The 30 minutes drive from Dublin to Howth West pier is an experience in itself with sea views all along, and the view from the Aqua Restaurant dining room is one to remember for a long time as well – the same is not the case regarding the food.
Aqua Restaurant is located in the building of the old Howth Yacht Club that dates back to 1895. However the feel is contemporary due to complete refurbishments undertaken for more than a year for Aqua Restaurant to open on millenium night 2000.
You enter the restaurant on the first floor and are met by an astonishing view. Sitting close to the panoramic windows from floor to ceiling it almost feels like you are hovering over the sea below.
The focus of proprietors Charlie Smith and Richard Clery is clearly on fresh seafood and being a restaurant located in Howth, the second largest fishing centre in Ireland, supply is at hand. Being presented with the menu you can not escape jumping “all-in” on the seafood having chowder, oysters, crab claws, lobster, several different kinds of fish and only one main course with red meat.
The seafood seemed fresh and tasted okay, and the wine pairing was really good and bold. But the things that show you the kitchen loves what they are doing, creating joy when hitting your taste buds, seemed to be missing. It was as if the place lacked passion for the food.
A great view is not enough, and given the premises Aqua Restaurant should be able to live up to the reputation and the expectations. This is what we hope for because the place and the seating itself are unique.
Images courtesy of Aqua Restaurant
Written by Ted