Home to hundreds of bars and restaurants serving everything from traditional Irish stew to award-winning international cuisine, there’s no danger of going hungry in the Irish capital. But with a fast changing gourmet scene, choosing where to dine can be a real challenge. Here’s our pick of the places to eat in Dublin…
The Brazen Head
Dublin’s oldest-known pub, The Brazen Head first opened as a coach house way back in 1198 AD. Today, its timeworn walls tell a thousand stories and friendly bar staff serve up traditional pub snacks and hearty Irish dinners. We’d recommend a Clonakilty Black Pudding Salad followed by a Beef & Guinness stew or Steamed Mussels. www.brazenhead.com
Winding Stair
At the top of the creaking staircase and breathing new life into a antique bookshop from the 1970s is Dublin’s Winding Stair restaurant. Already is a firm favourite – due, partly, to its stunning location overlooking the River Liffey and the Ha’penny Bridge but also its exquisite food – it’s a place than blends history with fine food (pictured). While the haddock is smoked by hand and poached in milk alongside cheddar mash. The clientele, meanwhile. is a mix of artists, musicians, well-heeled creatives and sophisticated visitors, all looking to enjoy delicious food and drink from one of the city’s best vantage points. Don’t miss the St Gall’s Irish cheese or, if you have a sweet tooth, the sticky pear and ginger cake with whiskey sauce. www.winding-stair.com
O’Neills
For authentic Irish eats and atmosphere, it’s difficult to beat O’Neills on Suffolk Street. Think dishes such as mouthwatering Irish stew served in surroundings of oxblood red pin-studded sofas and cluttered walls adorned with classic beer advertisements. This pub is a true Dublin landmark, offering a fantastic selection of traditional beers and whiskeys (there’s even has a Whiskey Corner’ – a separate bar devoted to the stuff) and, of course, expertly pulled pints of Guinness. Pop in after 9.30pm to see a live local band. It really doesn’t get any more Irish than this. www.oneillspubdublin.com
Yamamori
With three restaurants across the city, this Dublin-specific chain of Japanese restaurants offers an unrivalled Asian dining experience. We recommend crossing the Ha’penny Bridge to the North City restaurant, which sits inside two stunning Georgian houses made all the more beautiful by gorgeous 19th century Japanese artworks and original Samurai artefacts. For a taste of Irish-Asian fusion, try the beef teriyaki, which slices an 8oz Irish ribeye onto a sizzling hot bed of stir-fried vegetables and zakkoku rice. Delicious. www.yamamori.ie
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Image: The Winding Stair