Somewhere between the welcoming "bonjour" at Excuse My French and the last scrape of mustard sauce from my plate, it became clear that this Ranelagh restaurant offers an experience unlike any other in Dublin. The feeling is reminiscent of inadvertently discovering a charming eatery on a rainy evening in Bordeaux—one you’d endlessly search for after leaving. Yet this gem is nestled within the upscale neighborhood of Ranelagh, Dublin, and it delivers French cuisine without the clichés often found in pop culture portrayals.
Founded last autumn by Colin Dapot from Toulouse and his wife, Sidjy Batista from La Rochelle, the restaurant showcases their passion for authentic French cooking. The venue itself is narrow, featuring a deli counter at the front and a cozy space with a few tables tucked away in the back. During the day, it buzzes with customers enjoying coffee and croissants, while evenings (Wednesday to Sunday) reveal a concise yet confidently curated menu accompanied by an impressive wine list.
Colin’s warm demeanor makes each visitor feel less like a customer and more like a friend stopping in for a meal. His attentive service and genuine interactions are complemented by Lucas Soret, a charming waiter whose French hospitality enhances the inviting atmosphere.
The menu offers a small but appealing selection of starters, mains, and desserts. We began our meal with cheese croquettes and onion soup. The croquettes were a delightful mix of crisp exteriors harboring a raclette-rich béchamel, served alongside a tomato jam that balanced sweetness and acidity. The onion soup, however, was milder than traditional counterparts, lacking the deep, caramelized flavors expected from a classic.
Accompanying the meal was a well-curated wine list featuring almost twenty options by the glass, including a superb Famille Paquet Mâcon-Villages.
As the mains arrived, the fish pie captivated with its gratin-like topping and a filling of white and smoked fish combined with tender potatoes, striking just the right balance of indulgence without heaviness. Served alongside a flavorful green salad, it was a light but satisfying choice. Equally enticing was the pork in mustard sauce, a rich dish complemented by delicate spaetzle and pleasantly spiced courgette spaghetti. The mustard sauce was so delicious you might consider savoring it by the spoon.
Desserts were simple yet satisfying. A speculoos biscuit with marmalade cream featured a firm base topped with a delightful orange-scented cream. The apple cake, an heirloom recipe from Batista’s mother, was moist and homely, dotted with apples and served with a scoop of ice cream.
Excuse My French excels not by overcomplicating dishes but through a dedication to quality and care in preparation. The atmosphere, fostered by happy patrons sharing a meal in a casual setting, is a testament to its charm. A dinner for two, including a bottle of wine, set us back €120, which felt just right for the experience provided.
In summary, Excuse My French combines simple French fare with a lovely neighborhood vibe, making it a noteworthy destination for food lovers seeking genuine culinary experiences in Dublin.