A distinctly French atmosphere prevails at this neighbourhood restaurant and, despite recent developments which have virtually doubled its size, it is still advisable to book a table.
It's appealingly decorated in a gently modern style, with soft neutral tones and good lighting, and the well-tried system of casual dining is offered in the comfortably furnished bistro area on the ground floor and there's a more formal restaurant upstairs.
Well made breads accompany an innovative menu with a dozen or so choices on each course and several fish specialities each evening (typically pan-fried fillet of monkfish with clam & mussel ratatouille, chargrilled potato and watercress salad); ingredients are well-sourced (if you're lucky you might get Connemara mountain lamb in season - late summer/autumn) and vegetarian dishes are imaginative.
Head chef at this Dublin restaurants Ian Ussher, one of the select few to have won the Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year (in 2007). He has since worked in several top kitchens and his genuine passion for his job and respect for ingredients shows through in flavourful cooking that is accurate and stylish - and presented on plates decorated with a colourful art deco flourish.
Finish, perhaps, with classic desserts or an Irish cheese selection with quince jelly.
Good wine list too, plus a couple of weekly specials.
