Early bird menus explained

An early bird menu is a set menu offered to people who sit down before a certain time, usually in the early evening. The idea is to fill the room before the main dinner rush, and in return you get a shorter menu at a fixed price. The details vary from place to place, so the key is to read the terms before you book.

What it usually includes

A typical early bird has two or three courses from a set list, with fewer choices than the full menu. Sometimes a drink is included. Sometimes it is a fixed price for a main and a starter or dessert. The place sets the rules, so read them.

When it runs

It runs in the early part of the evening, and often only on certain days. Some places run it on weekdays only. Some require you to be seated, and sometimes finished, by a certain time. Ask what the cut-off is and what it means: arriving, ordering or leaving.

Is it worth it?

It depends on you and on the night on what you want. If you like an early dinner and a shorter menu, it can be a good way to eat out. If you want the full range or a slow evening, it may not suit. Compare the early bird menu with the main menu and see what you give up.

What to ask

• What time must I be seated by?
• What is included, and is anything extra?
• Can I swap a dish for something on the main menu?
• Does it apply to the whole table?
• Is it available on the day I want?

Book ahead

Early bird tables are popular. Book, and say you want the early bird. Where a place takes bookings on Mosey, you can see free times on its page.

Dietary needs

A set menu has fewer choices, so check for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options in advance. Tell the place when you book.

Families

An early evening sitting suits children. Check whether the early bird includes a children's option.

Watch the small print

Read about drinks, service and extra courses. Make sure you know what the final bill will look like before you order.

A worked example

Suppose you want to eat at six and the place runs an early bird until seven. Check what the menu includes, book for six and arrive on time. Order promptly, because the kitchen is working to a plan. If you want to stay on for dessert and a coffee, ask whether that is included or charged separately. If you want a slower evening, the early bird may not be for you.

Who it suits

The early bird suits people who like an early dinner: families with children, older diners and anyone heading to a show afterwards. It suits a quiet catch-up, and a first visit to a place you are not sure about, because the commitment is small. It suits a budget evening too, but check the numbers rather than assuming.

A second option

One more thing worth knowing: a set menu is a trade. You give up choice and sometimes flexibility, and in return you get predictability and often a lower bill. For some nights that is exactly right. If the table is a mix of fussy eaters, the full menu may serve you better. If the table is a pair of old friends who will happily eat whatever comes, the set menu is hard to beat. If the early bird does not suit you, look for a lunch menu or a midweek offer. Many places have others. Our guide to best value dining in Ireland has more ideas.