LONG before the Cultural Quarter came into being came The Grill on the Square.

And while the area around Palmyra Square has become a haven for bars and eateries, it remains at the top of its game.

The owners have achieved massive success with Spanish restaurant Las Ramblas and huge excitement surrounds this year’s opening of Italian San Lorenzo.

But you know if you go to The Grill on the Square, you are always going to get a good meal.

We visited on a cold Thursday night in February yet it place was packed with a lovely atmosphere provided by the live music.

Sited in the former post office building, the high ceilings create a perfect space for a restaurant.

We selected a delicious warm Camembert cheese to start which came with truffle honey and warm baguette.

The cheese was gooey and comforting and the only complaint was it left you wanting more.

For mains, I chose the monkfish and tiger prawn tikka masala which was rich, creamy and decadent with a warming hint of spice as well.

My wife meanwhile had the beef bourguignon pie which came with mash and carrots.

And it is these twists on classics which make The Grill on the Square such a favourite.

We were pretty full by this point but still found some room for dessert. It would be rude not to.

I went for the chocolate fondant which was cooked to perfection and came with an oozing, gooey centre.

My wife loved her chocolate tart from the specials menu.

We were driving, but a wide variety of beer, wine and cocktails are served should you be visiting without a car.

It is the original and for me, still the best in town.

Gareth Dunning