ely bar & brasserie

ely bar & brasserie in the IFSC (Customs House Quay) is a younger sister - in this small chain of Dublin restaurants - of the original Ely off St Stephen's Green and older one to Ely Gastropub on the south quay (see entries); the style reflects the dashing contemporary architecture of the IFSC and the (very large) space includes an authentic expansive vaulted basement area, as well as a bright, open ground floor space and a covered terrace where tables are in great demand in summer.

The successful Ely theme of simple organic food appealingly presented (including meats from the Robson family farm in County Clare) is a feature of all three venues: the burger (providing you don't mind the house style, which is for half a bun) is quite simply the best in town: pure unadulterated prime organic meat - and €1 per burger is donated to Barnardo's children's charity.

Seafood is zingingly sea-fresh and you could even be lucky enough to have a pleasant, efficient Italian waiter commandeer an 'espresso' with thick crema that would be appreciated in Naples or Milan, let alone Dublin's northside- and there's a great tea menu offered too.

But it is their great wine list and, especially, an unrivalled choice of nearly a hundred wines offered by the glass - that makes Ely such an exceptional dining destination. This allows diners to taste a huge range of wines that might otherwise be inaccessible - and every dish offered on the lunch and à la carte menus has a suggested glass of wine to accompany.

The wine list, which is frequently revised and upgraded, runs to over 500 bottles and mirrors that of the original Ely, being both well thought out and comprehensive, with many old favourites available - indeed, 'with something to suit every taste and pocket' this twice-winner of our annual Wine Award also reflects the aims of this Guide.

There is also a carefully selected beer list and you can even buy a Laguiole corkscrew ('guaranteed for life') and machine washable wine glasses to take home.

Dine outside if the weather allows, with bright views of the dock and the Liffey it can be a magic spot.

* Ely Bar & Brasserie IFSC was the winner of our 2007 Wine Award of the Year.