Trocadero in Dublin

17/05/2025: We recently returned to Bastible for the first time since before the pandemic, choosing it as the spot to celebrate our anniversary. Unfortunately, we left feeling more underwhelmed than impressed. To be clear, the food was good and well-executed, with no dishes we actively disliked. But for a restaurant with such a strong reputation (and a price tag to match), the overall experience fell short in several ways. The biggest letdown was the service. Having worked in hospitality myself and dined at multiple Michelin-starred restaurants both in Dublin and abroad, I had certain expectations. Not for extravagance, but for attentiveness and care. Sadly, that wasn’t the case. Staff seemed disengaged, with minimal explanation or enthusiasm when presenting dishes. The wine pairings were introduced with little context or storytelling, and the sommelier in particular seemed rushed, as if he were trying to get through the evening’s service rather than elevate it. For a bill that came to over €400 for the tasting menu and wine pairing, we expected more than “fine.” There was no sense of occasion, no added effort to make the evening feel even remotely special. We’ve spent far less in unstarred restaurants and left feeling far more satisfied and cared for. In short: if you’re visiting Bastible for the food alone, you’ll likely enjoy it. But if you’re hoping for a full dining experience, one that justifies the price and pedigree, you may want to look elsewhere.

06/05/2025: Just be aware when booking, if a high table comes up, it is more like a bar table, and seats are stools with no backs. It's not v comfortable. Pity. All the food scrumptious.