Azure, Cobh’s new waterfront bistro. White and blue, and very good too!

Azure, Cobh’s new waterfront bistro. 

White and blue, and very good too!

Azure Harbour Bistro is the newly opened waterfront restaurant in Cobh. With its charming blue and white exterior, the bistro embodies the aspirations of Chef Tabrez Shaikh, who is also known for his work at the Stew Stores in Douglas and the Marina Market. In Cobh, Chef Shaikh can showcase his extensive experience in a wide range of international cuisines.

Bouillabaisse

The bistro focuses on the finest seasonal local produce, including fresh fish, which will be central to its offerings. However, each dish served at your table will be significantly enhanced by the diverse influences that the chef has encountered over the years. During my lunch visit last week, I found Azure truly living up to its promises.

After a warm welcome, we settled down by a sunny, south-facing window—Spike Island is directly across the water—to study the menu.

Chicken wings

It was not so much a study as I had seen it online and had already made up my mind to order the Bouillabaisse, the renowned rich and spicy fish stew associated with Marseille. There was no disappointment here, as the Azure mix of Prawns, Mussels, Sole, Plaice, Saffron broth, rouille, and sourdough bread was really excellent and brought back memories of a trip some time back to Provence.

Hake

CL was enjoying the flavors of Korea in her chicken wings. The increasingly popular sticky Gochujang sauce, which is sweet and spicy, accompanied the wings, along with pickled red cabbage and a salad.

The website tells us that Tabrez’s gastronomic journey has traversed continents — from the vibrant kitchens of the UAE and the refined culinary circles of the UK, to the rich culinary heritage of India and the evolving food landscape of Ireland.

On the Five Foot Way, I met the
Shanty Man by Ray Lonsdale.
It was donated to Cobh by
Gary and Anne Wilson

It’s no surprise to find the New Orleans Po' Boy sandwich (above) on the menu here. I was eager to try it, especially after my server mentioned it was his favourite. Azure's Shrimp Po' Boy features a generous mix of tempura shrimp, crushed avocado, classic Marie Rose sauce, capers, and is served on not just one, but two bao buns. It was a very satisfying and enjoyable dish, naturally a little milder than my Bouillabaisse.

Although it may not have been as exotic as some of the other dishes, we truly enjoyed our fish dish here: Pan-Fried Hake served with Colcannon, Charred Asparagus, Dill Velouté, Dill Oil, and Blood Orange. CL was quite pleased with her plateful, demonstrating that the chef is capable of preparing Irish cuisine to the same high standard as any other.

The dessert menu that included Paris Brest (Filled Choux Pastry, Pistachio Ice Cream),  Red Rose (Raspberry Mousse, Berry Sorbet, Rose & Saffron Syrup) and the Caramel Dome (Biscotti Caramel Sauce, Salted Caramel Ice Cream) was extremely tempting, but having been fed well, we skipped it. 

The dinner menu looks even more tempting, and you can check out both menus here. 

“Support local” is a key element of the Azure offering and that extends to the whiskey selection that includes spirits from Irish Distillers in Midleton and West Cork Distillery in Skibbereen. You may get Murphy’s Stout on draught and Stonewell Cider, including their superb non-alcoholic edition, both in bottle. 

No Irish wines (yet!), but there are some very impressive bottles in the collection available. You may enjoy the "Il Bucco" Montepulciano or perhaps the Tindal Vineyards Organic Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, both by the glass or bottle.

Tip: Before or after your meal, take a wander around the town!

Casement Square, Cobh.