This Dublin restaurants a true little piece of South France, transported to the heart of Ballsbridge, close to both the RDS and the Aviva Stadium. Here, husband and wife owners Pierre and Tanya Chapeau have created a magnificently warm and welcoming little oasis of all things French.
Downstairs holds the wine shop with a medium, but carefully selected, unique range of French wines racked neatly against the walls. Dining space is available to the rear of the shop and upstairs, where there is a smart little bar with high seats and views of the open kitchen.
The menu is oh-so-French with a wide selection of nibbles, cheese, charcuterie, specials and of course, duck (mais oui). Try a salty, unami packed anchovy spread from Sete in Provence, or the garlic scented aubergine caviar, all served with lashings of crusty baguette.
It’s also a place for sharing. Order a tasting plate of duck with foie gras, smoked duck slices and shredded confit de canard or one of their famous charcuterie and cheese boards and share amongst the table. A changing daily menu offers the chance to try a classic French dish such as hearty cassoulet.
To finish, order one of the classic French desserts such as crème brulée, and ask the staff for a sweet wine recommendation.
But, as befits a French wine bar, the food is there to support the wonderful esoteric wine selection. The attentive and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to offer a suggestion from the range of wines by the glass or carafe. For a small corkage fee, it’s also possible to select a wine from the shop and enjoy with your food.
And of course, you can leave with a few bottles for your cellar.
