It may be tucked away down one of Limerick's history-steeped city centre laneways, but a central location is a great advantage for this enduringly popular restaurant, where sisters Liz Phelan and Caroline Kerely continue to offer clever menus and consistently pleasing dishes.
The inviting stone and brick frontage of this 19th century building draws diners in to a stylish and well lit interior, where - ever pleased to greet their guests - Liz and Caroline make you feel right at home.
Split over two floors, ground floor diners have the confident bustle of the kitchen to enjoy while, upstairs, a high-ceilinged dark-beamed room offers a different ambience - and the friendly and well informed staff tend equally to the needs of customers on both floors.
Local produce highlighted includes Kerry seafood and cheese from nearby Clare; St Tola goat cheese on focaccia with walnuts, pear and red onion jam is a popular starter, (though with a €1.75 supplement), for example, and herb-crusted fillet of hake with braised leeks and prawn bisque. Consistently good cooking of this tasty fare goes a long way towards explaining this atmospheric restaurant's enduring success.
Classic desserts such as a zesty lemon tart, sticky toffee pudding or a warm apple and blackberry crumble with ice cream and custard, not only round off a meal at Freddy's on a happy note, but gluten free options are available on request.
Organised by style, the wine list, begins at a pocket-friendly €22.50 (one white and one red house wine also available by the glass/ carafe at €6.50/€18.50) with plenty to choose from in the at the mid-range.
This Limerick gem has lots of character and is well worth seeking out.
