A chic reception area, with soft seating and a smart designer bar where guests can relax both before and after dinner, sets the tone at Simon and Nicola Nightingale's stylish restaurant - which is off the beaten track, on the Mall.
Open since 2007, and taken over by the present owners in 2009, Nirvana filled a niche in the local market by offering a variety of quality food in very pleasant surroundings.
It's a popular lunchtime spot and casual daytime food includes light meals, such as good soup with homebaked bread or a very tasty and well garnished club sandwich, as well as a range of hot dishes. Desserts are traditional (with a selection of Irish cheeses also offered in the evening), and a good children's menu is offered.
Helpful staff are efficient and friendly and, while the wine list is not long, it suits the food well and includes a fair number of choices under €20 .
Evening meals are available from 6pm and a comprehensive à la carte menu is offered; covering all bases, it offers everything from a good steak to world cuisine and the contemporary dining area helps provide a very pleasant ambience in which to enjoy Simon Nightingale's good cooking.
With pleasing surroundings, a wide range of food to suit varying occasions, friendly service, and good value, it is not surprising that this place has proved such a success.