Please mention ireland-guide.com when enquiring.

Bang Café

Stylishly minimalist, with natural tones of dark wood and pale beige leather complementing simple white linen and glassware, this smart restaurant is well-located just yards from the Shelbourne Hotel.

It is on two levels with a bar in the basement; upstairs, unstressed chefs can be seen at work in one of the open kitchens: an air of calm, relaxed and friendly professionalism prevails. Head chef Lorcan Cribben, who is the current Commissioner-General for the Irish branch of Euro-Toques, the chef's organisation that is committed to defending quality local and artisan ingredients, (Paul Bocuse's 'building blocks of good food').

Here, as would be expected, carefully sourced ingredients are the foundation for menus that offer innovative, modern food: a starter terrine of free range chicken with foie gras, and organic vegetable piccalilli is typical and well-balanced main course options include a signature dish of bangers & mash (made with Hicks sausages), which is also on the menu at the newer Clarendon Café Bar (see entry); also great fish dishes (seared scallops are especially popular), using fresh fish from Bantry, in West Cork.

Tempting desserts include several fruity finales (Scandinavian iced berries are a speciality) as well as the ever-popular dark chocolate treats, or there's an Irish farmhouse cheese selection.

Attention to detail is the keynote throughout and skilful cooking combined with generous servings and professional service, ensures an enjoyable dining experience and value for money (especially at lunch time).

Seats 99 (private room, 36); reservations required; air conditioning; L&D Mon-Sat 12.30-3pm, 6-10.30pm; á la carte L&D. House wine €21. 12.5% sc on parties of 6+. Closed Sun, bank hols, 25 Dec-3 Jan. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Just past Shelbourne Hotel, off St Stephen's Green.