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The French Paradox

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.

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.

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 - although the hot dinner dishes may be less successful - everyone just loves specialities like the foie gras, the smoked duck salad and the 'Bill Hogan', made with the renowned thermophilic cheeses from west Cork... 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.

Seats 25 (+25 in tasting room, +12 outside); not suitable for children after 7pm; air conditioning; toilets wheelchair accessible. L&D Mon-Thu, 12-3 & 6-9.30; open all day Fri & Sat, 12-10. Set L about €16.95; value D about €25, 6-8.30pm. A la carte. House wines (6) change monthly, from €19. Closed Sun (except for "Rugby Match" Sundays), Christmas, Bank Hols. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Opposite Ballsbridge Post Office.