The Fade Street Social Gastro Bar is one of the places to be seen in Dublin, but this place backs up its hip and stylish reputation with some seriously fine food - and the real reason to pay it a visit is the inventive and delicious tapas menu.
If you are looking for your standard Dublin tapas experience of deep fried everything along with a side order of patatas bravas you won’t find it here. What you will find is a highly creative menu with some truly interesting and delicious flavour combinations.
You are likely to be tempted to pick one or two dishes from each section of the menu and this approach works really well as you end up with a genuinely varied dining experience. You could eat here every day for a year and have a different food story to tell every time.
Highlights of a visit might - if you are lucky - include succulent fillet of sole topped with crispy shallots and accompanied by lentils, smoked bacon and onion lyonnaise. In the wrong hands the fish could be overwhelmed by so many ingredients, but not here – the taste and freshness of the sole shines through and the combination of flavours works perfectly.
Chinese pork belly with Asian spices and peanut brittle is another standout offering, and highlights how richly varied this globally influenced menu is. Desserts are also wonderfully original, with the baby banoffi and the dark and white chocolate mousse especially recommended.
Set menus are offered, but most people go à la carte, with prices ranging from €4.50 for some of the vegetarian tapas up to €24 for the great charcoal roasted Irish sirloin. Children are also catered for and child friendly dishes are clearly marked on the menu.
The décor is chic and modern with low lighting, lovely parquet floors and exposed brick walls throughout. You can take your choice of seats depending on your mood - settle into plush leather couches for a relaxed experience, or perch yourself on a high stool at the counter and experience the hive of activity that is the open kitchen. In between, and right in the centre of the bustling restaurant, the larger communal wooden tables are perfect for bigger parties.
The carefully selected wine list runs to 36 pages. There is something here for every budget, with bottles starting at around €25, plenty offered by the glass and also a vintage collection for the big spenders. All this and great service too, with a small army of highly professional and knowledgeable floor staff providing your every need throughout.
Fade Street Gastro Bar is one of the most happening dining destinations in Dublin and, even as you pay the bill, you are sure to be looking forward to your next visit.
