Bedlam Restaurant Dublin Castle Market

Dublin's newest cafe bar and restaurant, Bedlam is beautifully decorated with design touches at every turn. May Frisby's new venture is art that conceals design. Everything seems thrown together, but it's not. From the unique wallpapers, the fur throws, the mis-matched tables and chairs or the glazed crockery, the effect is stunning, creating a relaxed yet vibrant space right in the heart of the city.

The theme of the food here is Meditarranean with a New York twist. Bedlam are trying to keep it simple - a not overy-long menu featuring lots of favourites that runs from morning right through the day until the dinner menu kicks in at 6-ish.

The location is hard to beat for a spot of people watching. Castle Market has more than it's fair share of interesting types walking past, and the big windows make this a great spot for watching the world go by. Hopefully as the Summer approaches the large terrace will come more into it's own, it is one of the best places to lunch al fresco in Dublin.

We recommed the rotisserie chicken or pork, the pork especially being ridiculously tasty. If you fancy something lighter the tempura of haddock and chips are very good, or their lunchtime falafel in pitta with cumin yoghurt is one of my favourite quick bites.

In the evening Bedlam becomes more of a venue for a night out with friends - it has a bit of buzz about it and the music is normally pretty cool. Try the chargrilled tuna steak with rocket and caper salsa, or the honey glazed baby back ribs are hard to beat. They have a full bar, cocktails are on the menu and afterwards you are a stones throw from anywhere worth going.

Bedlam is a welcome addition to the Dublin restaurant scene - it's more film star than Michelin star, more random than Ramsay, but it's fun and different and we like it.