On a busy road near the RDS, this inspired and stylish operation brings an extra dimension (and a whiff of the south of France) to the concept of wine and food in Dublin.
The French Paradox combines a wine shop, a large and atmospheric ground floor wine bar (where weekly wine tastings are held) and a dining room on the first floor, which gains atmosphere from the irresistible charcuterie on display close beside the tables.
The French Paradox is a former winner of our Wine Award and the main emphasis is on the wide range of wines available by the glass - perhaps 65 wines, kept in perfect condition after opening using a wine sommelier, with inert gas.
Pierre and Tanya Chapeau are renowned for their directly imported wines and food is, in theory, secondary here; but, although the choice is deliberately limited (a small à la carte offers a concise range of individual dishes and shared charcuterie plates), the quality is exceptional and the wonderful mixture of specialities from France, Spain - and, to some extent, Ireland - makes for atmospheric and enriching experience,
The hot dinner dishes may perhaps be less successful but everyone just loves this Dublin restaurants specialities like the foie gras, the smoked duck salad and amuse gueules (French tapas) ... and sitting outside on a sunny summer day, enjoying a plate of charcuterie with any one of the dozens of wines available by the glass, you could be lunching in the south of France.
Classic desserts - tarte tatin, chocolate terrine, crème brulée - and excellent coffees to finish.
Wines offered change regularly (the list is always growing), and food can be purchased from the deli-counter to take home.
Wine workshops are frequently held.
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