July 14th marks Bastille Day 2023, which is the national day of France. Dublin has some brilliant French establishments, whether it be restaurants, crêperies or just some delicious French cheese and wine. Here’s how you can mark the day in a way that’ll make the French proud!
Fallon & Byrne’s French Weekend
Fallon & Byrne are pulling out all the stops to celebrate Bastille Day 2023! Firstly, you can get 20% off all Champagnes in-store until Sunday 16th July – Champagne tastes especially good when there’s a little bit of a discount involved… You can also get their heavenly freshly baked baguettes for only €1 until this Sunday.
Today, Friday 14th between 12-2pm, their food hall will be opening their incredible Comté Grand Cru Wheel, and will be hosting a fruit tasting – Friday’s lunch break just got even better!
Tomorrow, Saturday 15th from 2pm, Fallon & Byrne will also be hosting a luxury truffle tasting with the premium brand, Alena Truffle Caviar – opulence at its finest!
Camembert from Fade Street Social
We could not write this list without giving a mention to the delightful baked Camembert at Fade Street Social. Scented with rosemary, drizzled with truffle honey and topped with elderflower pressed pears and raisin & orange chutney. Drooling. Dip the toasted sourdough into the ooey gooey cheese and you’ll be in heaven. They say you can share this between 2-3 people but really, it will just be one each…. for the day that’s in it, after all!
French restaurants
We’ve got a full guide on some of Dublin’s best French restaurants, but here are some spots worth a visit in honour of Bastille Day 2023!
Chez Max – Bastille Day 2023 celebrations
The much-loved Chez Max is already one of the top spots in Dublin for some authentic French food, made even more brilliant by the fact that they recently won the AFMR’s World’s French Restaurant! In honour of Bastille Day 2023, you can head to Chez Max on Palace Street after 5pm to celebrate with them in style. Expect live jazz, a free punch cocktail, and all the good vibes! While you’re there, make sure to give their Moules Frites a try, you won’t be disappointed.
Scallop St. Jacques at Mermaid – Bresson Monkstown
Bresson is a French fine dining spot in Monkstown, and a fine one at that. If you’re looking to try something a little different, Bresson just opened their takeaway pop-up, Mermaid, to suit all your summer picnic needs! Their Scallop St. Jacques is a must try – 3 grilled scallops, Smoked haddock & bacon chowder, served with mash & gruyère cheese – how very French, and how very inviting!
Côte de Boeuf at La Maison
It’s no secret that a Côte de Boeuf is one of life’s many pleasures – a large piece of tender beef, served with all the sauces and sides, what could be better? Head to La Maison, one of Dublin’s wonderful French brasseries, and give this dish a try – thank us later.
Crôque Madame/Monsieur from Madame Monsieur
A perfect lunch for Bastille Day 2023 is a ham and cheese sandwich – French style. Crôque Madames/Monsieurs take the humble ham and cheese toastie to a whole new level – gruyère cheese, béchamel sauce, and even an egg! Head to Madame Monsieur to get your Crôque fix!
French Treats
Crêpes from Voici Crêperie and Le Petit Breton
Celebrate Bastille Day 2023 like the French intended – with crêpe in hand. Whether it’s a sweet temptation or a savoury galette, Voici Crêperie in Rathmines or Le Petit Breton in Drumcondra will sort you right out. Throw in a charcuterie board and some wine and your time there is guaranteed to be fantastique.
Macarons from Ladurée
It may be cliché, but really, where else would you go to get some authentic French macarons than Ladurée? These little bites of heaven will never get old, and if you’re heading here you may as well order one of their decadent chocolat chauds to pair alongside your beautiful macarons – make the French proud!
Coffee and a Treat from Le Petit Perroquet
Get transported to Paris when you head to Le Petit Perroquet on Wicklow Street. Freshly made pastries, tarts and decadent treats are to be expected, and how else should you start your morning on Bastille Day than with a coffee and a treat? For only €3.80, you can satisfy that morning craving and do the French proud.
I’m a Palestinian who grew up in Cyprus and moved to Dublin in 2013, so I’ve had a mishmash of different cultures and cuisines surrounding me my whole life. I’m an avid foodie, and after realising that life as a lawyer was not for me, I studied media and became a radio host for Dublin City FM. I’m now writing for TheTaste full time, but I also have my own food blog where you can find a mixture of restaurant reviews and the occasional recipe. I talk a lot about being Palestinian; to be honest, I talk a lot in general. That’s why I did radio!
