Chefs in Ireland have become highly creative due to its abundant larder. From three-Michelin star Ballyfin Demesne hotel to vegetarian restaurants that even hardened meat eaters will savor, there are an amazing range of restaurants offering amazing dining experiences across Ireland.
Mickael Viljanen made waves upon arriving at Chapter One in Dublin in 2021, while Ox in Belfast has set new standards with their tantalising tasting menus.
Dede
Ahmet Dede is making waves at his West Cork village of Baltimore restaurant with an innovative blend of Hiberno-Turkish fusion that adds a truly distinctive taste. Employing his all-Turkish team, Dede has shrugged off deference toward traditional culinary practices in his adopted home while forging ahead confidently with his signature style.
At this dining room reminiscent of an 1830s Palladian palace, star-winning cuisine stands up to its impressive surroundings. Made with local produce that is both superior and judiciously spiced – such as Achill lamb, Union Hall crab and an elevated take on street-food icli kofte to name but a few – its star quality stands out among its impressive surroundings.
Maria Archer knew when she took over the Customs House building that her new venture would soon become popular beyond their initial local customer base, so she made an astute decision by installing ResDiary early. This enabled them to offer tasting menus while also tracking walk-ins and managing their waiting list automatically.
Lir
Paul Hynes is a fine dining chef who brings informality, accessibility and seasonal food elements into this smartly presented Portadown restaurant. Together with his team of culinary specialists he delivers on his promise to offer classic French and Irish seafood dishes with modernized flavor profiles.
Bright, modern space offers an inviting retreat from city life, complete with subtle nautical decor and an open fire. Menu selection is simple with Strangford Lough mussels, Portavogie scampi and crab on toast being highlights; additionally there is also an extensive meat-eating selection including salt-aged steak for those craving protein.
Bar, cafe and an ice cream stand complete the offering at this family-friendly establishment with accessible facilities. There’s also an adjoining shop offering souvenirs, jewelry and other merchandise; and there is even a duty-free lounge! Make this restaurant part of your regular rotation!
The Dining Room
Trocadero has long been one of Dublin’s premier fine dining restaurants, making an appearance close to Molly Malone statue for over six decades. Spread across two 18th century red-brick buildings dating back to 1800, Trocadero serves up an Art Deco dining room experience featuring an extensive menu. Our recommendation? Try their EUR58 set menu featuring starters such as pressed pork belly and BBQ’d squid as starters with mains like market fish (changing regularly) or dry aged striploin.
At this year’s Irish Restaurant Awards, Clayton Hotel Burlington Road restaurant received the utmost honor of being named Ireland’s Best Restaurant. Over 1,000 hospitality professionals converged at Clayton Hotel Burlington Road Dublin to recognize Ireland’s premier establishments – TV chef Neven Maguire also earned an Outstanding Achievement award for his contribution to Irish cuisine and hospitality. Offering both express lunch and pre-theatre menus during the daytime as well as full a la carte dinner service in the evening, its modern Irish cuisine makes for an exquisite dining experience that serves express lunch pre-theatre menus during daytime and full a la carte service for dinner service later on in the nighttime.
Mourne Seafood Bar
Carlingford Lough’s premier destination for marine cuisine, this excellent eaterie brings its unique brand of marine fare to the waterfront of Carlingford Lough with an extensive menu for shellfish enthusiasts at all price levels. Enjoy oysters and mussels served either alone or with various accompaniments from a raw bar menu; crab-stuffed peppers; langoustines with piri piri prawns and dressed lobster;
Ronan and Jennie Sweeney, best known as the couple behind Balloo House (a GCGuides Pub of the Year), have applied their magic once more with this elegant transformation of Lisbarnett House located just north of Downpatrick village. At Lisbarnett House they use only local produce prepared simply and deliciously using classic techniques.
Variety Jones
If you want a taste of Irish cuisine, look no further. Few restaurants match the environment as closely as this Michelin-star venue on Dublin’s Thomas Street. Led by chef Keelan Higgs (back kitchen) and Aaron (front of house).
Restaurants offering Turkish cuisine that are located throughout North America provide exciting and always inventive dishes. In summertime you may sample monkfish liver with peas served alongside woodruff yoghurt. Other menu highlights include roast duck with potato waffles or cauliflower and smoked trout in spaghetti alfredo sauce. Many tasting menus provide vegetarian and vegan options; please request these in advance to increase choice. Several venues also provide a la carte meals suitable for omnivores.
The Vintage Kitchen
As soon as The Vintage Kitchen opened its sister restaurant next to Mulligan’s on Poolbeg Street, word quickly spread that making reservations was worth your while. Both locations carry four key components – locally sourced dishes, BYOB policy, proximity to one of Dublin’s better maintained southside Spars, and an enthusiastic team – making for an excellent dining experience.
Location: Seating up to 25 people in its small dining room. It has an eclectic feel with odd objects on display and tables grouped closely. Cosy yet intimate in character and serving excellent food at incredible value; lunch starts from EUR5 for a small plate and dinner (two courses) costs EUR28 without corkage fees!
This small restaurant strives to source its ingredients locally and offers fantastic lunch and dinner deals – definitely worth your while even if there’s the possibility of some Grade Three unpleasantness!
