Dede at the Customs House

Dede at the Customs House, two Michelin stars on the West Cork coast

Dede at the Customs House is a two-Michelin-star restaurant located in Baltimore, on the West Cork coast (Ireland). Chef Ahmet Dede offers a single tasting menu, served at both lunch and dinner, made with seasonal produce from West Cork and the spice routes of Anatolia. The kitchen combines his Turkish heritage with the Irish surroundings, with a mostly Turkish brigade that works each dish with quiet pride.

A tasting menu between Turkey and Ireland

The restaurant serves a single tasting menu, changing with the seasons, available at lunch and dinner. The proposal is built from West Cork produce and Anatolian spices, with a refined interpretation of dishes such as içli köfte, typical of Turkish street food, in layers of authentic flavour that do not hide the main ingredient. Vegetarian, pescatarian and vegan options are prepared on request, and guests are asked to inform of any dietary requirements or allergies at the time of booking.

The team and the room

Ahmet Dede, raised in Turkey and settled on the Irish coast, brings two food cultures to one table. Co-owner Maria Archer runs the room; her welcome has become a signature of the restaurant, with an atmosphere that the house itself describes as closer to dining in a friend's home than a Michelin room, in a coastal village at the edge of Europe.

Recognition

The restaurant has been repeatedly recognised among the best in Ireland. The Michelin Guide highlights its cuisine as a masterful marriage between the Irish surroundings and the chef's Turkish heritage, with superb local produce enhanced by skilful, judicious spicing. Among the awards are:

• Best Chef in Ireland, Irish Restaurant Awards, Ahmet Dede (2026 and 2022).
• Chef of the Year, Food & Wine Awards, Ahmet Dede (2023).
• Pastry Chef of the Year, Food & Wine Awards, Gökhan Göbayrak (2025).
• Best Restaurant in Ireland, Irish Restaurant Awards, All-Ireland (2025 and 2024).
• Restaurant of the Year, Food & Wine Awards (2025 and 2023).

Reservations and service

Bookings are taken through an online system that shows live availability for lunch and dinner. The restaurant opens Tuesday through Saturday, with days and times varying by season. A limited number of seats is held, so early booking is advised. For larger parties or private occasions, the house provides a contact email. A card is held to secure the booking, with no charge in the event of a no-show.

Vouchers and wine club

The restaurant offers gift vouchers in any amount, sent by email or post. It also hosts a changing programme of wine nights across its three venues, with a list that goes beyond the tasting menu.

The three venues in Baltimore

Dede at the Customs House is part of a group of three establishments in Baltimore. The main restaurant, with two Michelin stars, is located in Customs House. A few metres away, baba'de is the sister restaurant with a Bib Gourmand. Dede Cellar & Pantry, in The Square, is the adjoining wine bar, with an evolving programme of tastings and a list that extends beyond the tasting menu. All three venues share the wine nights programme.

Locations and venues

Dede at the Customs House venue: Customs House, Baltimore, Co. Cork, P81 K291 · Email: info@customshousebaltimore.com

baba'de venue: The Mews, Baltimore, Co. Cork, P81 TC64

Dede Cellar & Pantry venue: The Square, Baltimore, Co. Cork, P81 WR15