What’s on offer?
Husband-and-wife-team Jason and Zuzana Warner worked in the restaurant trade in Dublin for years before heading to Sydney for a four-year stint in commercial catering. They returned to Dublin full of ideas, and when this Montague Street premises became available – a hole in the wall with loads of potential – they knew it was the perfect spot for a daytime cafe, serving breakfasts, cakes, coffee and lunch sandwiches. They opened Green Bench Cafe in October 2012.
Their bread comes from the Bretzel Bakery and is the only thing they don’t make in-house. Sandwiches are made to order, and there is a tempting display of flapjacks, brownies, and white chocolate and raspberry slices on the counter where you order. The sandwiches change daily – and sausage rolls are a special on Fridays.
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What did we order?
A hoisin roast pork sandwich with soup, a beef meatball sandwich and a veggie bean chilli hot pot.
How was the service?
Service is warm and friendly, and there are plenty of regulars. You order at the counter and wait for your order to be called.
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Was the food nice?
The sandwiches are on toasted bread. The hoisin pork is loaded with pork and stuffing, red cabbage slaw and rocket, with pepper relish adding a sweet note. The creamy soup is delicious – sweet potato with coconut and lime. The meatball sandwich has scamorza cheese which is melting deliciously, along with celeriac remoulade, pesto and rocket. The hot pot is substantial, filled with beans and lentils and topped with tomato salsa and jalapeño. It comes with basmati rice, sour cream and tortilla chips.
What about the packaging?
All the packaging is paper or cardboard, so either recyclable or compostable. The cutlery is plastic, so bring your own if you’re eating there.
What did it cost?
€31 for lunch for three people: hoisin roast pork sandwich with soup, €12.00; beef meatball sandwich, €9.50; and a veggie bean chilli hot pot, €9.50.
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Where does it deliver?
Takeaway only, open Tue-Fri, 8.30am-3pm.
Would I order it again?
These are top-tier sandwiches. They are very generously sized, and the vegetarian hot pot is also a great thing to order.
