dede
Baltimore, Ireland
⭐2 Stars
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Chef Ahmet Dede’s warm, inviting restaurant in this West Cork coastal village is a masterful marriage between his Irish surroundings and his Turkish heritage. Superb local produce is the bedrock of the cooking, enhanced by skilful, judicious spicing which delivers multiple layers of authentic Turkish flavours while never overpowering the core ingredients – as with a refined take on street food 'îçli köfte'. The charismatic Ahmet and his mostly Turkish brigade deliver their dishes with pride, while co-owner Maria runs the service with a friendly charm.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
1. Turkish-Irish Culinary Fusion with Multi-Part Courses
Dede offers a unique tasting menu that features several courses served in two or more parts, showcasing a sophisticated multi-dish approach. The cuisine is a distinctive fusion of Turkish flavors and Irish produce, reflecting Chef Ahmet Dede’s heritage and his reverence for local ingredients from County Cork. This blend creates a novel dining experience that is both inventive and deeply rooted in two cultures.
2. Informal Yet Refined Dining Style with Larger Courses
Unlike many Michelin-starred restaurants that emphasize elaborate tasting menus with numerous small courses, Dede opts for a less formal dining experience with fewer but larger courses. This approach allows diners to enjoy the depth of each dish more fully while maintaining a refined and intimate atmosphere in a small coastal village setting.
3. Emphasis on Local Irish Produce Enhanced by Judicious Turkish Spicing
The restaurant’s philosophy centers on superb local produce from places like Cape Clear Island, enhanced by skillful and balanced Turkish spices. This careful seasoning delivers multiple layers of authentic Turkish flavors without overpowering the core ingredients, exemplified by dishes such as a refined take on the Turkish street food ‘îçli köfte’.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant dede in Baltimore reflect a unique fusion of Turkish heritage and Irish local produce. Key ingredients include:
Lamb: Used in a playful take on classic Turkish street food, such as flatbread topped with a lip-smacking mixture of lamb and onion, showcasing Turkish flavors with Irish ingredients.
Local Irish Produce: Seasonal and local Irish ingredients form the bedrock of the cooking, emphasizing purity and balance without overpowering the dish with spices.
Beetroot: Highlighted as a simple yet standout ingredient in dishes, reflecting the restaurant's focus on refined, local elements.
Flatbread: Integral to Turkish-inspired dishes, often paired with rich toppings like lamb, demonstrating the blend of Turkish street food with Irish quality produce.
Judicious Spices: Skillful, balanced use of Turkish spices enhances dishes without overwhelming the natural flavors of the local ingredients.
These ingredients are significant as they embody the restaurant's philosophy: a masterful marriage of Turkish culinary tradition with the freshness and seasonality of West Cork's Irish produce, creating authentic yet innovative dishes that have earned dede its two Michelin stars.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Tasting Menus
- Dinner: 8 Courses (€195), Matching Wine Pairing (€95 or €200), Non-alcoholic Pairing (€65)
- Lunch: 8 Courses (€115), Matching Wine Pairing (€70 or €170), Non-alcoholic Pairing (€45)