Hooked on Fish? Head for La Côte in Wexford.

A Seafood Symphony: La Côte in Wexford Makes Waves

Calling all seafood lovers! If you find yourself in Wexford with a hankering for fresh, flavourful fish, look no further than La Côte Seafood Restaurant. Nestled on Custom House Quay, this gem might have eluded me on a previous visit to the area, but let me tell you, it was worth the wait!

Soul

Location, Location, Location (and a Train!)

Finding La Côte is a breeze. Just head to

Custom House Quay, but be mindful of your surroundings – it's a busy spot with regular traffic and the occasional Dublin-Rosslare train rumbling alongside. Pro tip: parking is available on the quay, but watch out for those trains!

From Sea to Plate: Freshness Guaranteed

La Côte's true star is the seafood. Sourced directly from the nearby waters of Kilmore Quay by the esteemed Meylers firm, the fish here is as fresh as it gets. Chef Paul Hynes then takes centre stage, showcasing his skills to transform this bounty into culinary masterpieces.

A Feast for the Senses: Starters and Mains

Trout starter

We wasted no time diving into the exquisite starters. The Gravlax of Sea Trout with Goatsbridge Trout Caviar, Herb Potato, and French Mustard Carmel was a revelation – a symphony of textures and flavours that set the tone for the evening. Another delightful option is the Sautéed South Coast Kilmore Scallop and Prawn – a celebration of local ingredients cooked to perfection.

Baked Alaska

The main courses continued the impressive streak. The signature Grilled Lemon Sole with Citrus Nage, Carrot and Star Anise Purée, Orange Reduction and Ginger Foam is a must-try. It's a dazzling display of culinary artistry that explodes with flavour in every bite. 

Seafood aficionados won't want to miss the Cajun Spiced Monkfish, served with Basil Pesto Bulgar, Chilli Jam, and Saffron Veloute. But fear not, landlubbers! La Côte caters to all palates, with vegetarian and meat options available. Chef Hynes truly has a talent for creating dishes that tantalise every taste bud.

Sweet Endings and Liquid Accompaniments

The delectable desserts were the perfect finalé. The Passionfruit Baked Alaska with Berry Foam offered a delightful balance of sweet and tart, while the Brambly Apple and New Season Rhubarb Baked Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream in a Homemade Tartlet was a comforting classic with a modern twist.

Of course, no seafood feast is complete without the perfect wine pairing. La Côte boasts a diverse selection of white wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Vinho Verde, Pinot Grigio, Grüner Veltliner, and Albarino. Don't forget to check out their "Wine of the Month" offer – the current Azan Picpoul de Pinet (organic) is a winner! No shortage of red wines either.

The Cheeky Cod: A Casual Cousin

For a casual seafood experience, head to The Cheeky Cod, La Côte's "little brother" located on the quay just across the road. This food hut offers classic fish and chips alongside coffee and cookies, perfect for a quick and satisfying bite. They're open from 3.00pm to 8.30pm most days, so be sure to check their Instagram for the latest menu and opening times.

A Winning Combination: La Côte Recommends Itself

La Côte is a winner on all fronts. The outstanding cooking, focus on fresh local ingredients, friendly service, and central location make it a must-visit for any seafood enthusiast. And remember, even if you have a vegetarian or a dedicated carnivore in tow, La Côte has something for everyone. So, set sail for a culinary adventure at La Côte – your taste buds will thank you!

Also on this visit: Jaspers La Vista 

The little brother on the quay!