A self-styled cross between Parisian chic and New York cool, the atmospheric outdoor terrace of this fashionable restaurant on the ground floor of the Westbury Hotel is a prime people-watching spot that’s reminiscent of a Parisian brasserie, while the slick white metro tiles, zinc bar and black leather banquette seating running along one wall give the interior a smart, sophisticated vibe.
Balfes offers a very generous cut above the usual hotel fare. In fact, you might never even suspect that it’s a hotel restaurant until the bill comes with a line for your room number. The menu runs from homemade breakfast pastries right through to lunch, dinnertime and cocktails, with an appealing brunch menu available at weekends.
While residents of The Westbury may have the option of breakfast at Wilde, for Dubliners or out-of-towners up for meetings or a day’s shopping, Balfes ticks all the boxes. There’s a great weekday breakfast menu offering a range of ‘Bodybyrne’ fitness dishes alongside more conventional favourites like organic porridge various ways, a range of egg dishes or frankly indulgent morning pastries. And then comes the weekend brunch, when the options widen to include an aperitif cocktail menu and other drinks, bigger dishes like burgers and fish & chips, or open sandwiches…Whatever the time, it’s one of the coolest spots in town for breakfast or brunch.
There’s a strong focus on Irish ingredients, especially seafood and beef, and the menu is well thought out. Even something as simple as a roast vegetable open sandwich is served with Toonsbridge mozzarella and the vegetables get a turn on the Josper grill, giving them a smoky depth of flavour.
Especially worth looking out for is the €15 lunch special that changes every day, ranging from half a roast chicken with stuffing, roast carrots and parsnips and home-cut chips at weekends to a braised beef short rib with bourguignon sauce on a Thursday, perhaps, or a duck confit on a Wednesday. For dessert, the mixed berries with Champagne sabayon is a stunner and is not to be missed.
But if you think that this is a hidden gem because of its tucked-away location and that you’ll have the place to yourself, think again. Word is definitely out and tables are much in demand, so reservations at the weekend are a good idea when the place attracts a well-heeled Grafton Street shopping crowd and friends meeting up for a glass of wine and a bite to eat.
A stylish room plus good food - and a great location - make this a popular spot.
