Dining Out

Jordan Mooney: Big Mike’s in Blackrock proves that bigger is definitely better

Stellar hospitality and top-notch cooking at the third restaurant from chef Gaz Smith, complemented by luxurious decor, make a return journey an absolute necessity

Big Mike’s in Blackrock, Co Dublin: the restaurant uses top-class ingredients, dirty-delicious flavours and classic techniques to elevate everyday dishes. Picture: Fergal Phillips

Due to an unfortunate series of events, it took me until the very end of 2022 to get into Big Mike’s. The third restaurant from chef Gaz Smith received immediate acclaim when it opened in September, so I was keen to see if it would live up to the hype.

Before we even get to the food, I have to mention the décor. Stunning isn’t the word – the massive space includes a completely covered ...