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Ivory Tower

Seamus O'Connell, one of Ireland's most original culinary talents, runs this unusual restaurant upstairs in an early Victorian commercial building; the entrance to the dowdy building is uninspiring but as you arrive in the high-ceilinged room with its slightly faded decor, eclectic ornaments and modern paintings, you will receive a warm and friendly welcome, and soon be impressed by the efficient service and outstanding food and cooking.

The surroundings are basic, slightly bohemian, but no resources are spared when it comes to sourcing the very best quality ingredients (all local and organic or wild, including game in season).

Creative menus and excellent details like delicious home-baked breads and imaginative presentation are the hallmarks of The Ivory Tower - and vegetarian dishes interesting enough to tempt hardened carnivores are always a feature. Varied international menus change frequently and will certainly contain some surprises.

Typical but not necessarily available - would be starters like a perfectly light battered tempura of squash, shiitake & pepper, or a selection of nigri sushi, followed by a middle course of sorbet perhaps. Among the main courses, you will find seasonal treats such as salmon on samphire, also fillet steak teriyaki perhaps, and unusual vegetarian dishes like gnocchi with truffle, girolles, asparagus & parmesan.

To finish there are indulgences like dark chocolate silk cake with liquorice & coffee, exotic fruits, and cheeses served with fresh figs.

An interesting wine list offers fair value for a restaurant of this calibre.

Not suitable for children under 5. Private room available. Seats 35. L Tue-Sat, 12-3, D Tue-Sat, 6.30-10 (Tue is Sushi Night). 5-course D about €60; Surprise Menu about €75. House wine from about €18. SC discretionary. Closed Mon-Wed. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Corner of Princes/Oliver Plunkett street.