Bloom Brasserie, Upr. Baggot St., Dublin 4.

Bloom Brasserie in located on Upr. Baggot Street, just over the canal bridge, and facing Baggot Street hospital. Chef and owner Pól O’ hÉannraich has been hitting all the right notes since they opened almost two years ago. Rave reviews and happy customers are a great combination for any restaurant, and Bloom has both in spades.

The restaurant is in the basement, but for all that, it is still a bright and airy space, decorated in creams, with nice art on the walls, shiny wooden floors and some exposed brickwork to add texture. There is a terrace outside, so when the weather is sunny, you can enjoy a spot of al fresco dining in a sheltered setting.

Lunch is served daily and caters for office workers from the business district around, as well as shoppers looking for a break from the retail therapy. The lunch menu is fairly eclectic, and features a range of options, including a selection of open sandwiches, four or five hot smaller dishes like a selection of hummus and tapenades on chargrilled bread, or if you fancy a main course, choose from Irish mussels in white wine and cream with home cut fries, confit duck leg or baked cod.

In the evening there is a tapas menu from 5pm, and of course the A la Carte, which from Monday Thursday offer two courses and a glass of wine for €25. They also run this offer on Friday and Saturdays as an early bird option.

Bloom Brasserie is a lively and buzzy spot with a talented chef and friendly and professional staff. It is perfect for a casual lunch, the terrace offers one of the few outdoor dining options in this part of town, and the food is top notch.