Fallon and Byrne Wine Cellar, Exchequer Street, Dublin 2

The Wine Cellar at Fallon & Byrne

Fallon & Byrne on Exchequer Street in Dublin 2 is a foodie heaven spread over three floors, the first floor ‘Restaurant’, the ground floor ‘Food Hall’ and the basement ‘Wine Cellar’.

Patrick and I have dined in the Fallon & Byrne Restaurant in the past (a revisit is on the cards). We’ve shopped in its glorious Food Hall where you can purchase everything from fresh cuts of meat to jarred foie gras, seasonal vegetables to freshly baked breads – there’s a reason it was voted for Best Food and Drink in the ‘Irish Times Best Shops 2015’ campaign.

However it wasn’t until quite recently (they’ve updated the menu since) that I dined in the Wine Cellar. Yes I had spent an odd afternoon sipping wine with a friend there but I hadn’t tasted their menu. So there was no better time to trial their wares than a late afternoon excursion in the city centre with Patrick, our baby son Smith and Patrick’s Mum. 

When you think basement you think stairs and yes they do exist but so too does a lift which took us all (baby in pram) effortlessly to the basement level. 

The Wine Cellar is laid out well. There is ample room between tables and enough to suit small or large groups. It has somewhat of a french style to it with the french style cafe chairs, the posters of cult classic music and bands adorning the massive pillars and walls, oh and of course the wine, who could forget the wine! … adorning the walls and merchandised in a way you want to take the whole display home, chalkboards and all.

I found the Wine Cellar Menu impressive and felt it has something to tickle most people’s taste buds. Salads (from €7.95) for those who fancy something light. Nibbles (from €3.50) for those who fancy something lighter. Soups (from €6.50), sandwiches (from €8.95) sides (from €3.95) and of course main dishes (from €13.95). If you fancy sharing then they have special sharing plates and boards that start from €9.95 and include selections that range from oysters or pâté to cheese and crusty baguette. 

On the day we dined there, both Patrick and his Mum ordered from the Sandwich section and enjoyed the Warm Angus Beef Brisket on Buttermilk Bun with House BBQ Sauce, Celeriac, Golden Raisin Slaw and Mixed Leaves.

The brisket was tender and tasty, the BBQ sauce complimentary. The slaw was as far as we were concerned regular slaw as opposed to golden raisin slaw but it was fresh and creamy all the same.

I also ordered from the Sandwich section and enjoyed the Chicken & Portobello on Sourdough Baguette with Free Range Chicken, Portobello Mushrooms, Carmalised Onions and Mixed Leaves. 

I also ordered a side of Chunky Potato Wedges with Basil Aioli. I really enjoyed the flavours of the chicken which had soaked up all the delicious juices from the mushrooms and onions.

To wash our late lunches down we enjoyed a bottle of Pinot Grigio with our meals and espresso’s when we were finished. There was no room for dessert that day but we did take ourselves to the pasty counter in the Food Hall afterwards and took home a handful of delightful chocolatey and fresh pastry treats. How could you resist?! I know I can resist everything except temptation.

Although food is served all day from noon, I feel the Wine Cellar at Fallon & Byrne is a great spot for late lunch in the city centre, especially when so many restaurants close after lunch service at 3pm and reopen at 5pm or later. The food was fresh, tasty and reasonable in price for the quality. The selection of wine was fantastic. The ambience was perfect for meeting with friends or family for a wine and dine. The staff were good.  

A tip for wine drinking partners – make your lunch date a Monday when the corkage on all wine is only €1. Then choose a really lovely bottle, catch up on news and as Fallon & Byrne say themselves have a ‘HAPPY MONDAY’

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