On low-key Ludlow Street, just off Navan’s Market Square, large windows, painted white frontage and a pair of smart topiary trees make an arresting statement at this restaurant just across the road from Bermingham's lovely old bar.
Inside lies The Russell, an ultra glamorous restaurant that wouldn’t look out of place in a chic boutique hotel. A glitzy bar fronts a generous reception area, which is curtained off from the large dining room. Here a palette of blacks, silvers, greys and dark woods lends an air of style and comfort.
Curving banquettes, comfy bucket seats and well-spaced tables are illuminated by statement lampshades, and dressed in smart table linen and bud vases.
The menu is intimidatingly long, yet - despite a seemingly disparate mix of crowd-pleasers - the food is consistently good.
Starters of wild Irish smoked salmon or scallops might be offered alongside imaginative salads. Roast chicken and excellent steak are popular with locals, but there’s plenty of lighter fare, including a good selection of seafood.
Everything is made on the premises, including good breads, excellent pasta and impressive sorbets and ice cream.
Stylish presentation suits the smart décor, and the pace of service is relaxed but informed. Unusually, most of the dishes can be ordered as tapas portions, and enjoyed in the main dining room, or taken at tables in the bar area.
A thoughtful wine list offers good variety and there’s a full spirits menu as well as beers on tap.
