As we anticipate the arrival of St Patrick’s Day and Easter, several among us are preparing to entertain out-of-towners. Why not give them a taste of contemporary Irish cuisine by showing them our top cafes, restaurants, and food shops that put Irish food on a pedestal?
Centring on Dublin, a gastronomic journey with Fabulous Food Trails provides an excellent kick-start. You’ll be part of a small group guided by knowledgeable experts, exploring petite, autonomously owned food shops and eateries, where engaging with the local food creators and trying out their offerings is part of the experience.
Ireland’s cheeses are globally renowned and travellers partaking in the food tour also get to visit either Sheridans or Fallon & Byrne. The tour usually comprises a stop at the Seafood Cafe, the perfect spot for sampling local oysters, following which you may visit Griolladh for toasties, and taste Pepper Pot’s handmade warm scones topped with cream and homemade jam. A visit to George’s Street Arcade is likely, as is a whiskey tasting of Powers pot still at a local spirit hub. The food tour is an insightful and satiating experience.
For more relaxed excursions, one can head to local food markets such as Temple Bar on Saturdays or the Merrion Square, Herbert Park, and Red Stables Food Market at St Anne’s Park. Blending a pub outing to your plan might enrich your Dublin experience. The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl makes for an intriguing and enjoyable excursion.
From a gastronomy point of view, The Winding Stair restaurant is a delightful spot to savour Irish cuisine, with views overlooking the Liffey. The food here celebrates Ireland’s top-class food producers with standout dishes such as finger-licking seafood chowder with Fingal Ferguson’s chorizo and sticky bread, and steamed shellfish like cockles and Roaring Bay mussels with Clogherhead crab.
The very same group operates the Woollen Mills and the Legal Eagle, a top-notch gastropub. Another worthwhile visit is Spitalfields, also housed in a pub but owing to its Michelin Bib Gourmand, it has a more elevated restaurant ambiance. One of its signature offerings is the cock-a-leekie pie for two.
Take note that the Legal Eagle and Spitalfields open their doors for dinner on Tuesdays, a day when many city dining establishments remain shut.
For a modern Irish culinary experience, be sure to try out Allta, Library Street, and the Michelin-starred Variety Jones as they offer exceptionally incredible dishes. If you’re captivated by the art world, consider a trip to one of Dublin’s latest art galleries and round off your visit with delectable small plates and a unique wine selection at Margadh at RHA. Another option offering a selection of wines is Cellar 22, where one of the popular dish to try is the charcuterie platter accompanied by a house-made terrine. Additionally, I commend the cheese toastie at Loose Canon, a place distinguished for its robust low intervention wine list.
Throughout the day, there are plenty of quiant spots for relaxed dining or snacking. For your morning meal or brunch, Brother Hubbard is a top pick, and the unique Fumbally cafe is an excellent stop for a nibble, especially if you plan on touring the Guinness Storehouse. Near the Book of Kells, you’d discover the appetising salads at Tiller + Grain, and for a spot of tea and pastry delights, Queen of Tarts and the Cake Cafe, located behind a bookstore, are great options. Dining here feels like an exclusive experience.
In case a coastal trip is on your to-do list, make it a point to try out the quality fish and seafood at King Sitric in Howth. If you prefer a more formal dining setting, then Mamo should be your go-to destination.