The Ely story began over 20 years ago when Michelle and Erik Robson opened Ely Wine Bar in a vacant Georgian building on Ely Place, a place which would quickly change the Irish wine scene. They pioneered quality wine by the glass in Dublin, offering 100 pouring wines, including champagnes, sherries, and ports and garnered a strong reputation that they still hold to this day - and not just for their wine.
Their food is top notch too, with a focus on complementing their great drink selection.Think lots of great cheese and charcuterie along with their own organic beef and pork from the family farm in Co Clare and lamb from their neighbours. It's in a lovely old stone building and the main dining is upstairs, with a winebar downstairs and a terrace for both. The outdoor area is stylish and cosy with a nice buzzy feel to it and there are heaters and blankets when needed.
The cooking is simple and well executed, with a nice selection of Irish producers highlighted on the menu listings. Breakfast is a simple, straightforward and tasty selection of pastries, sausage roll and avocado toast and egg dishes for weekend brunch. Lunch offers homemade quiche, salad and sandwiches and for something more substantial there will usually be steak and fish options.
Upstairs for inside dining, it’s nice and airy and the tables are well spaced out with lots of clean wood, while candle light and low, easy listening music create a relaxed ambience in the evening. Dinner is usually a concise selection of modern Irish staples, fish of the day, Irish steak, seasonal vegetarian and often a cotes de boeuf special that proves popular.
Plating and serving style in Ely certainly matches it’s stylish interior, with sleek serving dishes and plates with pops of colour. Plenty of head turning dishes arrive at the tables, including an octopus starter and the cote de boeuf in particular - and perfectly crispy bowls of more-ish truffle fries, which smell great too. For dessert you might share a well executed mille feuille with hazelnut ganache and raspberries...
That the wine selection will be outstanding is a given here - and the service too, which is friendly, attentive and welcoming throughout. They're a tight knit team who know their products well and enjoy serving them, which adds something special to every visit.
Ely has been an important part of the changing Irish wine and food scene over the years, often being awarded best wine bar and best wine experience in Ireland (including awards from GCGuides). They now have three venues, two in Dublin city and the latest opening in Maynooth, which is also their first foray into retail. They have filled the shop with wines they love and drink themselves, with plenty for every palate and price range.
