Unbeatable French restaurants in Dublin

Where better to kick things off than La Maison? Here, the French authenticity begins with the restaurant’s artwork. Works by Leonetto Cappiello, L’oir Dor, and Diable Vent line the walls, all carefully sourced from the Paris at Puces market. The rest of the interiors are equally pretty — huge sash windows make the dining room feel light and airy, and the dim lighting and soft white tablecloths lends it a good deal of warmth. The décor is by no means the star of the show, however. Order a two or three course ‘formule’ at lunchtime (which will only set you back €29.50 or €37), and we promise that you’ll be in for a veritable French feast. The confit duck leg croquette is a brilliant way to kick off your meal and followed by the delicate fillet of hake – served with samphire, borlotti beans, prosciutto and capers – you’re onto a real winner. Veggies fear not. There are some knock out meat-free options too — not least the delicious ricotta stuffed courgette, complete with mushroom ketchup, baby leek, and purple broccoli. Polish off your meal with the homemade crème brulée, and relax into the trés chic atmosphere.

Marco Pierre White is renowned for his mastery of French cookery. His food is simple and old-school, and all his dishes are made using locally sourced, quality ingredients. As you might expect, the atmosphere at his Dawson Street restaurant is refined, the service is slick, and the decor is opulent. Menu highlights include the fresh asparagus with hollandaise sauce, the kipper pâté with an Irish whiskey, and the free range chicken Kiev. The steaks are legendary and are are served with your choice of sauce (we love the classic au poivre). If you’re looking for an up-market French dining spot, then this is the place for you.

Located next to the five-star Merrion Hotel in Dublin City centre, Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud specialises in giving French dishes a contemporary, and often Irish, twist. The restaurant is acclaimed nationally and internationally as one of the finest places to dine in Dublin, and it’s not difficult to see why. Since first opening its doors in 1981, the team have focused their efforts on delivering an impeccable dining experience for their guests. The lunch and dinner set menus are simple, yet perfectly executed. Real highlights include the roasted San Marzano tomato soup, and the ballotine of Guinea fowl, served with a rich roast jus. There’s a delightful wine menu that the sommelier will advise you on, and delicate amuse-bouche on offer after you take your seat. For a real blow-out the eight-course degustation menu, ‘designed to tantalise and surprise’ is sublime, and is prepared with only the finest seasonal ingredients. For seriously elevated French cooking, look no further.

One Pico is a modern French restaurant serving up seasonal produce that’s cooked to perfection. With several awards under its belt – including the Irish Hospitality Award’s Restaurant of the year – and highly recommend by the Michelin Guide, One Pico knows a thing or two about French cookery. The setting is luxurious but relaxed, with plush velvet chairs and beautiful glassware, and the service is second to none. For the quality of the cooking, prices are reasonable. A two-course lunch menu (including a homemade baguette and a selection of canapés) will set you back just €55. The dishes range from classics like beef tartare and pan-fried cod, to more unusual numbers like basil agnolotti, pickled mackerel, and passion fruit soufflé with sheep’s yoghurt sorbet. Accompany your meal with one of the carefully crafted cocktails – made according to your tastes – and say ‘bonjour’ to an afternoon of complete bliss.

Born out of a love of food and the ceremony of dining out, DeVille’s owners (brother and sister David and Kim O’Driscall) serve moderately priced, traditional bistro fare throughout the week, with a special brunch menu available from Friday through to Sunday. Expect French crowd-pleasers like Moules frites, French onion soup, Scallops St Jacques, and seafood linguine. Kids and adults will love the desserts. There’s an unctuous hot chocolate fudge sundae, a zingy baked lemon cheesecake, and a banoffee pie so rich you’ll have trouble finishing it! If you can’t decide, why not opt for the French-favourite, Café Gourmand? A mini selection of several desserts served with a hot drink of your choice. The staff are friendly and happy to accommodate any requests that you may have. With large tables and plenty of space, DeVille’s is the perfect spot to enjoy some French food with friends and family.