Our somewhat unplanned second night in Kinsale presented us with the fortunate opportunity to secure a table at Max’s, a well-known seafood restaurant in the heart of the town. The restaurant’s ambiance was warm and inviting, with an understated sophistication that put us instantly at...ease.
The highlight of our visit, without a doubt, was the outstanding quality of the seafood. Our party sampled a variety of dishes from the two-course menu. The starters, an Asian-inspired squid and prawn dish accompanied by green tea noodles, and the impeccably cleaned and prepared langoustine, struck the perfect balance of texture and flavour.
Our main courses each featured a different type of fish, and we were impressed across the board. The Hake was a textbook example of how fresh fish should be cooked, complimented by excellent side dishes. The Monkfish was prepared to perfection, accompanied by a subtly Asian-inspired sauce and a phenomenal serving of fennel. The John Dory, was a testament to the skill and creativity of kitchen at Max’s, who managed to elevate an already fantastic fish to new culinary heights. Each main dish was served with flavorful boiled potatoes, which added to the overall satisfaction of the meal.
However, there were a few areas that could use improvement, which stopped us from rating the experience a perfect 5. The service could be better attuned to the guests’ needs; it felt a little disorganised at times.
Despite this minor shortcoming, our dining experience at Max’s was outstanding, with the phenomenal seafood standing out as a clear highlight. We now understand why Kinsale is often referred to as ‘The Foodie Capital of Ireland.’ It’s certainly true that Kinsale has a rich food culture, and are well worth its status as a gastronomic hub. We highly recommend Max’s for its delicious seafood dishes, and we look forward to returning on our next visit to Kinsale.More