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Furama Restaurant

In the sleek black interior of Rodney Mak's long-established restaurant, Freddy Lee, who has been head chef since the restaurant opened in 1989, produces terrific food with an authenticity which is unusual in Ireland.

The waiter stationed beside the entrance opens the door and welcomes customers on arrival, setting the tone for excellent service that is as friendly as it is technically correct. With the dining room reached over a curving bridge and water features, the quietly elegant interior is free of the hanging lanterns and oriental kitsch that mark out so many Chinese restaurants.

Customers here are largely locals and faithful regulars drawn here by the reliably authentic take on classic Chinese dishes, which include faultless crispy duck, dim sum fried or steamed, and excellent seafood dishes like the seared scallops with ginger, spring onion and soy glaze beautifully presented in their shells.

Although Chinese restaurants are notoriously weak in the dessert department, Furama's banana fritters are an exception, presented piping hot in feathery batter with toasted sesame seeds, a pool of caramel syrup and a scoop of vanilla ice cream; it is also extremely good value as desserts including the excellent fritters are only €3-3.50, yet a side dish of mangetout with oyster sauce is charged at €6.50.

House wines at €20 are also available by the glass, which is useful; more expensive wines on the list favour expense account diners, running to the €40-60 level.

This restaurant is highly recommended for its consistency over the years, both in quality of food and impeccable service.

A Special Chinese Menu can be arranged for banqueting with one week's notice (up to 30 people) and outside catering is also available.

Furama : Seats 70; air conditioning. Mon-Fri: L 12.30-2pm, D 6pm-11.30pm, Sat D only 6-11.30pm, Sun open 12.30pm-11pm; D Various set menus from about €35. A la carte available. House wine from about €19. SC 10%. Parking. Closed Sat L, 24-26 Dec & Good Fri. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Opposite Bective Rugby Ground in Donnybrook, near town side of Donnybrook Bridge.