The Ivy Dawson Street

Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: Weekend Notes | July 16, 2022

https://www.weekendnotes.com/the-ivy-dawson-street-dublin-ireland/

“It’s a lavish experience that adds a pop of color to your life,” said my daughter when she insisted we go. “It’s a trendy place.”

The Ivy at Dawson Street is the first Irish brasserie from its father company, The Ivy, West Street, London. The Ivy Collection, well-known in England for its contemporary cuisine and unparalleled service for over a century, now includes more than 40 venues. Irish magic may make this Ivy even better than its forefathers.

The effortless glamour, combined with dawn-to-late night availability, make it a must-dine restaurant during your time in Dublin.

Location: The Ivy on Dawson Street, located in Dublin 2 north of St. Stephen’s Green, just a block from Mansion House, home of the Lord Mayor, in Dublin, Ireland.

The menu covers everything from Irish classics to continental cuisine. Locally inspired dishes, like Dublin Bay prawns and Dungarvan oysters, remain popular with those who love shellfish, while meat-lovers find steak tartare with Dubliner whiskey and chicken Milanese.

My daughter, a vegan, could easily spot food that met her needs. Meals are well marked as to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free status. There are separate menus to make it easier for people with dietary challenges, so don’t be afraid to ask.

The restaurant itself reveals floor-to-ceiling vibrant art deco. Casual chic to business dress is expected. Don’t forget to check out the bar where ivy vines combine to add to the overall glamour.

With so many menu options, I wasn’t certain if I’d care for a salad with chicken or a salmon dish. The server patiently weighed the merits of each with me. With his help, we found excellent dishes, from starts to dessert, that pleased our palates.

Some of my favourites are:
The truffle arancini, crisp little fried Arborio rice balls that delight many. The light taste of truffle and parmesan cheese creates a strong vegetarian dish.
Roast Salmon Fillet with smoked almonds and a herb sauce on the side with broccoli (I substituted green beans) grilled to my specifications, presented beautifully and utterly delicious.

The sweet potato Kerelan Curry, exactly the right consistency, spiced a little past medium, as requested, and tickled my daughter’s taste buds in exactly the right way.
The Chocolate Bombe, a well-known favourite (many guests make reservations solely for the pomp & circumstance of this chocolate-covered honeycomb ice cream dessert’s ceremony). The server pours a hot salted caramel sauce over the hard-crusted chocolate bombe forcing a rapid melt, revealing a vanilla ice cream and honeycomb centre (set your phones to video in advance).

While honeycomb ice cream is not commonly found in the United States, it is quite popular in New Zealand and Australia.

At my daughter’s suggestion, I made a special trip to the ladies’ room. The stair art is impressive. The four private floral powder rooms and five tufted seats before three-paneled mirrors create an ambiance of sumptuous elegance.