth: Aqua Restaurant Howth Dublin: The Mains

We ordered mains of Guinea Fowl and Fish ‘n’ Chips. The guinea fowl was a big hit, gamey in taste but not too chewy and complemented by a wonderful sweet sauce. The fish and chips were a mixed bag – the fish was cooked to perfection while the chips tasted good they lacked crispiness and were actually quite soggy.

For desert, we ordered Tiramisu which was simply between gorgeous and divine. I made a truthful comment to my wonderful wife that this was the second best Tiramisiu ever to hers and she disagreed – this was better. The jury is out on that one nevertheless but it was GOOOD!

Maybe, a slightly negative comment on the early bird menu is the deficit of a decent vegetarian choice which basically boils down to take it or leave it.

Seafood Restaurants Howth: Aqua Restaurant Howth Dublin: The Service

The service was  as professional and attentive although I felt a bit overly formal and too-trained at times – a bit more spontaneity would add greatly to this dining experience.  The kitchen is on full view and I like this as it allows you to observe the busy chef and his staff. The food presentation is excellent and the deserts are fantastically created rather than the tired old desert trolley assortment.

Seafood Restaurants Howth: Aqua Restaurant Howth Dublin: Conclusion

This is wonderful dining a reasonable prices in a great location but get there early for the full Aqua experience especially in Winter times. The place seems deceptively average from its humble exterior but imagine the surprise when you discover this lovely restaurant inside and upstairs to find a most breathtaking view.

THE GOOD: Almost everything – especially the food

THE BAD: The menu was short on veggie options

THE UGLY: Nothing

OUTTA 10: A whacking 8.5

I hope this Seafood Restaurants Howth, Aqua Restaurant Howth Dublin was informative.