Forest Avenue

We visit Forest Avenue, in Dublin 4, which describes itself as a neighbourhood dining room, and is so named after the location where one of the owners grew up.

We arrive at 12:30 on a Friday for their lunch-time menu and are fortunate to get a table for two – moments later the place is buzzing on both levels with not an empty seat or mini bar space to be seen.

We select Forest Avenue five course tasting menu that turns out to be a gastronomic delight to the palate and gratifies the senses. Dishes consist of fresh ingredients, and though identifiable by its constituent parts, you and I might find almost impossible to replicate. It is simply very fine ingredients of ingeniously thought-out dishes that taste very good indeed. Eoin describes the food as unique creations ahead of the game.

All dishes are served at the right intervals. We sample their ‘entry-level’ Portuguese red and Italian white wines that perfectly complement each serving. Oh and the coffee is roasted locally by Cloud Picker in Dublin 1.

Forest Avenue’s interior is modern in appearance with charcoal and white walls and contemporary canvas artwork for sale.   Perhaps somewhat laden with heavy dark wooden flooring and tables and chairs, but counterbalanced nicely with the distraction of chefs openly crafting dishes in the background.  The waiting is conducted by at least four individuals (including the owner), all of whom are eager to serve.

Forest Avenue is plainly the brainchild of some foodie genius… perhaps with a slight downplay on interior style and décor, yet servings of nice dishes and presentations.  The relaxed nature of the interior and friendliness of staff all adds to the feel of time without urgency. Looking forward to trying their evening menu next time.

From the Menu

Tasting Menu Snacks & bread; Salad of beetroot, peach, chicory, Coppa & grated foie gras or White asparagus, girolles, hazelnuts, celeriac & purslane lettuce; Cod, cauliflower, clams, monks beard & chermoula or Duck, lovage, broad beans, morteau sausage, kohlrabi & pea puree;   White chocolate panna cotta, macerated cherries & Amaretto ice cream or Cheese: Shropshire blue, cow’s milk, prune & rosemary bread; Petit Fours.

Total €49