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Peploe's Wine Bistro

In the basement of the Georgian terrace than runs along the north side of St Stephen's Green, Peploe's is very handy to both the Grafton Street area and the nearby offices - perfect territory for a laid-back wine bar.

The retro décor is reminiscent of a chic 1950s New York brasserie and creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with neat table settings and stylishly-dressed staff.

Although the dining room appears cramped, it is comfortable and the service is pleasant and professional. The menu offers a good variety of dishes, if only for an appetiser or two (from a choice of ten starters) to accompany your wine, and the dozen or so main courses are well-balanced between pasta, meat and fish, plus the chef's specials which are notified at the table.

A choice of tasty breads gets your meal off to a good start, followed by quite unusual dishes such as carpaccio of veal with aioli, or lightly-crusted Brie which is set off well by marinated Pruneaux d'Agen. An autumn menu might include venison loin, cooked to your taste, girolle mushrooms and balsamic jus while the chef's special is likely to be deliciously fresh fish.

A generous apple & blackberry crumble would be enough for two people and delightfully fruity, or you may finish with a choice of French and Irish cheeses, and good coffee.

An extensive wine list includes a dozen or more champagnes and about thirty wines by the glass.

Service is smart, the atmosphere is great and the cooking has style - all this and a reasonable bill too.

Peploe's Wine Bistro : Seats 90. Reservations required; air conditioning; children welcome. Open 12.30-3.30pm & 6-10.30pm daily; L&D á la carte, also set L €39 and set D €55; house wine €22; SC 12.5% on groups 6+. Closed 24-29 Dec, Good Fri. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

North side of St. Stephen's Green