North of the River Liffey and with the advantage of height to make the most of views across to the Wicklow Hills, Mountjoy Square was among the earliest of the great Georgian developments and this was once Dublin’s most fashionable area – and, although it may at first seem an unlikely location for a restaurant today, the area is enjoying regeneration and Louie’s Bistro certainly makes it worth a detour.
Housed in a meticulously restored Georgian building, this smart restaurant suffers none of the drawbacks of a basement room: with atmospheric lighting, well-spaced tables and real character, this appealing bistro is bright, comfortable and inviting.
A welcoming fire in a feature fireplace provides the cosy factor, while a little bar, complete with a bespoke old-style bar mirror, is particularly charming. This Dublin restaurants decor sensitively celebrates the building’s heritage with exposed original brickwork, floor tiles that replicate an original Georgian pattern and the original wine cellar which has been retained as a lovely dining room feature.
Chef Dan Courtney clearly has a passion for fine produce, and this comes across in both his imaginative menus and the presentation of his food. Caesar salad with quail eggs and pancetta is a signature starter, and other choices may include an excellent sticky sweet fig tart tatin with crispy Parma ham.
Daily specials, like fresh lobster or Oisín venison, supplement an already comprehensive dinner menu where crowd-pleasers like chicken, cod or monkfish are given especially creative treatment - perennial steak lovers will enjoy the 10oz rib-eye steak - good, flavoursome meat, served stylishly with ruby glazed shallots, chard salad and excellent square chips.
A very short wine list is good value, and has broad appeal. Staff are friendly and professional, giving Louie’s a genuine warmth. An attractive atrium provides ample seating for groups waiting to be seated, while a private courtyard is comfortable for smokers.
With parking and a taxi base outside the door, Louie’s is highly accessible. Ideally located for the Gate and Abbey theatres (and serving an attractive pre-theatre menu) it’s also a short stroll from Croke Park and convenient to the 02 Arena.
Seats 50; children welcome before 7pm (high chair); air conditioning. Open L Tue-Sat 12-3 & D Wed-Sat 5-10. Value L 12-3pm €8.89. Early D 5-7pm, €23.95. SC 12.5% on groups 6+. Closed Sun, Mon, Bank Hols, Jan 1-8. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
