The Larder

With its admirable food philosophy founded on collecting the best of ingredients in order to create delicious no nonsense food, this smartly presented Dublin restaurants located under the shadow of Dublin Castle, half way along Parliament Street, is indeed aptly named.

A large, inviting street window draws the eyes of passers-by to both the sparkling deli counter, where friendly staff are busy taking orders, and an impressive floor to ceiling display of wine, Illy coffee and San Pellegrino sparkling water.

Such early promise bodes well and, on entering, you will not be disappointed by the cosy, easy going bistro atmosphere, presented in an authentic setting of exposed brick walls, worn wooden floorboards, bentwood chairs and whispers of jazz music at just the right level.

Daytime at The Larder offers a lip-smacking breakfast menu, while lunch is a deli lover's paradise of gourmet sandwiches jam-packed with quality produce - and evening brings a modest menu of starters, charcuterie and cheese platters, salads, enticing mains and desserts, boosted by blackboards offering the daily specials.

The Larder is pleased to credit suppliers and takes pride in straightforward, well executed dishes that make best use of excellent ingredients and are full of flavour: think succulent homemade burgers, beef & Guinness pie, tender lamb shank or crab cakes.

And you will be well advised to leave room for delicious desserts that include freshly baked childhood favourites such as fruit crumbles or chocolate cake, washed down with an espresso or a speciality herbal tea.

A short but well selected wine list offers old and new world in equal measure, with some by the glass, and a good list of beers including several Irish craft brews - and, unusually, juices too.

The Larder is an unpretentious place that punches above its weight, taking pride in getting the basics right, and serving excellent food - whether it be breakfast, lunch, dinner or just an aromatic coffee and a piece of cake - at highly affordable prices. The steak nights in particular offer unbreatable value, from as little as €12 for a dry-aged F X Buckley steak from their farm in Co Offaly.

A great little find.