Review
Mint Cottage Indian and Pakistani restaurant is in the village of Raheny, in the middle of the north suburbs of Dublin, about 5 k from the city centre. The restaurant is tucked away on a side road close to the Super Valu store and enjoys a corner position on a quiet street.
The restaurant is up some steps and the building is quite pleasing from outside, it has a certain charm. Inside the decor is contemporary, with dark wood panels and shelving, and some pieces of contemporary art. The colour scheme is in burgundies, to match the wood, and it is tasteful and calming.
Mint Cottage is a sister restaurant to the Okra Green restaurants that we have reviewed before. They are in Castleknock and Howth, and the Mint Cottage comprises the final point of this culinary triangle.
The menu is shorter than in some Indian restaurants and features most of the classic favourites, as well as a section of Pakistani dishes which showcase the cuisine of that country.
We shared a selection of starters; Tandoori prawns were still moist and spicy hot, while goat’s cheese in filo pastry was simply delicious. Chicken tikka pieces were juicy and lightly spiced, and all three dishes were beautifully presented, with little dots of mango or beetroot purges arranged around the carefully placed meats.
Main courses brought us chicken, lamb, prawns and potatoes. The potatoes here are great, as they are in their Sister restaurants Okra. The lamb was tender and spicy as requested, while chicken curry was delicately flavoured and the pilau rice was nicely spiced and not at all oily.
I liked the mint cottage, it is unfussy, serves very good ethnic food, and the service is friendly and very prompt. The prices are very reasonable, and it's very good for a spot of casual dining. Perfect mid week treat on the set menu as well.
