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Brûlées Restaurant

Donal and Teresa Cooper’s restaurant is on a busy corner, with window tables catching a glimpse of the River Shannon and County Clare across the bridge.

The interior is well-appointed, with little dining areas on several levels that break groups up nicely, and are elegantly furnished in a simple classic style that makes the most of limited space.

For some years this has been the first choice in the city, for discerning local diners and visitors alike.

A soothing ambience and nice details - real linen napkins, olives and freshly baked breads to nibble - make a good start, and Teresa’s appealing menus show pride in using the finest of ingredients, both local and imported; vegetarian dishes are invariably imaginative, also fish and seafood, which will always include daily specials - and which Donal describes to guests very accurately, with prices.

Donal’s hospitality and thoughtful, professional service are an important part of the experience here, and Teresa’s colourful modern Irish cooking is as good as it sounds. Begin, perhaps, with a tian of Skellig crab with ginger and wasabi crème fraîche and, from a balanced choice of main courses, maybe try a speciality dish of loin of Burren lamb with a pistachio crust.

Side dishes are simple, there’s a good cheese selection - and puddings always include, of course, a classic crème brûlée, served with a crunchy brandysnap.

Cooking is accurate, presentation is attractive without being fussy and you’ll get good value for the high quality of food served- lunch and early dinner menus offer especially good value.

An interesting and informative wine list is fairly priced and includes some lovely wines by the glass, also well chosen half bottles.

Seats 30. L Thu-Fri only, 12.30-2.30; D Mon-Sat, 5-10pm. Early Bird D €30 (5-6.15pm), also á la carte. House wine €20; SC discretionary (12.5% of food on groups of 6+). Closed Sun, Mon; 25 Dec-1 Jan. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

On the corner of Henry Street and Lower Mallow Street, near Jurys Inn roundabout.