House (The)

Cafe, Restaurant & Deli

Having taken the DART on its picturesque route all the way to its furthest point on Dublin's northside, there is no better treat than a walk on Howth Head and a long and winding climb around the stunning cliffs, up to the summit and down the pretty descent onto Howth Hill. It is after just such a trek that we arrive upon the welcoming doorstep of The House on the village hill. The House is a cute room, with black and white floor tiles, simple wooden tables and Bentwood café chairs. The walls are filled with old quirky plates, the lighting a funky mix of retro and contemporary and the overall effect is that of a cosy parlour and a perfect sanctuary after our brisk walk.

We are immediately ushered to a table with warmth and grace and embark upon the difficult task of choosing from the wonderful, mouth-watering menu! Chef Ian Connolly has worked in many of Dublin's finest restaurants and here, he shows his passion maintaining simplicity and allowing the local, seasonal produce shine on the plate. We start with a plate of his fantastic home smoked fish. . . salmon, seabass, swordfish and mussels are all delicately smoked in-house and served alongside a fresh and vibrant fennel and cucumber salad and a basket of his own soda bread. With this, a platter of James McGeough's wonderful charcuterie; air-dried lamb, beef and Prosciutto style ham are each paired with an Irish country cheese and served with a bowl of fruit chutney, pickles and crusty bread. This is a fantastic paen to Irish artisans, treated delicately and allowing the produce to do its own work with little interference and many fellow Good Food Ireland Members feature proudly on the menu such as O'Flynns Gourmet Sausages, McGeough's Butchers, Jane Russell’s Original Irish Handmade Sausages and Corleggy Cheeses to name a few.

After this, a brilliant Irish take on Welsh rarebit...bubbling Mount Callan mature cheddar and Irish ham hock served on a delicious sourdough bread with a mound of pineapple and chilli chutney...delicious! We also share some of O'Flynn's chicken and apple sausages, made to Ian's own recipe and served with Clonakilty black pudding and apple and cider gravy and a steaming bowl of West Cork, rope grown mussels in a stunningly sweet and succulent, fresh crab cream. Afterwards, there is an orange Polenta cake, piquant, sweet and densely moist in equal measures and served with a scoop of excellent Mandy's rich chocolate ice-cream. With excellent coffee, we nibble on an amazing white chocolate and raspberry brownie and marvel at the intensely malty vanilla ice-cream that accompanies it.

The food at The House is extraordinary, delivered with the confidence of a chef who understands the produce of his locale and is not afraid to simply let it speak. The service is warm and casually efficient and the room is stylish and welcoming. Altogether, The House offers a memorable dining experience in a stunning setting on Dublin's northside. Grab a bespoke picnic hamper for a summer stroll on Howth head or wander in for late brunch after a vigorous hike. Whatever the occasion, miss it at your peril!

Click here to view The House Menus and Wine List >>>

Contact Details

To Contact a Member Directly, please click on the email or website below

4 Main Street
Howth
Co Dublin
+353 (0)1 8396388
Email: info@thehouse-howth.ie
Web: www.thehouse-howth.ie

 

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