The best restaurants Leinster

Tucked away in a small alleyway, in a classy and cosy atmosphere, chef Ciaran McGill's One Pico is an excellent restaurant in the capital. The Irish chef reworks the great Irish and sometimes even French classics with seasonal produce and a welcome creative touch. The fillet of beef with foie gras, with truffles and celery purée, is a must. The wine list is also very good and the sommelier's advice is always sound. The good plan is the lunch menus, with excellent value for money.

We're taking you to Argentina from Ireland! In the heart of the Portobello district, Alma, which means "soul" in Spanish (but also symbolizes the initials of the family's four daughters), opens its doors to a thousand and one flavors. The plates are generous, colorful and breathe fresh produce. Here, you can sit down in a cozy interior or on the terrace, to enjoy fusion dishes that skilfully blend the two countries: Irish beef and blood pudding, Argentine sausage, chorizo... If you like your food spicy, you're in for a treat!

A very nice place where you'll find both a hearty Irish breakfast (with vegetarian option), delicious homemade scones, muffins and pastries, as well as a wide choice of hot and cold drinks with the option of choosing your type of milk. Prices are very reasonable for the quantity and quality of the products. The staff are very friendly and efficient. It's a nice alternative to the industrial chains, and the decor is not lacking in charm. An address not to be missed on your visit to Dublin!

Chic canteen atmosphere in this lively Temple Bar restaurant. We settle down on large wooden tables, in a merry hubbub, for a snack in the afternoon, an omelette in the morning, or chicken wings when leaving the pub. Classic dishes: good homemade burgers, sandwiches, omelettes and soups, among others. But also some more elaborate plates with a Mediterranean influence, such as homemade tagliatelle with scampi and mussels from Connemara or lamb with asparagus. A very nice address.

Welcome to the cosy atmosphere of La Bodega. Here the staff always welcomes you with a smile. The menu is not very extensive, but the tapas are absolutely delicious; we particularly recommend the grilled sardines, the tortilla, the garlic prawns, the chorizo with chickpeas, and to finish the chocolate fondant! Beware, the place is often crowded at the end of the week and the wait can be a bit long, especially in the charming and romantic patio. You'd think you were in Madrid, except for the heat!

Here is a charming address that has been secretly kept since 1980! In a pleasant dining room with a cosy and somewhat old-fashioned atmosphere, where the fireplace crackles in winter, the waiters serve traditional dishes that are perfectly successful, most of which are composed of fish and especially seafood. Shrimps, lobsters, scallops or oysters will delight the amateurs. The wines are French, and the dishes also have that little something that seems familiar to us. Go ahead, but don't let the secret out..

Here are tapas like in Spain! And the choice is very, very wide: cheese croquettes, Serrano ham, marinated lamb kebabs, meat or fish balls, fried calamari, paella, cheese platter, spinach omelette... You will enjoy these tasty dishes in a large, quiet room, with a neat and elegant decoration. If you are a couple, we advise you to share one of the tapas platters. And the few tables on the terrace will make the happiness of the gourmets during the sunny lunches.

Also called the "hop-house", Kimchi is a Korean restaurant that lives up to its name since it is a traditional Korean dish made of chili and vegetables. A very popular recipe here! The menu also offers noodles, sushi and sashimi, salads and rice rolls. Between Korean and Japanese cuisine, there are many flavours to choose from. Kimchi is therefore a very good address, well known by Dubliners, and which has been rewarded many times for the quality and finesse of its menu

The first instinct on entering this former bank is to look up. It's hard to blink at its lavish Victorian decor: stained-glass ceilings, mosaic floors, hand-carved cornices. What's more, the notes of a piano accompany your visit. Finally, the food on the plate is delicious and the waiters charming. We recommend that you make your way to the toilets, where we hear you can see some safes on the way!

Beer hall and steakhouse are the two specialties of Bull & Castle, with a wide choice of beers and steak slabs. The restaurant is very popular, despite its rather high prices. But let's face it, the interior offers warmth and conviviality, the decor is sympathetic, smiles are the order of the day and, above all, the meat offered by this steakhouse is simply delicious. And it's always expertly cooked! The little extra: each dish is recommended with a specific type of beer or wine.

An unusual place, especially if you have the opportunity to sail on the Grand Canal. On board this pretty barge, you will sail in a warm atmosphere while enjoying a good French influenced cuisine, simple and refined. Don't expect to find a typically French menu, the recipes also have a local touch. In addition to the terrine and coq au vin, the goat cheese and red onion jam tart with mesclun is tempting. An ideal address for an unusual evening.

As soon as you step in the door, you are immediately immersed in the décor with the names of the vineyards hanging on the walls. To take a seat, you have to go down to the basement. Behind the bar, bottles are stacked on top of each other, old French songs resound in the red room, old posters adorn the walls, and the cosy and intimate setting invites you to relax... Here, spicy and fragrant dishes are served that will delight the fine gourmets: hot goat's cheese salad, mussels marinière, charcuterie plate, rack of lamb with honey and whiskey..

Leo Burdocks is THE reference in Dublin for fish and chips: they've been here since 1913. The waiters and cooks are dressed in black and white, like Parisian waiters. Portions are very, very large and takeaway only. If you're normally hungry, just ask for the fish, which will probably be served with a few French fries. At the entrance, the list of celebrities who have indulged is impressive, from Naomi Campbell to Bruce Springsteen to Edith Piaf.

Reflecting the neighborhood in which it has found a home, this rather relaxed, family-friendly restaurant got a makeover in 2022. The menu is heterogeneous - nachos, burgers, croque-monsieur, grilled salmon or roasted chicken - and that's just what we like. In this warm setting, young bohemian couples, groups of friends and local residents mingle. We spend a pleasant moment that we would like to prolong. Very good address also for a brunch (from Friday till Sunday) and a beautiful card of cocktails is proposed.

The establishment opened by Julian Mak, is an excellent restaurant of dim-sum, these famous small delicious Chinese pies. They are of course to be tasted with Hong Kong specialities always well presented. The two chefs have traveled in Asia, before coming back to Dublin, with mastered and nicely presented recipes. The sophisticated setting is a little cold, but the Ranelagh village and family atmosphere of the restaurant easily compensates. Notice to lovers of authentic and tasty Asian cuisine!

The Beshoff family originated in Russia and settled in Ireland in 1913. For lovers of fish & chips, the Beshoff is a must-try in the Irish capital. Numerous variations on the original recipe have been devised, with a range of fresh fish on offer (cod, salmon, haddock, skate), and it's also possible to eat (on the premises or to take away) chicken burgers or breakfast. The front of the store has more charm than the dining room itself, which looks rather cantine. But it's a hive of activity!

Marco Pierre White, the famous English chef (three stars in the Michelin Guide) runs a dozen restaurants. He trained at La Gavroche, with Albert and Michel Roux. He became a chef at the age of 24, and at that time the now famous Gordon Ramsay was under his command. Here the chef offers classic, fine Italian-inspired cuisine and serves especially the tasty meat for which he is famous. His restaurant has quickly become a trendy place.

Burger lovers, welcome to Captain Americas! The restaurant is nestled upstairs, in an all red room where guitars are hung. If you want to eat "diet", continue your way; the others, you can enjoy steak, chicken, veggie burger... or not! Because it must be said that the burger options are numerous. Also on the menu: fajitas, nachos, breadsticks, Philly cheese steak, pasta, pizzas... The clientele is young, local and apparently fond of this very rocky place where the music is loud.

After strolling through the two floors of a very nice shop, the curious traveller goes to the top floor to get some food. The kitschy chandeliers light up the large dining tables and beautiful plates of fresh produce! Very good vegetarian options also hold a good place on the establishment's menu. In short, an excellent address for a good lunch. Those with a sweet tooth won't be able to resist the beautiful and delicious pastries to conclude this quality meal. And the coffee is excellent.

This excellent and award winning Nepalese restaurant is a must in Temple Bar and Dublin. The menu offers a wide range of dishes typical of this region of Asia that will delight your taste buds. We recommend the famous monkfish tareko with fish, chicken tandoori or bandel tareko with pork, chicken or duck. Moreover, the portions are copious and refined and the wine list is really impressive. In short, in a friendly and family atmosphere, you will enjoy yourself!

It's the kind of café you'd like to keep all to yourself, one of those secret places you tell your friends and family about like a nugget. It's a well-hidden address, between Camden Street and Pleasant Place, that welcomes you for coffee, lunch or a snack. There are two entrances, but the more romantic will prefer the one on the bookshop side. It's the perfect place to pick up a book before dining indoors or on the charming terrace. There's also a recipe book to help you discover the secrets behind their delicious cakes!

Ireland has created its own fast-food chain, a little junk, such as McDonald's or Quick : Supermac's. No surprises, then, on the menu: burgers, fries and sodas

In the grounds of the Brooks Hotel, this excellent restaurant serves imaginative Irish (and international) cuisine in a rather designer and contemporary setting. Chef Patrick McLarnon has won many awards for his modern cuisine using fresh seasonal produce. The prices are very affordable, considering the quality. On the menu: homemade gnocchi, duck in cider and scallops. The Jasmine bar, open every day, is a pleasant place to continue the evening. It serves excellent whiskies.

At Umi's (there are several addresses in the capital), you can certainly taste the best falafels in town, thanks to a 100% vegetarian menu and some vegan options. The products are of good quality and always fresh; and the hummus and the homemade Lebanese bread are excellent. Some fruit juices (pressed on the spot of course) accompany wonderfully the plates proposed on the menu. And, not to spoil anything, it is copious and not expensive! You will have understood, we like this small address a lot.

The O'Sheas Hotel's restaurant-pub is wooden and very rustic, with a warm and relaxed atmosphere, and it always attracts many tourists. The place is packed at lunchtime, so it's a good idea not to arrive at the height of the boom. The menu is simple and unpretentious, but has the merit of being inexpensive. And it's the perfect place to try traditional Irish dishes, such as Irish breakfast, Irish stew, pork and leek sausages, meat and Guinness pie...

On the first floor of the Georgian house, Ghan House, nestles the beautiful restaurant with a view of Carlingford Lough, the natural border with Northern Ireland. Here, however, there are no boundaries between the chef's passion for cooking and the satisfaction of the gourmets who have the good taste to sit down. Even less distance separates him from the local producers he knows personally. At his place, the best regional products triumph beautifully, prepared with as little fuss as possible. The rest? Home-made! Bread, sorbets, butter..

Located in a very nice building in the city, with high ceilings and arched windows, built in 1844 (as the terminus of the Dublin suburban railway line, by the way), Hartley's serves traditional Irish food, often seafood, with a rather well-crafted international touch. And the desserts are really excellent. The owners of the establishment cultivate a pleasant and warm atmosphere that makes you want to come back. A good address during a trip to Dun Laoghaire.

Vegetarian restaurant perfectly correct. Without a licence, you can bring your own wine or beer. Reasonable prices for original recipes (pancakes and mushrooms, Russian pies…). The card changes every week. Possibility of eating seafood for non-vegetarians.

A unique clientele is located in this restaurant with a modern setting and impeccable service. À la carte, among others, dishes of tempting pasta, seafood and steaks.

You have to climb to the first floor to discover this very nice restaurant with its original and colourful decoration. Wooden tables, walls decorated with posters and paintings of artists give a warm side to the place. Coq au vin, homemade gnocchi or shoulder of lamb with its gratin and wine sauce are on the menu and the dishes are simple, varied and always successful. The chef's cuisine draws its influences from the Mediterranean region. There is also a wide choice of vegetarian dishes and an interesting wine list.

In the heart of Temple Bar, this charming café attracts passing tourists, without being shunned by Dubliners. We love the large wooden tables and the rustic feel of the place. Perfect for a coffee, tea, cappuccino or hot chocolate break between two visits on a rainy day (yes, it happens!) or an Irish breakfast. It's served all day and it's excellent. Also very good bagels and sandwiches to eat on the go. Music in the background gives an extra relaxed feel to this lovely place

A little out of the way from Kilkenny town centre, this upmarket restaurant boasts a Michelin star (since 2014) and has built up quite a reputation in the area for its French and Irish fusion cuisine. A meticulous cuisine with great finesse but always generous on the plate. The plus: an interesting wine list, as well as an attentive staff. As for the decoration, the room, in the shape of a crescent, exhibits many colourful works of contemporary art. A table to try if you are in the region.

Going to Newcastle House is an opportunity to enjoy a deliciously refined dinner in a former royal residence. Indeed, King Harmans lived in this imposing residence in the 1800s. A residence that already had a long history, since this manor house was created around 1680. Robert Choppayne was involved in the foundation of the central block. On the kitchen side, the traditional recipes are not lacking in creativity and the dishes are always very well prepared. To the delight of the good society that comes to dine here.

Dubliners call it "D&C". This restaurant showcases fine Italian cuisine that has won awards from various magazines and other Irish awards. The menu, in Italian and English, offers gnocchi, risotto, calamari in sauce and many other recipes that make Italy the land of gourmets. The menu changes regularly, depending on the season, new arrivals and the chef's inspiration. But don't worry, the tiramisù is always there! A good address that makes a change from Irish gastronomy.

Despite its posh restaurant feel, and its menu featuring lobsters and crayfish, Aqua is still quite affordable. Established in 2000 in the former Howth Yacht Club, this fish restaurant has maintained its menu at excellent value for money. The kitchens are open to the main room, which is itself surrounded by picture windows overlooking the sea. If the sunset is too bright, Aqua is happy to lend you sunglasses. Don't forget to book in high season, as the place is very popular.

Next to the famous Hogan's Bar, this resto-bistro serves very good quality French and Mediterranean cuisine in a setting that is both rustic and refined, where beautiful antique objects are displayed. Rough wooden furniture, mismatched chairs, period photos hung on red brick walls, it's very nice! As for the cuisine, the menu offers snails, duck confit and mussels marinière; all dishes that are very local and that you will appreciate! Good brunch rather Irish on the weekend.

The Donnybrook is an excellent Irish restaurant, serving all the specialties of the country. The dishes are well prepared and masterfully executed. We recommend the lamb, the guinea fowl or the excellent mushroom risotto. The space is quite large and bright. One drawback, however, is that the restaurant welcomes groups, which can sometimes make it very noisy. A nice wine list is also proposed by the establishment. An address, off the tourist track, that we warmly recommend.

Hanley's has managed to recreate English Cornwall in Dublin, importing the famous pasties, puff pastries (usually with meat) perfect for filling a small hunger between two visits to the city center. We have a penchant for the spinach, pecan and feta puff pastry. It's great... Also noteworthy, there are a few vegetarian options on the menu. There are a few tables to sit at, but, in general, we take our pasties to go. Not without having enjoyed Hanley's warm welcome beforehand!

Before or after visiting Kilmainham Gaol,don't hesitate for a second to treat your taste buds to a pleasant moment behind the large glass windows of the brand new Urban 8 restaurant. With a beautiful decoration and a quality service, it is an ideal address to eat simple but frankly well executed and delicious dishes. The burger is excellent and the weekend brunch is very hearty. A nice and large terrace allows you to enjoy the sun while sipping a good glass of wine or a pint of Guinness.

A small, quiet restaurant, away from the city center, located in the outskirts of Ranelagh. An ideal address for those who seek the calm of the suburbs and the quality of establishments less frequented by tourists. The menu, with Italian flavors and always fresh products, is quite small, but is a very good option for lunch. Also good breakfasts and an excellent brunch on Saturday and Sunday. A well-kept secret that you will be happy to discover and try. Enjoy your meal!

The owner opened this restaurant in 2008 and has since, every Wednesday at 20 a. m., had jazz concerts. The House is a bistro as you would like to cross more: fresh fish caught off the village, that they smoke themselves, simple and delicious cuisine, homemade pastries for tea time or dessert and a nice wine list (the bottle costs between 20 € and 57 € and glass about 6 €). Count about 10 € lunch and 15 € dinner. Beer garden.

Just a stone's throw from the streetcar stop (Luas, Smithfield station), this cosy, relaxed and very warm café serves quality food. Early in the morning, many people come here to have their breakfast while reading the newspaper of the day. The choice is quite large from the early morning: scrambled eggs, eggs-bacon, pancakes (very good by the way!), muffins, coffees, teas... And, at lunch time, there are also some good options for a quick and quality meal: soup of the day, sandwiches (gourmet), bagels, wraps, quiches, salads..

This is a very good choice if you like Lebanese cuisine. Decorated in the traditional oriental style, the restaurant (located upstairs) bathes in a friendly atmosphere, you don't only come to dine, but also to spend the evening. Numerous mezze options (including an excellent menu for two people) well seasoned for vegetarians as well. Some evenings, a belly dancer adds an extra touch of exoticism to one of the most famous Lebanese addresses in the Irish capital.

This fishmonger's is also a good caterer, offering rather well-stocked seafood platters, iodised tapas and some more robust fish dishes, such as seafood linguine or a prawn and monkfish pie. There are also good bottles of wine on the menu, particularly white, to wash down a pleasant meal on Howth Harbour before or after an invigorating stroll. When the sun is out, lunch on the few tables on the terrace is pure bliss.

The Bad Ass menu offers simple dishes (pastas, burgers, pizzas, omelets, salads...) but always effective. Frequented for ages by students, artists and musicians, who appreciate the authentic setting of the place, this bar-restaurant is especially lively at the end of the day, at the aperitif hour. Every Friday, a stand up comedy night is organized on the stage of Bad Ass and every day, you can enjoy live music. For a simple and noisy meal, just like the Temple Bar area.

This restaurant, located in a very popular and rather local area, is an invigorating stop. The oriental decor plunges you into the tales of the Thousand and One Nights and offers a very good cuisine prepared by a Moroccan chef. The most famous dishes are on the menu: royal couscous, tajines... and there are many others that you will surely discover. For dessert, a lot of sweets will be proposed (Briwat, pastries, fruit salads). The service is a bit slow, but the flavours are always there.