Wild Lily’s

As annoying of an adjective as many people find it, I have to say that Wild Lily’s is cute! Eating there is a bit like eating in a wealthier aunt’s house that is warm and welcoming, but also has some fancy touches. With the main bulk of the seating upstairs you feel like you’re in a converted house, but it works. It’s definitely a nice place you could take your mom for breakfast or go on a nice, quite romantic date. I only went here for breakfast, but the food was delicious and well-​portioned. I ordered my eggs scrambled and wasn’t disappointed, as in some places in Dublin finding scrambled eggs is as rare is finding that Leprechaun at the end of the rainbow with his big pot of gold! I can’t really comment on the service as it was someone I knew from my building and they of course treated us beautifully. I haven’t stopped in for the dinner, but it’s a bit pricier, but has still received high reviews from those who have tried it out. It’s definitely worth a look if you want to get away from rat race and have a nice relaxing meal in a comfortable environment.

It suits Wild Lily’s not to be situated in the heart of Dublin City Centre, a place where often the charisma of the once most treasured eateries can become disorientated in the tough context of the city’s hustle and bustle. Instead it can be rightfully found in the South county suburb of Rathmines, a more settled, modish district south of the city flurry. Within this milieu the overall French-​boudoir chic that they’re going for, upholstered rich purple velvet iron chairs and quintessentially English glass and steel cake-​stands flourish instead of being trounced by the city burger giants. Downstairs only seats 2 small tables and you could be forgiven as a passer by for thinking that it was simply a take-​away bakery but once you ascend the stairs you enter a whole different milieu that is jam-​packed with oodles of dark wooden tables, black-​painted floorboards that beautifully compliment the dark purple upholstery, dog-​eared looking mahogany cabinets to maintain the flawed French chic theme and waiting staff doing their utmost to keep up with the large contingency of customers baying for their attention so they can lay their hands on all of the mouthwatering offerings as soon as possible. The modest conservatory looking out over a wrought-​iron terrace with gravel would be my preferred place to relax with a pot of breakfast tea. Myself and a friend visited this rather enthralling little eatery on three occasions for brunch, and separately for tea and to experience the scrumptious cakes on offer — I opted for the delectably moist and plentiful chocolate cake which featured the captivating tag-​line, ‘as Grandma made’ (scones and cookies are also too frequently commented upon as being utterly yummy). Brunch was a wholesome delight, having both gone for the Full Irish we were treated to substantially-​sized ceramic plates of the full works, upon arrival on one of the occasions we were rather ravenous to say the least after a big one the night before and the waitress kindly gave us extra toast free of charge. Wild Lily’s has since acquired a very well thought-​of reputation as a charming bistro after 6pm serving such gems as seared scallops, roast chicken supreme with roast Mediterranean vegetables & basil mash (approx € 13.50), seabass, fillet steak with portobello mushrooms and potato gratin as well as the succulent tastes of foie gras with figs. Whatever your requirements, whether it be a gentle hot chocolate and luscious chocolate chip brownie in the afternoon or a more considerable evening meal this really is one of the most charismatic havens you will happen upon in Dublin’s fair town.