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All 848 Dublin Restaurants »

The French Paradox

53, Shelbourne road | Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland
016604068
Ranked #80 of 848 restaurants in Dublin
4.5 of 5 stars 22 Reviews
Price range: €16 - €154
Cuisines: Basque, French, Mediterranean, Wine Bar
More restaurant details
Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic, Bar Scene, Business, Outdoor seating
Dining options: Lunch Spot, Reservations, After-hours
Description: Ballsbridge���s The French Paradox is the stuff of food legend. Imagine this ��� you���ve popped in to buy a bottle of wine from the range of more than 150. Hang on a minute, they offer freshly baked bread too... and cigars, cheeses, oils. It���s enough to make your stomach gurgle with longing. And how on earth are you going to choose from those bottles, each one glinting at you cheekily? I suppose you could head for the tasting room and just try a little sip of wine and, seeing as your there, a dish or two from the amazing menu of French tapas-style dishes. A little charcuterie, a few cheeses, perhaps a larger salad or omelette now your stomach���s in the mood. Now, what was it you came out for again?
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22 reviews from our community

90% Recommend
    14
    6
    0
    1
    1
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
BettyLinn
Dublin, Ireland
Senior Contributor
24 reviews
26 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Love this cosy little wine bar. Small choice of delicious French cuisine, mouthwatering cheese and wines available by the glass. More

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golemma79
Carrickmacross, Ireland
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews
7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 December 2011

Loved every second of this meal out... a lovely small little place with 2 floors, bottles and cases of wine stacked throughout, the smell of food was just lovely and all coming out of this tiny galley kitchen... we were sitting right beside the kitchen on high stools and table and it was lovely to see all the food being... More

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Worldtowander
Miami, FL
Senior Contributor
21 reviews
25 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 October 2011

Had dinner at this location and it was great! We did not have a bottle of wine but rather a glass. The selection of wines by the glass was nice, particularly the Aramis. The food is delicious. They have daily specials which are reasonably priced. I recommend the duck confit if available. More

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kieran80
Dublin, Ireland
Contributor
12 reviews
6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 September 2011

I go here often, at least once a month and think its terrific fun. There are other 'wine bars' in Dublin but they all expect you to eat a meal and so are really just restaurants. The French Paradox is a real wine bar, meaning no dining expectation, just great wine. And food if you need a snack try the... More

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Crocbit
Senior Contributor
37 reviews
9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 September 2011

Decided to try a local . It was small but cosy and to our surprise it was packed. We decided to have the offer of two courses or three. I went for the three and my Husband for the two. First up was the duck terrine with salad. It was tasty and I enjoyed it. Hubby had the same. Next... More

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ishida96
Dublin, Ireland
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 September 2011

Some people think that it is a restaurant and use it for lunch etc without sampling the wide range of mostly French ( and some Spanish) wines. Best when the proprietors are there! Good basic French food; particularly try their onion soup. More

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HappyVoyagerIreland
Ireland
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews
2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 September 2011

What can I say but wow! This restaurant is true decadence. Wines from floor to ceiling and foie gras cooked nearly every way. The pan seared foie gras with mango is a taste sensation, and a must buy. At nearly 19euro it's very expensive but you will not be disappointed. I love the fact that you can buy taster glasses... More

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BowdenJana
Kilkenny
2 reviews
2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 July 2011

The is all about real French food, who cares about a few calories the food here washed down with a good wine is pure decadent and well wort a visit, but go hungry. More

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CyanIrw
Dublin, Ireland
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 June 2011

We went for dinner and drinks. Great selection of foods. If you can fit it have the Camenbert fondue !! SO good. Would advise sharing it as it is yummy and filling. Wines from reasonable and there was a shop so we could buy some for home. Brought the boyfriend and he loved it as well. Easy walk home after... More

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rockfist
Dublin
Top Contributor
64 reviews
28 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 June 2011

Not your stereotypical restaurant by any means! My first time there the menu baffled us, the waiter just said 'if you want I'll choose 8 plates so everyone gets everything'. What he brought out was unreal!!! Best one was the Camembert fondue but no dish was left with anything on it. Any special occasion now for my family we go... More

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