This bustling Ballsbridge bistro has been a hit since the day it opened in 1992. Today, it is a wide ranging hospitality destination comprising a new bar, Angie’s, and the Terrace Restuarant as well as the Wine Shop; Bakery & Food Counter and the original upstairs restaurant Roly's Bistro. Executive Chef Paul Cartwright's imaginative, reasonably priced seasonal menus continue to please a large number of appreciative Bistro regulars at lunch and early dinner, as well as an evening à la carte menu - and founding chef-patron the late Colin O'Daly's paintings adorn the walls and the menu card, which features a delightful reproduction of his "Sensitive study of a young dancer in morning light".
A lively interpretation of classical French cooking gives more than a passing nod to Irish traditions, world cuisines and contemporary styles, and carefully sourced ingredients are, as ever, the sound foundation for cooking that rarely disappoints.
Breads (from the in-house bakery and also available to purchase), may include sliced yeast loaves, bacon & onion, tomato and pesto flavours, gluten-free bread and brown soda. Many specialities have evolved over the years: Dublin Bay Prawns are always in demand (and may be served with coriander scented wild rice), for example, and an upbeat version of traditional Kerry lamb pie is another favourite.
High demand can sometimes put pressure on this first floor Dublin restaurants tables and lead to turning them around rather quickly, but service is generally attentive and efficient, and everyone loves the buzz. Roly's has always given value for money too - they offer a good range of wines at an accessible price.
Offering quality with good value has been the philosophy of the restaurant from the outset; this it continues to do well on the whole, and the set menus - notably the pre-theatre - offer particularly good value.
* Roly's Bakery & Shop is also open on the ground floor, 6am-9pm (weekends from 9am) selling breads from their own bakery and favourite dishes (a range of about 20), salads, soups to enjoy at home. Seaonality and value are key features here, and - in partnership with Dublin Fine Wines Merchant Pembroke Wines, Roly's also offers a carefully chosen selection in their wine cabinet and chilled displays.
