Bleu Bistro Moderne, City Centre South

Went for a work lunch here recently and found the restaurant to be fairly busy serving the lunch time trade. We had the €17 menu which was two courses. I think the price was a little steep for what we actually were served as you had to pay extra for fries/potatos/beans on the side which brought up the price with drinks a bit. Nevertheless the risotto I had was delicious and really full of flavour and cooked to perfection and the dessert was equally delicious. The other diners were happy with their orders although the vegetarian in the group found her dish to be over bearing in flavour. Staff were helpful, could possibly be a bit more friendly when taking orders but overall a nice lunch a worth a look.

Two of us went for the early bird option before Christmas and even though the restaurant was very busy, we still felt the service was good. Not a huge variety of options on the menu, but this is One Pico food at much lower prices. I ate in One Pico later that week and spotted a number of very similar dishes. Definitely the cheaper option, less plush surroundings, but arguably better value for money.

I have been dining in this restaurant for a number of years but my last experience was dreadfull. When we arrived, the lady behind the phone (who could do with a smile at least when the guests arrive) told us the table was not ready so we had to wait at the bar for 30 minutes where we were completely ignored by a waiter who seemed to be very annoyed. We asked for our drinks twice and when we finally got them, it turned out he poured us from a wrong bottle. We then were seated at the worst table in the restaurant, way too close to the kitchen so we had to listen the whole evening to chef's loud orders and not always nice comments. That totally spoilt the whole atmosphere, which in my opinion was already very unprofessional. We were more or less happy with the food, we both had the Belligham blue salad for starter and steak as a main course. I liked the steak particulary but the sauce was a bit cold so when I asked the waiter whether I could get some warm sauce, I was left forgotten. He also spilled a bit of sauce on my husband's suite and did not understand us very well. I don't think he was very experienced. This restaurant used to be one of my favourite places to eat but due the VERY poor quality of service provided now, I highly doubt I will be ever coming back - and my friends who are regular guests as well shall hear about this, too.