Les Gourmandises Restaurant

Just off South Mall, this little restaurant feels like an outpost of France - the menu at the entrance will draw you in, and you'll be glad you noticed it.

It's run by Patrick and Soizic Kiely - both formerly of Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud but, although that says a lot about the key standards, this is far more reminiscent of family-run restaurants in France.

There's nothing flash about the quiet style of this restaurant: a small reception area is cleverly arranged to make three compact seating areas with a bar, fresh flowers and stylish cushions; the welcome is cordial without being effusive, and the team under Soizic's guidance go about their business with quiet competence.

The long, narrow, high-ceilinged room, formerly a Turkish bath, is a restrained, modern white space, with comfortable subdued lighting and low key music.

This Cork restaurants menus are not overlong, but change daily to accommodate the day's market and local suppliers are listed. There is usually a tasting plate among the starters, which may be seafood platter; this varies and may contain five or so elements, each treated differently and with appropriate sauces/garnishes, arranged to please the eye as well as the palate.

Outstanding dishes may include a starter of hot & cold foie gras with gingerbread, thyme and poached pineapple& caramel syrup. Presentation is stylish, and great attention is given to the marriage of complementary flavours - a dish of East Cork braised pork belly, for example, comes with boulangère potato, confit shallots and poached prune & apple jus - and careful seasoning.

To finish, there may be upbeat classic seasonal desserts - vanilla panna cotta with rhubarb compote & Madeira cake, for example - a good French & Irish cheese selection, and lovely coffee.

The wine list is not long but very well chosen and includes some real finds, including the house wines.

Terrific food and good value: this is one of the hidden treasures you'd like to keep a secret lest it become too popular.