Beyond the Deerherd, past the Park of the Phoenix, past gates of granite and the Seat of Power, past the mighty Tiger and his animal kigdom, in the townsland of the Knocking Castle, lies the enchanted rooms of Cilantro – the magic place where aromas of Sweetness and Spice create a feast for all senses.

Located above Bradys pub (The Castleknock Inn) on the Old Navan Road, Castleknock, the previous Indian Restaurant has been bought out and is now under new management, the premises have been totally refurbished (including the kitchens) and launches with a new name ‘Cilantro’. Cilantro meaning coriander promises a restaurant with style, ambience, grandeur and above all traditional Indian hospitalitiy and warmth. For the Indians, dining together symbolizes a shared celebration of life and the colorful richness of it is reflected in its cuisine. Cilantro promises a memorable dining experience which will bring the true taste of India to Castleknock.

Oli Ullah, Head Chef and Co-Proprietor of Cilantro Indian Restaurant said at the launch “Indian food is commonly known to be spicy and hot, but traditional Indian dishes are prepared not to be so. There must always be a harmony in a dish with the sharness of the chillis and spices in a curry being toned down by the sweetness and earthiness of the world’s most popular hebr – the coriander leaf – popularly known as ‘Cilantro’ in modern day Europe.”

“This also enhances the flavours and tastes of the aromatic spices and other delicate ingredients, besides being valued for its digestive and nutritional properties,” Oli continued.

Cilantro is the latest addition to one of Ireland’s largest Indian food groups which operates over eight restaurants throughout the South of Ireland including ‘Tulsi’ in Baggot Street, Dublin, ‘Tulsi’ in Galway, ‘Tulsi’ in Castlebar, Co Mayo, ‘Kasturi’ in Lucan, Co Dublin, ‘Kasturi’ in Ennis, Co Clare, ‘Shanai’ in Cornelscourt, Dublin, ‘Shishir in Tullamore, Co Offaly.

All restaurants are owned by Shamsul Haque and Oli Ullah. Originally from Banganladesh Haque and Ullah made ireland their home in 1985 and 1986 respectively. Haque started his Irish career as Manager of Eastern Tandoori with Ullah as Head Chef. In 1995 they opened their first restaurant the very well known and loved ‘Tulsi’ on Baggot Street, Dublin 2.

Bringing his extensive experience to the kitchen is Chef Oli Ullah. All kitchen staff are trained personally by Oli Ullah, who feels that in India food is “naivaidya” (sacred), and those that prepare it must enter the kitchen in a state of purity. Food in India is also “kala” an art), and those that savour it must be able to immerse themselves in its “rasa” (essense)

Highlights from the choice of seventeen sumptuous appetisers include:

Aloo Kabuli
Potato cakes stuffed with manchego cheese, black grape tamarind chutney

Lasooni Tikka
Tender chicken pieces marinated in yogurt, garlic and very mild Inidian spices overnight barbequed in a clay oven and served as a sizzling dish

Chicken Pakora
Chicken Tikka marinated in gram flour, deep fried

Tandoori Quail
Marinated game bird, barbequed in a clay oven. A dish specially prepared for the more adventurous diner

Ajwaini Machli
Fresh whole mackerel, subtly seasoned and cooked in a clay oven

There over twenty main course dishes to select from including

Murgi Makanwala
A very special dish from the South West of India. Half a spring chicken stuffed wtih diced lamb, egg and tomato. Cooked in a thick sauce

Beef Jal Ferezi
Beef cooked with green peppers and tomatoes in a semi dry sauce

Chicken Bhuna
Indian pot roast chicken with spring onions and tomatoe sauce

Balti Chicken
“Authentic Punjabi dish” diced chicken cooked with fresh ginger, chopped garlic adn herbs on ground ginger

A full array of side dishes, breads and rices spanning from Kashmiri Pulao Rice to Coriander Garlic Naan are available to enhance your dining experience.

Cilantro Bar is fully licenced and serves an extensive list of wines, beers, aperitifs and Indian cocktails to complement the dining experience.

Cilantro Indian Restaurant, Castleknock Inn, Old Navan Road, Castleknock, Dublin 15
Reservations : 01 8243443 or 01 8243444

Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday 5pm – 11pm
Sunday 5.30pm – 10.30pm