The Lucky Tortoise is set to open a new location in Temple Bar this Wednesday, April 27.

The new venue is off the beaten track but still central on Adsills Row. That’s the lane just after Elephant and Castle and before the fishing shop. Booking is recommended, especially for larger groups. Reservations can be made online for the fifty seater restaurant, and they have a new waiting list system in place that should help you find a suitable slot.

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Lucky Tortoise is a creative, independent, affordable and vigorously exuberant spot that delivers quality Dim Sum in Dublin. They started as a pop-up restaurant in Ranelagh a few years ago before opening their permanent location on Aungier Street early in 2019.

The menu has expanded and is “definitely an evolution”, according to John Ennis, their managing director. Their new venue has a more extensive kitchen, which has allowed them to expand and flourish. In addition, the beer and wine-focused drinks list features local IPAs and lager and wines from Wine Lab on tap.

Lucky Tortise is a Dim Sum spot that takes Pan-Asian influence stemming from John’s time living in Korea and Japan. However, the dish he is most excited about is Bo Ssan. Made of slow-roasted BBQ pork, lettuce, and house-made ssamjang sauce. This particular dish is something he used to eat regularly in Korea. John said that his head chef, Stephen Ryan, “has done a great job of recreating” the one bite wonder you eat with your hands.

They serve an “All In” Menu for twenty-eight euros. It’s the best way to sample their menu because it features all the dishes from their menu, served family-style. They have both Vegetarian and Vegan versions as well.

Luck of the tortoise has been with them because the core team at their new venue has been with them for a while. In an era of staff shortages, especially in hospitality, the team has done well to hold onto their staff.

Elsewhere on Char: Char’s Guide to Dublin 7