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Chez Max

Everyone loves Max Delaloubie's friendly brasserie, an almost too-perfect reproduction of 1940s' Paris, opening onto a cobbled street at the entrance to Dublin Castle.

This Dublin restaurants food, too, has that ring of Parisian authenticity - rillettes, frogs' legs - and early concern amongst devotees that such dishes may not survive in this essentially conservative city seem so far to be unfounded.

And there is plenty there for everyone including lots of less contentious treats like Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame, Soupe a l'Oignon, Moules Frites, good pastries and a range of classic home-made desserts.

Meanwhile, the proprietor continues to make people welcome and wannabe Parisians of every generation can groove to music that stretches from Henri Krein, Brassens and Piaf to St Etienne.

The shortish wine list offers few surprises, but overall both wine and food offer very good value for money.

Chez Max : Seats 66 (outdoor, 25) reservations recommended; children welcome; open for breakfast from 7.30; tea/ coffee and pastries served all day; B, L & D daily; B from 8am Mon-Fri, 10am Sat and 11am Sun; L 12-3.30 daily and D 5.30-10pm daily. House wine €22.50. Closed 25 Dec, 1 Jan. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

on the right of the Dame St. entrance to Dublin Castle