The French Table

This pleasing riverside restaurant just a short distance along from the Clarion Hotel is run by chef Thomas Fialon who is from Strasbourg, and and his Limerick-born wife Deirdre, who looks after front of house.

It's an airy and spacious place, with stylishly pared back decor given warmth by a handsome wooden floor and tables simply laid with the essentials - quality cutlery laid neatly on crisply folded white napkins, generous glasses, salt and pepper mills.   

The views over the river from this Limerick Restaurant add to the calm ambience, and welcoming staff are quick to make arriving guests feel at home - a sense of order prevails, in preparation for the serious business of enjoying a good meal.

A la carte menus are offered at both lunch and dinner, and also a two/three course set lunch and a three course 'Menu du Soir' which is available without restriction every night; both offer outstanding value, and the à la carte lunch also offers number of dishes in two sizes - their speciality French Table fishcake, for example, and the excellent chicken and smoked bacon salad.

Although Thomas Fialon sounds the odd rustic note, he really likes to take classic French dishes and interpret them with finesse, so - with the likes of foie gras terrine with toasted brioche, escargots in garlic & herb butter, French charcuterie, saddle of rabbit with Bayonne ham, duck à l'orange and even chicken cordon bleu (the real thing) on offer - francophiles will be in their element here.

Details, such as salad dressings, are exemplary, and while desserts are also focused on the classic treats that the French do so well - such as crème brulée, fruit tarts and chocolate mouse with chantilly cream - it's interesting to see local Adare Farm ice creams featuring too.

Excellent service too – efficient, informative and courteous.

Wine events are regularly held here and the all-French wine list is of special interest, containing some real bargains, and a decent number of wines available by the glass.

Open in the evenings and for lunch, when the warm steak sandwich with plum tomato salad and sautéed potatoes (€9) remains the best value meal in town.