12/05/2025: Location & Access:
Situated in the bustling tourist area of Howth, Octopussyâs is right by the seafood market, Howth Market, souvenir shops, and the scenic harbor. The restaurant offers views of the sea, lighthouse, and port, creating a strong maritime vibe. Itâs easily accessible by DART (a short walk) and via buses like H3 and 6.
Ambience & Space:
The indoor dining area is quite small, with tables packed closely together. The strong seafood aroma indoors combined with the limited ventilation makes it less appealing for those sensitive to smellsâan improved air conditioning system would help. The outdoor seating, however, offers a much more pleasant experience, featuring wooden benches and an open, breezy feel.
Cleanliness:
The tables were prepared well with condiments already placed (sea salt, pepper, vinegar), which minimized the need for extra requests.
Menu & Pricing:
The menu focuses on seafood tapasâmussels, oysters, prawns, calamari, squid, and fishâserved in various styles. They also offer soft drinks and a selection of wines that pair well with seafood. Prices were reasonable for a tourist-heavy area. While most items appeared fresh (likely due to high weekend turnover), the food quality was averageânothing particularly unique or standout. A small note: lemon wasnât served with the mussels by default, which is common elsewhere, so I had to request it.
Staff & Service:
The staff member serving us was friendly and hardworking, but visibly overwhelmed. She initially forgot our drinks and only brought them after a second requestâlikely due to being very busy. Despite that, her attitude was kind.
Accessibility & Extras:
The indoor area isnât wheelchair accessible due to space constraints, but the outdoor seating area is more suitable and accessible for wheelchair users.
Final Thoughts:
Octopussyâs is decent for a quick seafood bite in the heart of Howthâs tourist area, especially if youâre sitting outdoors. Donât expect anything extraordinary, but it works if youâre already exploring the area and want a casual seafood experience with a sea breeze.
11/05/2025: The food was absolutely delicious