Home from home for its many loyal customers for over 25 years, Claire Nash’s bustling city centre restaurant is right in the heart of the business district and just a stone’s throw from the English Market – the source of much of the local and indigenous produce they are known for, including vegetables, fresh sustainable catches and meats.
It has evolved over the years and, as well as refurbishments to keep it bright and fresh, there are sometimes bigger developments too. Behind the attractive frontage of an old building, you pass through an organic food shop and deli to the restaurant, which is spread over several areas on the ground floor - and there is now a gallery space called Sternview stretching onto Marlborough Street, which showcases Contemporary Irish Art exhibitions.
Although called a restaurant, it’s more a licensed café, open all day during the week, serving breakfast and lunch, also teas, coffee and light food throughout the day. ‘Simple food cooked honestly’ is their mantra and the day starts early, with a procession of deliveries from local producers and suppliers arriving between 7 and 8 o’clock each morning, and the bakers already busy making the fresh breads, scones and pastries that will be needed for the day.
The lunch menu changes every day, depending on the availability of fresh seasonal produce, many dishes are coeliac friendly and this is highlighted on the blackboard listing. Hearty, big-flavoured food is the order of the day - a tasty chowder or tomato and leek & lentil soup, perhaps; well-made fish dishes like seared salmon with salad & potatoes, or grilled hake on chive champ; meats such as roast loin of bacon, or a lamb curry - and, of course, vegetarian options too.
It’s a very child friendly place, with a proper children’s lunch offered every day and tolerant staff who understand that children are not always very restaurant friendly.
A small but carefully chosen wine selection (mainly from small producers) is listed on a blackboard and changes monthly; Heineken is available by the glass and all staff are Barista Coffee trained.
It not hard to see why this warm and friendly place has such a dedicated following. In Claire Nash's own words 'We simply love our food!' And it shows.
