Dublin’s a pretty tasty place for foodies to visit. Whether you’re after international cuisine in award-winning restaurants or want traditional dishes like Irish stew and porter cake, tucking into fantastic food and drink won’t be hard.
What may be difficult, if anything, is deciding where exactly you should go. There’s a wealth of fantastic eateries all across the capital, so it’s a good idea to book car hire in Dublin so you can get around the city with ease. Here’s a guide to some of the best establishments that Dublin has to offer.
Gallagher’s Boxty House
Looking to sample some authentic Irish cuisine? Put Gallagher’s Boxty House on your list of places to go. Situated in the lively Temple Bar district in the city centre, this establishment has been serving traditional fare for more than 20 years.
Given its name, it’s pretty obvious this is the ideal spot to try boxty, a traditional potato pancake cooked on a griddle that is served with a range of fillings. You can choose to have your boxty filled with salmon, corned beef or lamb, but for a really satisfying meal go for the Gaelic boxty, which features prime fillet steak that’s served in a creamy whiskey, mushroom and black pepper sauce.
Of course, there are plenty of other things on the menu – including Irish stew and boxty potato dumplings – and the restaurant has a focus on making the most of local produce, so it’s the perfect establishment to get a true taste of Ireland.
The Pig’s Ear
You’ll find equally amazing fare in The Pig’s Ear on Nassau Street. Although the phrase “making a pig’s ear of it” is normally used when someone has made a mess of things, it certainly doesn’t apply to this restaurant.
In fact, it is the perfect place to try local fare with a modern twist and as you eat in one of the two chic dining rooms you’ll get to take in the view of the gardens and playing fields of Trinity College. With extensive dinner and lunch menus – as well as special offers and a la carte options – there’s plenty to choose from, whether you’re in the mood for freshly-caught seafood or something completely different.
Eden Restaurant
In Temple Bar overlooking Dublin’s Meeting House Square is Eden Restaurant, where classic dishes with a contemporary edge are served. Open for lunch and dinner, this is a great eating spot in both the afternoon and evening, while brunch is served on weekends.
If you’re searching for somewhere to eat before watching a play, it’s well worth coming here. As the closest restaurant to the Olympia Theatre, which puts on shows all year round, you should check out the pre-theatre menu so you can have a hearty meal prior to settling down to take in a performance.
Pacino’s Restaurant
For more than 15 years, Pacino’s Restaurant has been serving high-quality Italian cuisine, including pasta and pizza. All the meat is Irish but don’t let that put you off coming here if you’re a vegetarian as there are plenty of veggie-friendly dishes on the menu.
There’s also an extensive wine and cocktails menu, so it’s the perfect place to have a few drinks to kick-off a night out. However, you can even come here the morning after to get something to eat to stave off a hangover, as it opens for breakfast every day.
Whatever your tastes, you’ll always find fantastic eateries in Dublin so let us know where you’ve been by leaving a comment!
