Roly's Bistro in Dublin

Arrived in Dublin on a Sunday night and met up with a colleague for a nice dinner. And it was NICE. The ambiance was cosy and although it was full, we were able to talk about business over a beautiful bottle of wine from the extensive choices of wine. We were the last to leave and they were very patient with us. Note to self, restaurants close early so plan dinner time early enough.

As my Summer holidays come to an end and I enter the 'dietary-period' before my Autumn Travels, I need to review a number of restaurants from my time in Dublin. Top of the List has to be Roly's in Ballsbridge. I have been a regular (when in Dublin) of this excellent restaurant for 30 years. What better endorsement can I give :) It is one of the few restaurants I have NEVER been embarrassed to recommend. To anybody who cares to listen !!! Most subsequently thank me for the recommendation. So Roly's has helped me become a restaurant-recommendation Tsar !! The addition of the (French) Bistro style dining area has only added to the visibility (corner site at busy junction) and popularity. I would be mad to recommend any one dish. All I can say is that I have NEVER had a bad meal here. And over 30 years that is bordering on unbelievable ..... given my (apparent) level of fussiness. So whether it is fish or chicken or red meat you will be delivered top-quality food at very affordable prices. There is a wine bar attachment to the downstairs restaurant (there is a fine-dining option upstairs) which widens your options to many of the great wines of the world. The (core) staff/management are wonderful and when added to the food scientist in the Kitchen (Paul) and the restaurant owners John (60+ years in the restaurant business) & Angela, is should not be surprising that this restaurant is SO successful At weekends and local events (RDS, Aviva etc) you should book well in advance. Even in off-season. This excellent venue once again gets my special recommendation.