A veteran of the Temple Bar area, Eden has stood the test of time for a decade, though it may be beginning to show its age of late.
The spacious two-storey Dublin restaurants designed by Tom de Paor, opens onto its own outdoor terrace on Meeting House Square and continues to be one of the city's best outdoor dining options in summer months, especially on a Saturday when the daytime market makes way in the evenings for free movies screened in the square itself.
Generous hanging baskets with well-cultivated greenery emphasise this blurring of inside and outside, and the open kitchen adds to the buzz of the place.
Menus change regularly to reflect the seasons, with lunch and early bird menus changing weekly.
Signature dishes include the Eden smokies (smoked haddock with spring onion, crème fraiche and melted cheddar cheese), and the kitchen continues to champion organic meats and a down-to-earth, hearty culinary approach to cooking them. A three-course pre-theatre menu offers good value.
The well-balanced and fairly priced wine list includes bubblies and interesting cocktails, and half a dozen wines by the glass.
Seats 96 (private room, 12-30; outdoor seating, 32); air conditioning; children welcome before 8pm. L daily,12.30-3 (Sun 12-4). D daily 6-10.30 (to 9.30 Sun). Set L €23, 2/3 course Early Bird D €22/27 (6-7pm), also à la carte. House wine from €22. SC 12.5% on groups 6+. Closed 25 Dec - 2 Jan. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
