2009 Award Winners RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2009

Pearl Brasserie

Just a few doors away from Dublin’s finest Georgian square and some of the city’s most exclusive restaurants, Kirsten Batt and Sebastien Masi’s stylish basement restaurant has quietly been developing a reputation over the last eight years as one of the city’s most consistently excellent eating places.

With rough stone walls, an open fire and an aquarium, it’s a welcoming and relaxing place - smart, yet friendly. Recently it has undergone a complete refurbishment – and, while fine décor doth not a restaurant make, there’s no doubt that a successful makeover can do a great deal to showcase the true qualities of warmth, professionalism and very good cooking: this has always been a delightful restaurant and very much ‘itself,’ but there is a new edge to it now that makes it a really outstanding dining destination.

Sebastien’s menus offer an assured contemporary international spin to a classic French base – and his excellent cooking lays a pleasing emphasis on clean flavours which highlight the quality of ingredients, many of which are local and occasionally give dishes an Irish bias.

And, these delicious and beautifully presented meals are very fairly priced and matched by exceptional service - from the moment you are greeted until finally saying goodbye, warm, friendly yet professional staff seem totally dedicated to making everyone feel at home and relaxed; equally, an interesting and informative wine list, is a good match for the food.

All round, an exceptional dining experience – and great value for money too.