Great pub fare aside, Dublin is not necessarily known as a culinary city. But culinary it is, and Hugo’s is at the forefront of quality, bringing a delightful combination of French and international fare to the fair city. The interior of the small restaurant is cozy and delicate, with little flourishes of rich colors, French country tapestries and elegant patterns that make you feel welcome rather than afraid to spill something. Their wine collection adorns the back wall, uplit by twinkle lights that bring down the pretension and take the ambiance up one notch further.
The real star at Hugo’s, though, is of course the food. Starters range from a heaping bowl of creamy garlic steamed mussels to queen scallops with chorizo, an intruiging combination, or a simple platter of charcuterie and artisanal cheeses. Mains, which run from €18-27, range from sundried tomato and artichoke risotto (I get hungry just typing that!) to grilled wild venison, and the options are constantly changing so you can always try something new.
Hugo’s extensive wine list incorporates vino from just about every wine-producing country. And I am talking good vino – no Cono Sur to be found here. Reds, whites and dessert wines are rounded out by a selection of 11 different champagnes.
I also love the fact that Hugo’s sources only Irish beef, the best kind, free range, organic eggs and French cured meats. The service, as well, is as mannered and prompt as you would expect from any top notch European restaurant.
The cute little blue-fronted bistro sits unassumingly at 6 Merrion Row, just a stone’s throw from St. Stephen’s Green. They offer a pre-theatre menu from 5-7 pm every night, brunch and live jazz on Sundays and a regular lunch menu from 12-5 pm during the week.
Hugo’s
6 Merrion Row
Dublin 2
1 676 5955
www.hugos.ie
by Megan Eaves
