Fade Street Social is a sprawling, lively venue off Grafton Street that manages to be both a serious restaurant and a place where you can drop in for cocktails and small plates. The gastro bar section at street level does simple things well — charcuterie, oysters, flatbreads from the wood oven, excellent burgers. The more formal restaurant section upstairs takes a longer, more considered approach.
The kitchen has a strong track record under Dylan McGrath, and quality has remained consistent across both formats. The room is loud and energetic, which suits its central location. It is a reliable choice in an area where the competition can be uninspiring. The cocktail programme is well thought through.