dede at the Customs House Baltimore

Fifteen restaurants in the county are listed in the Michelin guide, among them the Turkish Dede in Baltimore, which has one star, while across the city diners battle for tables at Michelin-listed restaurants such as Ichigo Ichie (one star), Greenes, Da Mirco and Goldie, which has a Bib Gourmand award.

Baltimore may have lost a little gem in 2019 with the closure of the much-feted fine dining destination, Mews - but the decision of its gifted Turkish chef, Ahmet Dede, to stay on and re-open another legendary dining spot, The Customs House, just up the road, has been compensation a-plenty. In partnership with Customs House owner, Maria Archer, Dede at The Customs House has proved an inspired combination of casual deli fare (freshly baked sourdough baguettes, salads, dips and rotisserie chickens to go), informal outdoor meals (cooked over a charcoal barbecue in the back garden and served with modern mezze) and, at weekends, a taste of the exquisite fine dining that earned Dede such a well-deserved reputation at Mews. Not surprisingly perhaps, it simply flew all last summer - and the plan is to re-open for St Patrick’s weekend, if at all possible.

Chef Ahmet Dede’s refined take on street food ‘îçli köfte’ won Dede at Customs House Baltimore not one, but two Michelin stars and it’s clear to see why the Michelin inspectors were so impressed. Dede focuses on Turkish flavours using local ingredients and the result is nothing short of magic. The Tasting Menu (€180 for dinner, €100 for lunch) changes regularly, with dishes such as Lobster with grapefruit, zeytinyagli, root vegetables; Halibut, with sorrel, vine leaves, seaweed, razor clams, and Barbecue Duck with sour cherry, tarhana & beetroot.

Ahmet Dede has been around the block in Cork - he was previously awarded a Michelin star at Mews in Baltimore before he bought his own place, mixed up the style again, and was awarded a star again. Dede at the Custom House is all about Ahmet's creativity - and food-lovers flock to the warm and welcoming spot to sample his unique culinary creations. He's all about putting a Turkey-inspired spin on local ingredients - and it truly is a distinctive menu.

Following their Michelin star successes this year, it’s no surprise to see Homestead’s Robbie McAuley and The Bishop’s Buttery’s Stephen Hayes included in the Best Chef listings for the province with Dede at the Custom House Baltimore among the Best Restaurant winners. The two Michelin Star Terre at Castlemartyr Resort and The Oak Room at Adare Manor were included among the Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant winners.

Finally, if you’re looking for a truly special dining experience, book a table at dede at the Customs House Baltimore. This Michelin-starred restaurant is located in the picturesque village of Baltimore and offers a unique tasting menu inspired by local ingredients and international flavours. It’s an unforgettable culinary journey that’s well worth the trip.

Ireland secured a two Michelin star accreditation, which was given to dede, the celebrated Turkish restaurant in Baltimore's Custom House, which was promoted from one star. Headed up by chef Ahmet Dede, inspectors reported that they were "dazzled" by the dishes, which include spiced lobster bisque, cod cooked with buttermilk and potato and more.

€€€ | Casual Fine Dining Restaurant | Contemporary | Baltimore. Customs House Baltimore is a contemporary restaurant run by Michelin chef, Ahmet Dede, who brings food inspiration from his native Turkey. As with all fine dining restaurants, expect to not know what to expect from the menu, which changes regularly to reflect the seasons.

With one Michelin star under his belt, Ahmet Dede is back open for business from next week but be prepared to plan your visit for midweek – and not until July or August as they have been overrun with reservation requests. It’s worth the wait. www.customshousebaltimore.com/

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More recently, last October I went to Dede in Baltimore and that has to be the one to remember most. Such refined cooking but still really approachable.