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Bridge Bar & Grill

Ronan Ryan and Temple Garner have chosen a daring location, off the beaten track, for the third instalment in their growing collection of fine contemporary restaurants.

The Bridge Bar and Grill's position right under the dart line on Grand Canal Quay makes for an authentic urban dining experience, whilst presented in the high standard of style and comfort that Dublin diners have come to expect from this successful duo.

The restaurant is part of the Malting House, so from the outside there is lots of attractive stonework, and large windows giving an enticing view of the dining room, where sleek modern décor combines with dark wood panelling and comfortable leather seating to convey a feeling of contemporary bistro chic.

The restaurant is split into two halves, the spacious front half allowing large groups to dine in comfortable leather booths, whilst surveying the gorgeous horse shoe bar - or, for a more intimate evening, couples will enjoy the low curved ceiling under the bridge arches; the odd rumbling train passing by overhead only adds to the metropolitan character of the place.

The tone is smart, stylish, and relaxed, with simply laid tables of plain white linen and elegant silverware. Staff are quick to make guests feel welcome and provide a concise menu of enticing, uncomplicated dishes: the philosophy is to create focused dishes based on quality ingredients, resulting in uncluttered food, with big flavours and a nod to Italy.

It is impossible not to enjoy this kind of cooking, with its emphasis on real flavour: good salads, crab cakes, excellent pasta, a house burger, fish, game in season, or a char grilled rib eye - and classic, comforting desserts like fruit crumbles or chocolate brownies.

Ryan and Garner have yet again hit on a winning combination of well executed delicious food in attractive but informal surroundings - the kind of place that lends itself equally to a relaxed family lunch or an intimate dinner for two, followed by cocktails. For this high standard of dining the value offered is excellent, and an extensive wine list has plenty of choice in the €20-€40 bracket, although there are also some expensive indulgences when the occasion demands.

A Gaggia coffee machine supplies the perfect end to a meal that will leave you smiling as you think of an excuse to get back to the Bridge Bar and Grill as soon as possible.

Seats 70. Reservations accepted; air conditioning; toilets wheelchair accessible; children welcome. L&D Mon-Sat, 12.30-3.30pm & 6-10.30pm; Sun L only, 1-5pm. Set 3 course L €29.95, Value D Mon-Thurs, €20.95, set D €44.95. House wine €22.95; SC 12.5% on groups 5+. Closed Sun D, 24-26 Dec, Good Fri. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Just off Grand Canal Street beside the Treasury Holdings building