Going for tapas is becoming more and more popular in Dublin city. Recently my family and I enjoyed tapas in Fade St. Social by Dylan McGrath. Tapas are a variety of small savoury dishes which you share between friends. The Gastro Bar, Fade St. Social by Dylan McGrath offer simple, seasonal and flavoursome tapas appetisers, both hot and cold.

Baby crab toasties with melted cheese, duck egg hollandaise, skinny fries and truffle mayonnaise €8.95

Skinny fries with grated Parmesan €3.95

Whole soft shell crab in sesame spice flour with miso mayonnaise, crab and lemongrass dipping sauce €9.00

Charcoal roasted great Irish sirloin with a parmesan, chestnut and mushroom tart €20.00

It is suggested that you choose three dishes per person, we opted for four and the bill accumulated very quickly. Dishes range from €3.95 to €20.

Chinese pork belly €10.50

The dishes are brought out as they are ready, the Chinese pork belly, slow cooked with Asian spices and crispy peanut brittle €10.50 was first to our table of four and it didn’t last very long. I would have preferred if at least 3/4 dishes came out together so that we didn’t have to nibble away at one dish. Although, it wasn’t long before the other dishes started making an appearance.

Salted popcorn with crispy free-range chicken cooked in tapioca flour, rolled in sumac with truffle butter €5.50

Prawn tempura on charred crusty bread with pesto, tomato, herbs, lemon puree and good olives €9.00

I was unfamiliar with the menu so my choices were both hit and miss. I’d be more confident in my selection a second time round and I know I’d enjoy it even more. The presentation is impressive and the food is all very tasty, I just preferred some dishes to others.

Mini goats cheese logs wrapped in ham brushed with balsamic and truffle honey €5.50

If you’re a fan of goats cheese, I’d definitely recommend these little babies – they’re scrumptious!

Charred tuna loin with heirloom tomato, toast, aubergine and walnut puree €10.50

The tuna was my favourite dish of all – the meat melted in my mouth and the veg was crunchy and very tasty. The lady next to me, had ordered it and I was eyeing up the dish since I sat down – it was a good decision.

The Gastro Bar is buzzing with a busy atmosphere in the heart of Dublin city. The staff are all very friendly and accommodating, we had no reservation but we were seated quickly in the very busy tapas bar.  One of our desserts, Basil sugar doughnuts with lychee and mango dipping sauce €6.95 was delayed in coming out – it was taken off he bill without any discussion.

It’s a great spot for food, chats and wine, before a night on the town.

Thanks for reading X