Popular Temple Bar can still offer up unexpected treasures to the intrepid diner - veer from the main cobbled thoroughfare and you’ll be surprised what you may find. Tucked away on Lower Fownes Street, Carol Walsh and Kevin O’Toole’s Chameleon Restaurant has been surprising both locals and tourists since 1994 with a unique take on authentic Indonesian dining.
A warmly lit and tastefully designed interior provide just the right informal, fun atmosphere and, once surrounded by the plush cushions, bronze Bhudda statues and Eastern lanterns, it’s very easy to leave the bustle of Temple Bar at the door.
The house speciality at Chameleon is ‘Rijst Tafel’, small plates of many dishes for sharing. Each Rijst Tafel offers diners a wide selection of fragrant, spicy Indonesian dishes covering beef, chicken, lamb, seafood, vegetarian dishes, salads and delicious Indonesian condiments to season each plate as you go.
The cooking is balanced, fresh, and full of flavour, all based on the best of Irish ingredients - and, unusually in an ethnic restaurant, the delicious desserts may well prove to be a high point of your meal. The passion is clearly evident, with great pride taken in showcasing an often overlooked Asian cuisine that is full of tradition.
Chameleon offers diners an evocative, sociable dining experience - and good value too. With warm and welcoming service as well as accomplished cooking, it’s the kind of meal out that should not be rushed, so allow plenty of time to enjoy it.
