L’Ecrivain’s 21st birthday, in 2010, saw one of Dublin’s top restaurants receive a well-thought out facelift. There is a freshness and buzz about the dining room that is more usually associated with a brand new restaurant and this fine dining establishment has a special sparkle.
This convivial vibe has always been a trademark of L’Ecrivain, where loyal diners come expecting wonderful cooking and leave feeling content every time. The combination of Derry Clarke’s multi-starred cooking and Sallyanne’s front of house hospitality create a top class experience to savour.
Classic French techniques meet the best of Irish produce in the kitchen to create a menu of imaginative and elegant dishes. A starter of pan-seared scallops might be accompanied by mussels, avruga caviar and linguini or perhaps with white bean veloutŽ, ham hock and a quail's egg.
This Dublin restaurants seafood dishes are exceptional, whether it’s crispy skinned wild sea bass with Beluga lentils, porcinis and artichoke or maybe monkfish with lobster bolognaise, celeriac and truffle and a chicken wing. An earthy autumn dish of Wicklow venison with a black pudding cigar, caramelised pear, sweet potato and pecan demonstrates the importance of local ingredients and the innate understanding of seasonal pairings.
Desserts are a visual and oral delight, from the exquisite Opera Chocolate tasting plate to Plum Delight, a tarte fine with sliced plums, spiced gingerbread ice cream and port and red wine reduction.
Renowned sommelier Martina Delaney presides over an impressive cellar, and her knowledge and passion of the broad wine list guarantees a perfect match for your food. House wine starts at €25 and there is a good selection of half-bottles and wines by the glass, as well as plenty of French heavy weights.
Two intimate private dining rooms and the chic ground floor bar make L’Ecrivain an ideal choice for a private party or celebration. Good value lunch menus mean it is an affordable option for a smart business lunch too.
Seats 104 (private room, 20, outdoors, 22), air conditioning, unsuitable for children under 9 yrs. L Mon, Thu, Fri 12.30-2pm, value L €25. D Mon-Sat 7-10.30pm, pre-theatre €49 5.30-7pm, set D €65, Tasting Menu €85 (€125 with matching wines). House wine from €25. SC 12.5% (on food element of bill). Closed L Sat, Sun, Bank Hols, Christmas, New Year, Easter. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
