Many loyal diners were deeply disappointed when the original Bang Café became yet another casualty of Ireland’s recession. But it wasn’t long before the well-located restaurant was taken over and re-opened as Bang Restaurant by new management determined to capture the appeal of Bang’s original incarnation.
The name Bang has remained and the warm welcome and buzzy atmosphere are as appealing as ever, although the pristine white interiors have gone and the new décor has its critics.
Situated over three floors, Bang Restaurant’s whole interior has been painted a deep blue that makes the dining rooms seem dark (some ceilings have been badly painted too, and the woodwork is already showing up scuffs and scratches).
However the walls are hung with dozens of vibrant modern paintings that make for a really enjoyable feature - and the upstairs room is a little brighter due to large windows.
This Dublin restaurants broad menu offers tempting modern dishes that focus on seasonal ingredients, including tiptop Irish products like Clare Island salmon, Fermanagh free range chicken, and Castletownbere scallops. Cooking is robust and confident, with seafood dishes a real strength.
A superb starter of boat-fresh Castletownbere crab mayo might come with creamy avocado mousse and tomato concassé. Meltingly tender saddle of rabbit may be stuffed with apricot and sage and served with homemade gnocchi and wild mushrooms.
Dry-aged rib-eye could star with an oxtail croquette and roast garlic and cep butter. Even the shoestring fries are excellent, served with piquant aioli in a paper cone.
The dessert menu features plenty of choices too, with favourites like a fruit-based tart, home made ice cream or super sweet chocolate brownie.
A short but geographically broad wine list offers a thoughtful choice of glasses, pichets and bottles at acceptable prices.
Service is perfectly suited to the restaurant – friendly and charming – and it’s a worthy choice whether for a mid-week meal or a special occasion.
Seats 100 (private room, 40); L Mon-Fri 12-3pm, Sat 12.30-3.30pm, D Mon-Wed 5.30-10pm, Thur-Sat 5.30-11pm. Value 2 course L €20; Early bird D €21 until 6.45pm. Also a la carte L & D. House wine about €24. SC 12% on groups 6+. Air conditioning Closed Sun. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
