Liath
Blackrock, Ireland
⭐2 Stars
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
There's a slightly magical feel to this stylish, cosy restaurant. With just a handful of tables, it makes for a personal dining experience, with Damien Grey and his small team offering a genuinely warm welcome and explaining the dishes personally. The surprise tasting menu showcases bold, original dishes centred around the five tastes – salty, savoury, sweet, bitter and sour – which come together in perfect harmony. First-class ingredients are present throughout, treated with precision and strong modern technique by the chefs. Excellent wine pairings further enhance the experience.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Unique / Unconventional Aspects of Liath, Blackrock
1. Surprise Tasting Menu Centered on the Five Tastes
Liath offers a surprise tasting menu that creatively explores the five fundamental tastes—salty, savoury, sweet, bitter, and sour—blending them in bold, original dishes that come together in perfect harmony. This approach emphasizes a balanced sensory experience rather than just individual flavors, making the meal an adventurous and thoughtful journey for the palate.
2. Memorable Signature Dish: Lobster, Bay, Caviar
One of Liath’s standout dishes, "Lobster, Bay, Caviar," was singled out by Michelin inspectors as one of the most memorable dishes of the year. The dish exemplifies luxury ingredients treated with precision—poached lobster paired with a classical buttery sauce accented by acidity and a salty kick from caviar. This dish not only highlights technical skill but also fits seamlessly into the wider tasting menu, showcasing a refined balance of flavors without overpowering the main ingredient.
3. Intimate and Personal Dining Experience with Chef Interaction
Liath is known for its intimate setting with only a handful of tables, creating a cozy and stylish atmosphere. Chef Damien Grey and his small team personally welcome guests and explain each dish, adding a storytelling element to the meal. This personal touch, combined with strong modern techniques and excellent wine pairings, elevates the dining experience beyond just food to a memorable, engaging event.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Liath in Blackrock include:
Lobster: Central to one of their most memorable dishes, lobster is poached to perfection, showcasing its natural luxury and delicate flavor. It is served with complementary accompaniments that enhance but never overpower its taste.
Caviar: Paired with lobster, caviar adds a salty kick and elevates the dish's luxurious profile. It is used sparingly to complement the buttery sauce and lobster without dominating the palate.
Bay (Bay Leaf or Bay flavor): Used in the signature dish "Lobster, Bay, Caviar," bay contributes subtle aromatic notes that balance the richness of the lobster and the saltiness of the caviar.
These ingredients are treated with precision and modern technique, reflecting Liath's commitment to first-class, seasonal Irish produce and a harmonious balance of flavors in their surprise tasting menu. The lobster and caviar dish, in particular, exemplifies the restaurant’s skill in elevating natural luxury ingredients with classical and refined culinary methods.