51 Cornmarket restaurant is nestled on the historic Coal Quay in Cork and can be reached at 083-0102321. David Devereaux and Anne Zagar have continued their growth and evolution of this small, yet thriving spot. The renowned dishes like grilled asparagus from western Cork served with scallops, a topping of hazelnut crumb and a smoked butter hollandaise, not to forget the duck complemented with unusual black garlic, I believe would make the original market shoppers extremely proud. Perfectly paired with impressive natural wines, the restaurant’s offerings are available at 51cornmarket.ie and reviewed by Joanne Cronin.
Amy Austin, originally known for its playful spirit, is finding its stride at Unit 1 in the Drury Street Car Park, Dublin 2. Flavorful food by Chef Victor Lara and the unique wine on tap make this spot warm and inviting amidst the concrete surroundings. Acclaimed for its creatively crafted dishes like the green Thai sauce and puffed rice accompanied turbot rib, the grilled bone marrow chicly seasoned with chimichurri, and the Mexican-origin black bean tamales, the place has notably won a Michelin Bib Gourmand. For more information, contact 01-5486255 or visit amyaustin.ie.
At 56 Dominick Street Lower in Galway, Daróg Wine Bar set up by Zsolt Lukács, ex-wine waiter at Aniar, and his wife Edel McMahon-Lukács, can be reached at 091-565813. The wine list is meticulously curated, and food is prepared by Attila Galambos, formerly of Aniar and Lignum. From seared scallops teamed with daikon cubes and leeks in a ponzu sauce to a delightful coffee cream caramel dessert garnished with candied pumpkin seeds – the restaurant is pure delight – darogwinebar.com.
Harrow, located on Muckross Road in Killarney, Co Kerry, can be contacted at 064-6636986. Visit tangostreetfood.com for more details.
Harrow, led by Head Chef John O’Leary, boasts an alluring dark green exterior that alludes to its chic, upmarket culinary offerings. Adorned with marble tables, the brasserie-style menu is derived from local and Irish produce, featuring spectacular dishes like the signature lamb wellington, lobster bisque, and the vibrant firecracker scotch eggs. The bar serves creative cocktails, and there’s always a chance of spotting a famous face or two. JC
A visit to Barry Ralph’s Castlebar restaurant, House of Plates, located on Upper Chapel Street, Castlebar, Co. Mayo reveals a dynamic menu. Guests can expect to find innovative dishes such as Galway goat’s cheese with a beetroot meringue, miso glazed tofu coupled with charred sweetheart cabbage, and Achill mountain lamb from Calvey’s, with a side of Velvet Cloud sheep’s yoghurt. The price range is appealing, with an option of set menus on Thursday through Sunday for either two or three courses, at €48 and €54, respectively. CH
Lottie’s, positioned at 7-9 Rathgar Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6, has mastered the art of flavour. Be it the lamb rump infused with wild garlic and ras el hanout salsa or the Andarl Farm pork chop served with pepperonata, it’s apparent that Chef Tudorel Ostache has been encouraged to be adventurous in his culinary creations. Lottie’s offers a varied experience; whether it’s a stylish dinner with friends, traditional Sunday roasts with family (made all the more enjoyable with the €10 BOYB corkage on Sundays), or relaxing drinks on the splendid terrace upstairs. JC
Neighbourhood, located at 1 North Main Street, Naas, Co. Kildare, is another notable mention.
Neighbourhood is showing some serious commitment. Their offerings include bespoke plates by Fermoyle Pottery and handcrafted tables by Waterford Wood. Recently they introduced a special Steak Night every Thursday. For two months, they will fully utilise a Black Angus heifer locally bred in Tipperary, starting with serving steaks on Thursdays, then burgers at the bar and finally using the remnants for sauces, starters and staff meals. The evenings can be initiated or concluded with a cocktail at their new upstairs bar or al fresco area.
JC Note, situated at 26 Fenian Street, Dublin 2; can be contacted at 01-2447344 or via their website at notedublin.com. The present talk of the town is Essa Fakhry’s ingenious dishes. Fakhry’s clean and modern approach yields seemingly simple meals that pack an explosion of tastes. Picture gnocchi having a Gorgonzola fondue and radicchio or crumpet generously topped with crab and sea urchin espuma. These dishes are coupled with imaginative cocktails and extensive wine selection mainly containing organic and natural varieties. The three-course meal at €32 for lunch offers excellent value for money.
O’Mahony’s of Watergrasshill, can be visited at Main Street, Watergrasshill, Co Cork; or contacted at 086-8316879 or through their website at omahonysofwatergrasshill.com, has been serving for two centuries. But when Máire O’Mahony and Victor Murphy stepped in, they amped up the level of service. This warm and welcoming place offers a seasonal menu that is best shared amongst companions. You could start with locally sourced Rossmore oysters, followed by dishes like bacon and cheese croquettes or risotto served with Kilbrack leeks sautéed to perfection, paired with a pick from their superior selection of cocktails, wines or beers.
Osteria Lucio can be found at The Malting Tower, Grand Canal Dock, Clanwilliam Terrace, Dublin D02 DW90. They can be contacted at 01-6624198 or you can visit their website at osterialucio.com.
Ross Lewis’s popular Italian eatery has recently undergone a revamping of its open kitchen and appointed Joshua Plunkett as the executive chef. The preferred way of exploring their menu is by communal dining, starting with antipasti and leading onto pasta, pizza, and suckling pig shoulder al forno. A booming appetite is suggested on your party, and for an enhanced summertime mood, opt for their outdoor terrace.
Rúibín Bar & Restaurant, situated at 1-3 Dock Road, Galway, with the contact 091-399200 and website ruibin.ie, is an appealing dining spot owned by Alice Jary and Richard Kennan. It offers three menu types for lunch, dinner and an everyday bar option. Dishes primarily feature local ingredients, with sea trout and cider-braised pork cheeks listed for lunch, while John Dory, monkfish and roast Skeaghanore duck are dinner specialities. Making a reservation beforehand is recommended, or you’d be relying on luck to nab a spot at the bar that serves small plate options, cocktails and a selection of 25 wines.
At Short Quay, Kinsale, County Cork, Barbara Nealon operates Saint Francis Provisions. Contact can be made on 083-0168652 and through saintfrancisprovisions.squarespace.com. The buzzing location has added Sommwich Sundays, inviting guest chefs and sommeliers to create exciting sandwich-wine pairings. SFP’s vibrant spirit extends throughout, with head chef Rebeca Recarey Sanchez offering enchanting dishes like red mullet crudo, potted Courtmacsherry shrimp, and torrijas coupled with rhubarb creme anglaise.
Solas Tapas, at Unit 1 Strand Street, Dingle, with contact at 087-9932116 and online solastapas.com, is a Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded tapas restaurant managed by Nicky Foley. Offering a fusion of Spanish and global tastes with Irish produce, menu items like Realt Na Mara rock oysters, scallop ceviche and octopus tempura make this place stand out.
Located at 5-23 Hill Street, Belfast, with contact +44 28-90434310 and website waterman.restaurant, Waterman has created its unique position among the culinary stops included in this guide.
“This sun-drenched space that offers a view of a car-free street is among Belfast’s most pleasant locales for reconnecting with mates. Their fixed lunch menu which includes two or three courses for either £18.50 or £22.50 offers admirable value, hence, it’s not astonishing they’ve been recognised with a Michelin Bib Gourmand. There’s an a la carte menu offering a substantial selection for those seeking more variety with dishes that are made skillfully highlighting the season’s best. CH.”