The décor may stray into traditional pub territory with all the wood panelling, but the food at Le Bon Crubeen is very much brasserie fare. With its mix of bar stools, comfy booths, engraved glass panels, leather armchairs and parquet and tiled floors, it’s a well-lit space with plenty of room between the tables.
A long bar dominates the space, making it a decidedly casual dining room, and its location, close to theatres and on the Luas line serving the 3 Arena at The Point, makes the early dinner menu especially attractive. At the other end of the dining spectrum, Le Jazz Supper Club offers a late night menu on Saturday nights along with some of the coolest jazz in the city.
Menus (in five languages online) feature great choice and the cooking is bursting flavour – there's an understanding of the classics, and something for every taste including some unusual variations on old favourites. The menus include lots of vegetarian and gluten-free dishes as well as some welcome healthy options, such as a low-calorie lunch special. Weekend brunch is available too.
The wine list is carefully chosen to offer quality with value and it features 15 wines by the glass from an interesting selection of regions.
With a 3-course set dinner available at under €30 and many of the main courses on the à la carte menu averaging well under €20, the value is outstanding for the level of care taken in the kitchen. The early dinner pre-theatre menu is an absolute steal at €19.95 for two courses or €21.95 for three.
Best of all, portions are generous and staff are courteous, ensuring that you’ll leave Le Bon Crubeen as a satisfied customer – and one who will soon want to return, as they’re probably offering the best value in town.
