Little Jewel
I have to confess, it’s an unsettling experience for me to visit the distinctly Parisian Bijou in Rathgar. Back when this delightful little spot was considerably more bijou than it is today, my Dad operated a furniture business next door – the restaurant has now expanded into this space. My brother lived in the flat above, now seamlessly converted into a smoking terrace and charming fin-de-siècle cocktail bar. Once I managed to exorcise the ghost of sofas past, I considered my dinner options: formal dining in the first-floor restaurant or more casual, bistro-style dining downstairs. We opted for the latter and were not disappointed – the selection of seasonally harmonious and simply executed dishes was broad enough to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. I opted for the main course portion of walnut and blue cheese ravioli – perfectly cooked, plumply-stuffed pillows of pasta enveloped in a creamy and plate-lickingly tasty sauce. My dining companion ordered the beer-battered cod, a pedestrian dish that was lifted out of the conventional by its feather-light batter and hand-cut, chunky chips. The bill, including a brace of coffees, a couple of glasses of wine and two beers, came to a perfectly acceptable €67.35. Highly recommended.
47 Highfield Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6, 496 1518. www.bijourathgar.ie
Great smoking area, great atmosphere, affordable bistro downstairs, great bar with cocktails along with a slightly more expensive but impressive menu upstairs. Great service and fabulous food every time without exception.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 20, 2007 at 12:52 PM
Consistently excellent value for money and great servic in the bistro.
Posted by: Catherine | September 30, 2009 at 04:30 PM
The only reason I went here was because I received a voucher for 150 Eur. It was enough money for a few drinks and a 3 course meal for 2. I wasn't impressed with the food to be honest, average to bits and the atmosphere was dull: a bit posh and mostly older people.
Posted by: Liza | October 12, 2009 at 02:05 PM
I suppose they cant please everyone. I find Bijou very welcoming, very well priced and the food is scrumptious. Great bar area and an outside terrace which is a plus for the smoker. I love this place. The menu is quite extensive, try the spicy chicken salad, flavours are amazing. By the way I dont think I'm that old "27".
Posted by: mathew | October 29, 2009 at 08:28 PM
I can only agree with the review. Highly recommended, indeed.
Posted by: Anders | July 24, 2010 at 03:34 AM