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Arriving outside Eatzen in Ashbourne, you’d be forgiven for thinking you have the wrong address. In fact, it would be easy to miss it altogether if you didn’t look up and spot the overhead sign on the south end of Ashbourne’s High Street.
In actuality, this is just all part of the mystique that surrounds this well-kept local secret, which has been commonly dubbed “Ireland’s best Asian restaurant” amongst those who frequent it.
We take the lift to the first floor in what could be described as a very basic, sparse and unassuming building. As soon as we walk through the doors to Eatzen, however, we’re introduced to a different reality, entirely.
On first impression, it feels like being in the penthouse suite of a swanky Singapore hotel. Modern, sweeping decor compliments a series of plush lighting fixtures overhead, and all of this together is balanced by well-polished wooden floorboards below. The decor alone assures me I am in good hands.
During our visit, we are presented with an outrageous amount of tasting dishes, far more than two people should ever be able to consume in one sitting. And yet we manage it, somehow…
Eatzen has been around for 14 years now, with restaurateur Tim Tang opening its doors back in 2004. Having formerly ran a host of successful eateries back in London, Tim decided to leave it all for a slightly calmer lifestyle in county Meath. Once settled, it didn’t take long before he set up Eatzen, with the dream of bringing top quality food in swish surroundings to the locality. Tim wanted this to be the kind of place where people could come to enjoy a night out with friends and family, and experience city sophistication with all the warmth of local service.
During our visit, we are presented with an outrageous amount of tasting dishes, far more than two people should ever be able to consume in one sitting. And yet we manage it, somehow…
The spread includes spare ribs, monkfish, black bean beef and – my personal favourite – a green thai prawn curry. Each dish comes out piping hot and smells like a different variation of heaven. My date announces that the ribs are the best he’s ever had, rolling his eyes with pleasure as he does so. I save that accolade for the curry, which features huge jumbo prawns poached in a sauce that has all the flavour and none of the MSG aftertaste. Divine.
Not only is the food sublime, the service warm, and the wine incredibly good value, but the bathrooms are a highlight in themselves
After dessert (although positively stuffed, we just couldn’t say no to the Baileys cheesecake) owner Tim comes out to introduce himself. Tim is incredibly passionate about what he has created with Eatzen, and expresses his delight at the hiring of Michelin star chef, Weng Wong, who recently moved over from London to elevate the Eatzen menu to the next level. “That explains it” I think, as I factor in the sheer amount of food we guzzled throughout the evening…
Our verdict? Eatzen is a gorgeous place for anyone with a penchant for Asian cuisine to venture out to. Not only is the food sublime, the service warm, and the wine incredibly good value, but the bathrooms are a highlight in themselves. And as the saying goes; you always know how good a restaurant is by the quality of their bathrooms.
10/10 would recommend to a friend.
Click here to make a booking at Eatzen restaurant and to find out more information on Ashbourne’s best kept secret.
Please know that Eatzen also hosts a beautiful private dining area that seats 12 people for intimate gatherings, birthdays and events.