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A Cat Among the Pigeons in Clontarf – Pigeon House Restaurant Review

Brunch is a huge movement in the food scene at present, no more so in Dublin. However we feel the Northside often gets neglected in applauding delicious dining experiences. A perfect case in point is the Pigeon House Restaurant in the sunny suburb of Clontarf. Housed in what was once Tibors on Vernon Avenue, the building has undertaken a complete refurb. Great attention to every little detail has been taken by owners Paul Foley and Brian Walsh, previously of Michelin Bib Downstairs restaurant. This however is a very different proposition, with a strong focus on the ever popular casual eating scene. Here though you will experience casual eating taken to the next level.

The whole idea behind the Pigeon House was to replicate the success of their sister restaurant in Delgany as all all day dining venue. In Clontarf the team have taken it to the next level with a high quality bared back Scandinavian feel to the decor, interesting lighting and relaxed atmosphere. A lot of restaurants are attempting this at the moment but these guys have all the ingredients right.

A strong, friendly and importantly experienced team led by front of house Dave Lee have created a real welcoming, buzzy feel to the place. Once thing we loved about this restaurant is the focus on fresh, local produce, all the poultry and meats are supplied by renowned Suttonian butcher Higgins who have a strong presence in many fine restaurants around the city, a real testament to Brian’s focus on the best seasonal produce.

We finally managed to get a booking last Sunday, booking on the weekend in advance is strongly recommended as this a busy spot. Having dined here a couple of times in the last few weeks since opening their doors we decided to pop along with the kids and try out the Brunch menu. Not many restaurants offer a kid’s brunch menu or a good one at that, so it’s refreshing to see a decent choice for both adults and kids.

One thing we can guarantee is the brunch menu here is something different. From Scrambled Eggs, Chorizo, Avocado, Sourdough €10 to Chicken Schnitzel with Tomato Salsa and Salad €14 or a more calorific option of  Steak, Fries, Egg, Coriander and Toasted Sourdough €20 and the cocktails are pretty good too.

I decided to play the saint and stick to a blushing Bellini and opt for the Poached Pear & Blue Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts €13. A generous portion of fresh mixed rocket arrived with sweet,warm slices of pear placed throughout. The blue cheese was delicately scattered through the dish and was in no shortage, which is just the way I like it ! Himself being a chorizo lover chose the Chorizo Beans 0n Toast with Pancetta and Fried Egg €10 very reasonably priced and a good, filling portion. Not a bean survived, a true testament to the tastiness of the dish.

The kids loved the menu and settled on Pancakes, Banana and Nutella for the little lady, a true chocoholic and a Cheeseburger and Fries for our manly, almost a teenager son.  A very decadent plate of freshly baked pancakes arrived, smothered in Nutella and laced with slices of banana. ” Why do you never make pancakes like these?” was echoed several times during our brunch, have to admit having sampled a small bite myself I can see the attraction. Both plates were demolished, the food never stood a chance, with Sam declaring this was the best burger ever! For €8 and including either fresh apple or orange juice, this a great place to chill out on the weekend and if your lucky enough to be here on a sunny day, they have a large, beautiful terrace out front to enjoy the view of the strand.

Brunch for four including 2 cocktails, two divine vanilla, pistachio and marsh mallow ice creams for the kids and two homemade Oreo cookies to take away came to €64.45. If you love good food and haven’t tried the Pigeon House then you are seriously missing out as Brian is at the top of his game in creating interesting and creative dishes in a simple and appealing way.

This is a Local Hero Taste we cannot recommend enough !

Pigeon House
11b Vernon Ave
Clontarf
Dublin 3
T: +353 1 805 7567
E: clontarf@pigeonhouse.ie

W: www.pigeonhouse.ie

 

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