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La Maison des Gourmets

In a pedestrianised area handy to car parks and away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Grafton Street, this French boulangerie has a smart little café on the first floor and also a couple of outdoor tables on the pavement for fine weather.

Home-baked bread is the speciality, made to a very high standard by French bakers who work in front of customers throughout the day, creating a wonderful aroma that wafts through the entire premises. Their award-winning sourdough bread is used as the base for a selection of tartines - French open-style sandwiches served warm - on the lunch menu: baked ham with thyme jus and smoked bacon cream, perhaps, or vegetarian ones like roast aubergine with plum tomato, fresh parmesan & basil pesto.

Add to this a couple of delicious soups (typically, French onion with Emmental croûtons), a hot dish like classic beef bourguignon with potato purée, one or two salads - and a simple dessert like strawberries with balsamic reduction and fresh cream - and the result is as tempting a little menu as any discerning luncher could wish for.

Portions are on the small side, which suits most lunch time appetites, and service can be a little slow; but everything is very appetising, the atmosphere is chic and you can stock up on bread and croissants from the shop as you leave - just don't think in terms of a quick bite.

Seats 18 (outdoors, 10); air conditioning; children welcome. Open Mon-Sat, 8-5 (L 12-3), Sun 11-5pm.. A la carte. SC discretionary. House wine about €19. Closed bank hols, 4 days Christmas. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Pedestrianised area between Georges Street Arcade and Powerscourt Shopping Centre.