Gruel, Dublin

Simple, well made food at a decent price. Unique style and atmosphere too.

Relive childhood summer holidays here by ordering the chocolate brownies and the homemade lemonade.It’s just like being in a cafe frequented by NYU students in Manhatten. Fabulous but understated. Bring a copy of Vogue and it’s the perfect place for solo lunches.

Fab little eatery that makes simple food taste a million Euro!
They do great soups, and if you are treating yourself then get the roast roll for lunch (you wont eat dinner after wards, not only wont you be hungry, but you want want to spoil the last meal’s tastes in your memory!

Gruel is a wonderfully relaxed little restaurant beside the Gaiety theatre. The décor is functional and indicates a cafe, but the food is retaurant standard, with prices somewhere in between the two. The menu changes every day and is generally vegetarian friendly, you’ll see things like risottos, bangers and mash and quiches. The food is simple, fresh and delicious and never fails to satisfy. It’s not a place for a special occasion, but perfect for the solo diner or a relaxed date. Unpretentious, the emphasis is on the food, and you’re paying for a great meal, rather than fancy décor and blazing white linen. If only there could be more restaurants like this!

I’ve been here a couple of times and am looking forward to visiting again when I next come to Dublin. They do great, non-pretentious, big-portioned and above all tasty food. Expect no small-portioned works of art on a plate here but instead tuck into some great nosh, there was some art installation along one side of the place too consisting of carved rifle butts which added some ambience. Staff are friendly and accomodating (my request for more gravy was met without fuss). They also have a great selection of cakes on the oounter as you walk in.

“We Gruel You Drool” is the motto of this cosy home style venue. It is billed by the owners as a delicatessen, however I have found that to be an inadequate title, as to me it is more of a laid back restaurant.
It is the little sibling of The Mermaid Cafe (just a few shops further along Dame Street) which is a classy eatery, and so I have always felt like I get a bit of that higher class menu’s charms for cheaper here. They are jointly owned by chef Ben Gorman and his friend the artist Mark Harrell, both men are regularly at hand in these establishments, and to me that is always a plus. They are friendly and put their own touch on each venue, explaining away the scrumptious food and lively changing art displays. The furniture is mismatched and charming, although a little poky it is a flexible space and I can normally find a corner to occupy.
I love the hearty soups here, however friends cannot walk by the place if it is a roast day, I think it’s the quailty that gets them cleaning their plates!

After a long walk around dublin in mild november air, it got a little cool in the end.

Among many places on Dame Street which were fully booked, Gruel was yet another cozy looking Dublin café, crowded, but they had room for us. Their signature dish seems to be different versions of “Roast in a Roll” served daily.

On the menu, we could choose between soups, pasta, salads, stews, and other very delicious sounding dishes. A good choice of beverages complements the meals including two kinds of Italian lager, crystal, and an ample choice of fruit juices and smoothies.

Along with a nice and tasty mussle stew, I had a Chardonnay, which unfortunately was a little tasteless. But the overall impression from what was served at other tables was very good and promising.

Being mainly a café - Gruel also offers a good choice of teas and Illy coffee -, Gruel’s food is very good, considering the moderate prices.

The waiters are a little hectic, but polite. Don’t be surprised if a little extra is forgotten along the way.

Even though the place is pretty crowded, the atmosphere is somewhat snug, dominated by wood on the walls. It is raw, un-processed shoulder parts of rifles put up in patterns around the room. They add to the warm light and give your eyes something to dwell on, besides the interesting people all around you - ranging from student to lawyer.

I have eaten here several times at lunch and it has always been great, mouth-watering prepared food. Excellent soups, different roast of the day during the week at lunch and fresh delicious salads at very reasonable prices. But it looks more like a local cafe with mismatched chairs and tables and a bit crowded but its ok I suppose. Had dinner here few weeks back and had a fantastic bruschetta to start and the tomato risotto with blue cheese and wine. Getting the bill was the best part as it is MUCH less than a similar meal in other restaurants. Excellent food!