Roly's Bistro, Dublin

Rolys is one of South Dublin's most popular eateries.

Service is generally fast and pleasant and the food is good. On one recent occasion when we were left waiting forty five minutes for a middle course we were not charged for it.

This place is always busy so you really should make a reservation. I prefer the tables upstairs, though I have to say that even if you request one you're not guaranteed to get one. That saying, it's a "real" bistro so it's very noisy, tables are very close together, and you have no sense of privacy. The tables downstairs are that bit more quiet.

They have a set menu and an a la carte. The menus change seasonally to make the best of locally produced fish and seafood, meats and vegetables. Each night they will have a special and my favourite is when they source those terrific prawns and serve them cooked in the shell with an Eastern type dressing.

I also simply adore the prawn bisque. This is served with a glass of brandy on the side which, when added to the bisque, gives it a fantastic kick.

Portions are generous. As with many restaurants, vegetables and other side orders can be added as extras. In my opinion, you don't need them as there's already plenty on the plate.

As for the desserts - prepare to loosen your belt. They are divine. Most recently I had the individual pavlova with white chocolate mousse.

As I said above, this is a very busy place and also, because it is a bistro style, it can be very noisy (but in a fun and pleasant way). It's not the place to go dor a quiet romantic meal. Many business people use this for power dinners and lunches as it's very well located.

They open seven days a week for both lunch and dinner, and Sunday brunch is almost immpossible to get in for!

Favorite Dish: I recommend that you try something from the blackboard as it features the specials of the day. They always do great food here, but make a particular effort with the specials.

Roly's is a hugely popular place for lunch and dinner with a wide range of people. Its informal enough, at least for lunch, while the service is excellent and the food sublime :-) Lunch prices are reasonalbe at the weekend on their fixed menu though obviously its the sort of place where you can spend lots of money if thats what you want to do.

Favorite Dish: They're all good but the carrots that come with the main courses are to die for :-)

Sample of some of the starters.
Grilled Mussels with Garlic and Herb Butter
Colin's Prawn Bisque
Melon, Parma Ham and Fig Salad
Brie with Pear Won Tons, Spiced Apple Chutney
Clonakilty Black Pudding, Brioche Parcel with Crispy Onions, Madeira Jus and Balsamic Vinegar
Terrine of Crab and Leek, Lemon Balm and Yoghurt Cream
Sweet Potatot and Cocunut Soup
Salad of Avocado with Toasted Garlic Flutes, Blue Cheese Dressing

Main Courses
Grilled Fillet of Beef with Mushroom Croquette, Whiskey Sauce
Coq Au Vin Pie, Chicken Marinated and Braised in Red Wine with Bacon and Onions
Confit of Duck, Garlic and Olive Oil Puree Potato, Port Sauce
Pan Fried Medallions of Pork, Fried Chinese Cabbage, Hol Sin Sauce
Fillet of Salmon Smoked to Order, Watercress Mayonnaise
Dublin Bay Prawns Neuberg, Wild Rice

Monkfish Roasted on the Bone, Bell Pepper and Tomato Stew
Tagliatelle of Wild Mushrooms and Asparagus, Regato Cheese Shavings

Along with all these wonderful dishes, they have a selection of desserts and cheese.

Favorite Dish: I had the Tagliatelle of wild mushrooms. For dessert l shared the Banana and rum souffle.
The Bristro also bake their own bread which is available to buy. There is also a 10% service charge which is distributed to staff. Expect to pay a lot of money. Its a very upmarket restaurant.

Favorite Dish: Good fresh bistro style food, in a fantastic location, with linen tablecloths and fresh flowers. Rolys has at least 6 red and 6 white house wines to choose from, in addition to a reasonably priced wine list. Fantastic athmosphere with non-stop chatter. Wonderful for the extremely good value lunch menu! Gluten free home made bread and home made desserts to die for especially the chocolate ones!

very busy restaurant with reasonable food and wine prices.chef patron colin o daly award winning chef. need to book.great athmosphere though a little noisy when full(which seems to be always)

Favorite Dish: dublin bay prawns. newburg style a rich cream and cognac sauce really good

high price and very elegant atmosphere..may be it is the best in dublin

Favorite Dish: Pan-Fried Salmon but all were delicous esply deserts and ýrýsh cafe after all....