The Stella Diner opened yesterday in Rathmines next door to The Stella Cinema, promising to bring a "taste of Manhattan" to Rathmines village. Both are owned by Press Up Entertainment (Roberta's, Sophie's, Wowburger), who also plan to open an Asian restaurant on Pleasants St, an upmarket bar and restaurant in the former Residence building on Stephen's Green and a hotel in Ranelagh this year.
The all-day menu features buttermilk pancakes, corned beef hash with home fries and meatloaf with gravy and mash, as well as a dessert counter with apple, key lime and Mississippi mud pies, and free refills on filter coffee. Sounds like Stateside holidays - here's hoping Stella does a better job than most highway diners.
Cocktails are inspired by their neighbour next door with names like "There's something about Bloody Mary", "Clockwork Banana" and "O bacon where art thou", with bourbon, bitters and bacon. Wine is from Press Up owner Paddy McKillen's vineyard Château la Coste in Provence
As usual with Press Up, the fit out looks pretty special. The exterior facade and doors are an original feature, and still has the name of its first tenants engraved above the door - Bank of Ireland. Seating is in leather booths or at the counter.
The Stella Diner opens seven days a week from 8am - 10pm. Reservations are only taken for groups of six or more.
The Stella Diner
211 Rathmines Road, Dublin 6
Ph: 01 4967063
