Café Noir is a respected Limerick based group of French-inspired coffee houses with three outlets in the city, including two in the University area - and, since 2014, this rather different venture in the southern outskirts.
Its location in the Dairygold Superstore - and the open plan layout - may have been a challenge to the design team, but a corner of the store has been successfully transformed into something much more appealing than an ordinary in-store café, and it even has a smart outside terrace for the summer.
Good impressions on arrival are reinforced by the friendly, well trained staff and the appealing food on offer, which includes a tempting self-service display and well filled retail cabinets and shelves, where you'll find a range of artisan products from around the country and their own new retail brand, Chefs & Bakers. Chefs and Bakers comprises a range of about thirty quality meals and accompaniments - including the signature Goats Cheese, Spinach & Red Onion Quiche, which won Gold at the Blas na hEireann awards 2014.
The quality of its baked goods and patisserie has distinguished the Café Noir brand from the beginning and a team of bakers in a central kitchen work through the night to ensure early morning deliveries of the impressive range of artisanal breads, croissants, scones, muffins, quiches and desserts
The all day operation at Raheen offers everything from quality breakfasts, through hot and cold lunches, to morning and afternoon snacks served with ethically produced teas and coffees. For hot food, this is the first Café Noir to offer a new Le Grill concept where the chef cooks a wide choice of dishes to order.
As in all branches, cheerful efficient service is the result of good in-house training and food displays at the self-service counters are continuously replenished to maintain fresh appeal.
Busy from the outset, this unusual venue not only pleases shoppers but has become a popular meeting place and is serving the local community well.
