Tibors is the quintessential bistro. Everything about this northside newcomer oozes appeal, and seems designed to please. Whether it's the cheerful welcome from several staff members as you step through the doors, the classy, intimate décor (which works equally well in the day or night), the charming service or the fabulous food, every detail has been carefully considered.
This Dublin restaurants staff work hard to please, displaying impressive knowledge of the menu and wines while offering suggestions and recommendations.
Starters eschew the obvious, and might include choices like a plate of Irish charcuterie or smoked coley and leek gratin. Salads are a speciality, with imaginative offerings like country beetroot salad with poached egg and salad cream, or warm salad of chicken livers with caramelised shallots and walnut oil dressing.
Main courses are large and filling, and quality of ingredients is evident across all dishes. Chicken is organic, maybe served as a skewered, herb-stuffed fillet, or roasted on the leg with golden crisp skin and fragrant tarragon butter. A choice of homemade burgers includes a mushroom and chickpea patty served with tomato pesto, caramelised onions and home fries.
The house steak, a 12oz rib eye, is a real star dish: marinated in mustard, oil and garlic to produce succulent, tender meat brimming with flavour, it's served with chunky onions rings, plump, skin-on chips and a salsa verde. Simple and perfect.
This ethos of simplicity and quality is also reflected in the desserts, and service - although it is disappointing to find no vintages on the wine list.
A relaxed, convivial atmosphere is created by the friendly waiters, the smooth jazz and comfortable seating - a roomy outside terrace should prove popular with the lunchtime crowd, especially for sunny Sunday brunch.
The layout of the room means parties, families and couples can all be catered for in real comfort, which is a smart move in a neighbourhood restaurant.
Tibors is more than a neighbourhood restaurant though: in many ways its standards are higher than some of our most popular city restaurants.
Seats 75 (outdoors, 30); children welcome (high chair). Open all day daily Mon-Sat, 12-4pm; 4-11.30pm. Sun 11am-10.30pm; value L €12, 12-4pm; value D €19.95 4-7pm; also a la carte L&D; house wine from €20. SC 12% on groups 6+. Closed Christmas. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
