Miss Thrifty’s guide to discounted dining
Library image. Photo: Getty Images
Some restaurants call it an early bird menu, while others will tell you it’s a pre-theatre menu, but whatever its name getting a table in the early evening can mean good food at a serious discount.
This week Miss Thrifty found Ireland's best discounted dining so eat, drink, be merry and don't forget the Saba competition.
Bang Cafe, Merrion Row, Dublin 2
What's the deal: This Michelin-starred Dublin eaterie is famous for the style and presentation of its modern Irish cuisine. Well-sourced, much-loved and with the pre-theatre menu starting at only €23.95 you won't need a shoulder of braised lamb to cry on when the bill arrives.
We recommend: Lamb with champ, organic vedgetables and rosemary jus.
To book - 01 676 0898
SABA Thai, Clarendon St, Dublin 2
What's the deal: Fresh and fair-trade. Saba brings well-sourced ingredients and traditional Thai and Vietnamese flavours to its popular Dublin restaurant. Rich and authentic, Saba's fixed-price dinner menu is available on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and three courses of delicious food will cost €25. We love a free meal and Saba have kindly offered one reader a free meal for two with drinks. Simply visit the Savvy shopper to enter.
We recommend: Prawn Phuket noodles with chilli and basil.
To book - 01 679 2000
Martines Restaurant, Quay Street, Galway
What's the deal: Martines is great at taking the basics and doing them well. Well-sourced local produce combined with an excellent selection of boat-fresh fish can be added to the fact that two courses will cost you €20 in one of Galway's better spots for food. Where possible the produce is local and if fresh food cooked simply is your thing, then Martines might just be your place.
We love: The menu - which is 100pc organic, not bad for an early bird.
To book - 091 565 662
Greenes Restaurant at The Hotel Isaacs, MacCurtain Street, Cork
Whats the deal: An excellent selection of modern international cuisine. Greenes is turning others green with envy with a pre-theatre menu including lemon pepper salmon bakes and blue cheese parcels with walnut-dressed salads. The friendly attitude of everyone concerned is something of a bonus to add to an already good discount.
We love: The fact that in this case, pre-theatre really does mean pre-theatre as €44.50 will get you three courses and a ticket to the nearby Everyman.
To book - 021 455 2279
Cibo Bar and Restaurant, East Pier, Howth, Dublin
What's the deal: Following on from the success of their meals-to-go concept the Cibo restaurant in Howth offers a good early bird in an informal setting. Fish lovers, if not already delighted by the moules frites will perk up at the locally sourced crab and gruyere cheese bruschetta. Those of you hankering after a steak will no doubt wish to try a selection of centre-cut chargrilled fillets. €25 will get you three courses for a great early bird in a laid back yet tasteful restaurant.
We love: Cibo plays live jazz every Sunday from five. So bring your darkest glasses, your best beret and a pack of Gitanes.
To book - 01 839 6344
Sinead Van Kampen is the editor of The Savvy Shopper. For a rundown on fashion and food bargains plus regular insider tips visit TheSavvyShopper.ie website.
- Sinead Van Kampen
