Unless you’re familiar with the area you’re unlikely to stumble across Bridge Bar & Grill by accident. Tucked beneath a railway bridge off a cobbled street it’s an atmospheric restaurant in a historic setting, close to Grand Canal Theatre yet away from passing traffic. This is a shame as it is a great little restaurant serving fabulous food.
Recent changes include a reworked menu, demonstrating the new direction this bistro is taking; however regulars can expect the same attentive and genuinely warm service, headed up by the glamorous Martina Fox, and talented chef Robert Sabongi is still at the helm. The low curved interior – nestling snugly beneath a stone railway arch – has been brightened to make it more of a year round space, and the seating area has been extended to include some outside tables.
Diners can also enjoy a banquette seat by the large windows, or a pre-dinner drink perched at the large bar. This is a handsome focal point in a room of two halves – and serves up exciting cocktails, a good selection of beers and decent mix of wines.
Cooking is modern bistro, using favourite ingredients in lovely, creative ways. Starters might comprise a warm salad of spiced duck with baby leaves, pomegranate, juicy mango, coriander a robust Thai dressing or perhaps classic crab cakes glammed up with the addition of a kataifi wrapper and compote of roasted pepper and fennel.
Flavours are exceptionally well balanced and dishes are thoughtfully judged, competently cooked and prettily presented. Fish dishes comprise light, zesty flavours, while meat eaters will enjoy hearty fare like slow roasted pork belly with butternut purée, Puy lentils, crackling and roasted red pepper jus.
Bridge’s dessert menu offers more familiar choices with wide appeal, but the good coffee is an equally satisfying way to round off a meal here.
Value initiatives, including a €10 daily lunch special and a €50 Dine & Wine dinner for two allow diners enjoy top quality food at pocket friendly prices. If Grand Canal Quay isn’t on your radar it’s time to rectify this anomaly.
Bridge Bar & grill : Seats 70. L & D Mon -Sat 12-3pm & 5-10pm. Sun L only 12-5pm. Value L €10 Mon-Fri, Value D Mon-Sat 4-7pm. Also a la carte L & D. House wine €24; SC 10% on groups 8+. Reservations accepted; air conditioning; toilets wheelchair accessible; children welcome before 7pm. Free broadband wifi. Closed Sun D, 24-26 Dec, Good Fri. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
