This atmospheric restaurant is in a smartly welcoming basement beneath two town houses on the west side of this busy Georgian square, just across from the Rotunda Hospital - an area that is home to one of Dublin's most iconic restaurants but not otherwise well served with quality dining options.
Arriving down the immaculately maintained steps from the bustling street, the door is opened by a welcoming host to reveal two bright dining rooms - the first clearly the original kitchen of the house above, with its original fireplace intact - a really lovely bar and an impressive outdoor courtyard where tables are hotly contested on fine summer evenings.
Traditional tiling, exposed brickwork, elegant toffee-coloured seats and good lighting create a tasteful and comfortable space that’s as conducive to a business meal as a group celebration or romantic date.
At the helm is chef-proprietor Anthony Smith who, after years of cooking around the world, returned to his roots to delight north city diners with his seasonally led menus and modern style - and part of its charm is the unusual dishes that you won't see elsewhere.
Menus are changed every three weeks and the high quality and careful selection of ingredients is very evident. There's a sprinkling of name checked items - such as Carlingford oysters (individually priced), perhaps, and Goatsbridge trout caviar - and a pleasing emphasis on game in season.
Desserts are a fun affair, often playing the nostalgia card with creative renditions of the treats of yore, and there's a full bar list as well as a good choice of wines - with an option to have bespoke wine pairings with your dinner if you wish.
Offering quality with value and close to The Gate, this is a hot spot for savvy pre-theatre diners - and a great destination in this nascient 'cultural quarter', with a new City Library planned at its heart.
