If you get your timing right, it’s possible to eat dinner excellently for little more than the cost of lunch, thanks to pre-theatre and early bird specials.

The latest restaurant to wave a tasty carrot in front of potential diners is Alexis Bar and Grill in Dún Laoghaire, where chef Alan O’Reilly is doing a midweek tasting menu for €25. The four food courses, followed by coffee and petit fours, include a roasted wild rabbit loin and foie gras terrine dish and a “local lobster” plate. If you want to get a wine with each course it’ll be €12 a head extra. The menu is served from Tuesday to Friday, 5.30pm-10pm so, unlike the early bird option, you can stay out late enough to miss the 9pm news. Alexis Bar and Grill, 17/18 Patrick’s St, Dún Laoghaire, tel: 01-2808872.