Simmons Restaurant is the hotel’s contemporary Irish dining destination, overlooking the gardens and placing seasonality, provenance and a strong sense of place at the centre of the experience.

It has that glow of a happy place – diners enjoying their choices with clear satisfaction, a glow that permeates the entire ground floor of the InterContinental hotel.

The very talented Restaurant Head Chef Abhimanyu Behl and Restaurant Manager Nick Meunier and his smiling young professionals deliver at each and every turn. 

Simmons Restaurant is one of those unique value-for-money modern bistros that encompassed each and every wish of a busy and travel weary diner whilst also managing to hit the sweet spot for the many locals who seem to consider Simmons as their place.

THE FOOD

The food continues on the theme of being a restaurant for all. The menu starts with a choice of five snacks including pitch perfect Chorizo Croquettes and glistening Irish Oysters. 

Starters to follow are an array of local provenance – local sourcing is the core ethos here. 

The Ballymakenny (Co Louth) Potato and Garlic Soup was a bowl of the deepest flavours; warm silky goodness as Autumn dawns. Ardsallagh (Co Cork) Goat’s Cheese and Heirloom Beetroot Carpaccio has perfect taste and textures. Connemara Scallops were paired with a Sweetcorn Salsa as the ripest corns are still being harvested in north Co Dublin. And finally, this would not be a Dublin Bistro if it did not feature a Dublin Bay Prawn Cocktail. 

Main Courses include Dry Aged Rib Eye and Fillet Steaks from the grill. Chef ‘Abhi’ goes to extraordinary lengths to source the finest Irish Beef. Good classic Lamb Cutlets reminds one of the Dublin of the ‘good auld times’ when a plump cutlet would have topped the ‘must have’ Mixed Grill. 

The Roast Aubergine coupled with Piquillo Pepper Salsa is a ‘to travel for’ dish.

When skill is hidden in plain sight it gets discovered in the choice of the quite simply named ‘Pan Fried Chicken Supreme’. This plate of deliciousness emerges from the kitchen with a creamy concoction of cep mushrooms; pearl onions; peas and tarragon. This diner was transported back to Bouchon in Lyon.

Is there a signature dish – it has got to be The Pan Seared Dover Sole expertly filleted table-side by Maître Nick Meunier.

Desserts include an Apple Entremet, right on season, celebrating new season Irish Apples and two classics a Rum Baba and a proper Banana Split.

THE WINE

This list has been carefully assembled with expert knowledge. Apart from the best vintages from the finest worldwide regions, the by the glass selection is all telling – more than a dozen grape varieties, six countries and 15 regions within those countries. Value-for-money is also evident. 

The Lobby Lounge is the hotel’s all-day social space, overlooking the Garden Terrace and providing a welcoming setting for everything from morning coffee and lunch to cocktails and evening dining. The atmosphere is elegant but informal, making it equally suited to meeting friends, enjoying a leisurely meal or settling in for drinks.

The menu combines seasonal dishes with classic favourites, while the drinks offering includes cocktails, Champagne and other carefully selected beverages.

The Whiskey Bar provides a more intimate setting for drinks within the hotel, with an emphasis on classic cocktails and a selection of whiskeys. It offers a relaxed space for a pre-dinner drink, an evening cocktail or a quieter end to the day.

Afternoon Tea at InterContinental Dublin is served daily in the elegant surroundings of The Reading Room, overlooking the Garden Terrace. It features finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and a selection of handcrafted pastries prepared by Head Pastry Chef Orna Larkin and her team.

Guests can choose from an extensive selection of loose-leaf teas, with Champagne options available for those looking to make the occasion particularly special. Dietary requirements, including gluten-free options, can be accommodated, and a children’s Afternoon Tea is also available.

The Reading Room itself provides a beautiful setting for the experience and also doubles as a venue for private dining, intimate celebrations and other special occasions.