The Dawson Brasserie, Dublin

Discover dining with a touch of elegance at The Dawson Brasserie.

That's what happened to us as we were wandering the streets of Dublin in an effort to try and discover the ideal place to spend our lunch hour. Siobhan and I were stopped in our tracks by free samples of Confit Pork Belly. Unable to resist the temptation, each bite was even more delicious than the last and it was impossible not to enter to see what else we could find inside.

The Dawson Brasserie is part of Dublin's luxurious boutique hotel, The Dawson Hotel and Spar and is divided into two areas; located towards the back is a spacious fine dining section ideal for an intimate dinner or a stylish dinner party. It's elegance is defined by its high ceiling with chandeliers hanging above and a Romanesque statue in the centre of the room with walls adorned with golden framed mirrors. The front part of The Dawson Brasserie is a sophisticated bar section furnished with eggshell blue coloured leather seats with high windows that overlooked the street.

Taking up residence at the front adjacent to the window, we discovered we were to be one of the first visitors to sample their recently launched stylish lunch menu. On first glance, we determined that it was fairly priced considering the settings and extremely attentive staff but after we felt The Dawson Brasserie's prices were good value because not only did we receive well portioned exquisite dishes but we were the recipients of pieces of art. Samples were delivered to us to show us their range and it was evident time had been dedicated so that everything was made with great care and looked as good as it tasted.

As we were browsing through the menu, Siobhan's eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning when she spied the cocktail list. Though nothing was said, I could see as she scoured through each one that we would be returning to The Dawson Brasserie very soon. And we did.

Upon our second visit, we were greeted with warm handshakes from David and Roberto who instantly remembered us from our previous lunch outing at The Dawson Brasserie a week before. The high level of friendliness was the same in which they and everyone else had welcomed us with on our first visit and was a constant mainstay of our experience throughout on both occasions. This manner extends to the very top for I had the fortunate chance encounter with one of the owners on my first visit who matched his staff's enthusiasm and friendliness.

Discussing her options with David as if she was developing a strategy for war, Siobhan's chosen poisons were the tropical Green Cocktail and the fruity Berry Berry Cocktail which went down easily to add to the relaxing ambiance. On reflection, perhaps she was being strategic considering Channing Tatum was rumoured to be joining us (figuratively) at The Dawson Brasserie for a drink after promoting his latest movie release with Jonah Hill, 22 Jump Street, down at Trinity College Dublin. You never know with her.

When it came to selecting our accompanying dishes, we struggled to decide between the Baked Potato Gnocchi, Spring Greens, Riccotta & Mint and the Roast Beetroot, Walnut & Whipped Goat's Cheese. Selecting the Gnocchi in the end, David surprised us by making sure we didn't miss out by also bringing us each a dish of the Whipped Goat's Cheese. Thank you David! It was packed with different flavours as the beetroot and orange complimented the whipped goat's cheese. Any thoughts of 'what if David hadn't done that for us' were quickly removed when the Gnocchi arrived and our choice was validated. The Gnocchi was freshly homemade and uniquely cooked with a slight roasting and baked which added to its delightful taste.

Overall, we were impressed on both occasions that we went to The Dawson Brasserie for lunch and dinner. The restaurant is located ideally on Dawson Street, which is close to Grafton Street and Stephens Green, and offers an accommodating menu, has a helpful staff and an extensive selection of cocktails, making it suitable for almost any occasion. Even Channing Tatum stalking.

For reservation details, opening hours and if you want to check out their menu, you can view the images below or you can head straight to their website at www.thedawsonbrasserie.ie.