The Left Bank Bistro

The Left Bank Bistro Review

One of Athlone's culinary gems, this bistro is noted for its early-bird menu which runs through the evening (except Saturday, when it ends at 7 pm), filled with such delights as monkfish and chorizo sausage on buttery mash, beef Stroganoff, or wild mushroom risotto. Later on, the beige-on-brown dining room fills up with people happy to choose Asian-fusion dishes from the main dinner menu, which favors steaks, fish, and duck. For lunch, the most popular dish is tandoori chicken breast on focaccia bread with sautéed potatoes. Irresistible desserts include Mississippi mud pie, pavlova roulade, and lemon-and-lime cheesecake. If you don't feel that hungry, there is also a tapas menu to pick and choose from. Ask joint-owner Annie McNamara about the Left Bank dressing, a specially bottled vinaigrette that people come from all across Ireland to buy.