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The Old Mill

Long before Temple Bar became trendy, Moroccan chef-patron Lahcen Iouani had a loyal following in the area - since the mid-80s, in fact, when this restaurant delighted discerning Dubliners in an earlier guise as 'Pigalle'.

The name change has relevance to local history (you can read all about it on the back of the menu) but other things have thankfully remained the same and Lahcen continues to offer good French cooking at refreshingly modest prices.

The place has a homely feeling, like stepping back in time to an old French restaurant - giving good value to the customer is something he feels strongly about.

A blackboard menu offers traditional starters like paté de foie de canard and salade niçoise, and classic main courses such as boeuf Bourginonne and sole meuniére are unusually well-priced. Vegetarian dishes are offered and there's also a good value early menu.

Seats 50. Reservations accepted. Air conditioning. Open Mon-Sun, 12.30-11.30; L 12.30-4, D 5-11. Set L about €16.95, value D from 5-7.30pm, also á la carte. House wine from about €19. SC discretionary except on parties of 8+ (12.5%). MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Above Merchants Arch on Temple Bar Square (behind Central Bank).