My Favourite Places to Eat in Dublin
The wonderful thing about moving to a new city, even if it is only for a short period, is that you have the opportunity to discover new and amazing places. with the luxury of going back and solidifying that your first opinion was right. Further, you have the opportunity to really explore a menu, and perhaps even become a regular.
While living in Dublin, I had over a year and a half to discover “my favourite places”. While I regret that there are many restaurants, cafés, etc. that I never got around to trying or going back to, I definitely went out enough to know that I found some true gems. From a little café and wine bar that I seemed to spend most days at, to delicious and laid back restaurants that valued quality above all, to take out that always hit the spot - my time in Dublin was well spent eating around the city.
And while I recognize this is highly subjective and personal, I thought I’d take a moment to share some of my favourite places for food in Dublin - places that I thoroughly miss now that I’ve moved from the city, and would always recommend to a friend.
Bestseller - Olesya’s Wine Bar - Chez Max - La Maison - Yamamori - Las Tapas des Lola - Camerino - NEON - Mama’s Revenge - Featherblade
AVOCA at Malahide Castle - Bunsen - La Ruelle - The Oak - Canal Bank Cafe - Maneki - Pho Kim - Piglet Wine Bar - Balfes
Bestseller
If I had to choose just one place to go back to in Dublin, it would probably be this lovely cafe and wine bar. Bestseller became a home to me, the place where I’d catch up with friends over lunch, take a sustenance break while shopping, and the place where I spent hours working away on my computer while chatting with the lovely staff.
In fact, after a while the staff at Bestseller not only knew my order, they knew my whole routine, down to when I’d give up after a long day working and switch from coffee to wine. Because yes, this delightfully cozy and warm coffee shop also functions as a wine bar. Enjoy your fresh brewed cappuccinos and drip coffees during the day, perhaps with one of the baked good on display and/or the lunchtime daily specials, before switching to a curated selection of wines or Prosecco. And naturally you can order a charcuterie board to accompany it or a pastel de nata. The ambiance is peaceful while evoking the dark academia aesthetic we all long to recreate - fitting as Trinity College is just down the street.
Personal favourites here (though sadly not available every day) include the turkey salad with cranberries and sunflower seeds, the tomato soup (or any of their daily soups), one of their fresh baked scones, the charcuterie boards, and the Portuguese custard tarts. I’m also a big fan of their breakfast options as well, from yogurt cups and overnight oats, to Irish oatmeal and a hearty Irish breakfast.
Address: 41 Dawson Street
(Above 4 photos) Photo Credit: Bestseller [Source: Facebook, @BestsellerDublin]
Olesya’s Wine Bar
A little restaurant that somehow often gets overlooked by those passing by, despite it’s prime location in the city centre. Oleysa’s is without a doubt one of my favourite places to dine in the city and became my go-to spot when I wanted a great meal in a relaxed and comfortable environment. This is where I’d go with friends when looking to share a bottle of wine, a few plates, and gossip for hours about our lives. A French restaurant with a great bottle selection, their food is perfect for sharing, with lots of hearty, rich, and flavourful options.
While you can have everyone order their own dishes - this is not a tapas/small plates restaurant - I’d highly recommend that you opt for splitting a few items from the menu. Personal favourites include the ‘Camembert Fondue’ (a baked camembert that oozes cheese at the slightest touch), the ‘Bread Basket and Dips’ (it may sound boring but it’s always a hit), and the ‘Olesya’s Deluxe Platter’, which comes with cheeses, cured meats/charcuterie, paté, olives and tapenade, and - of course - a bread basket. But my absolute number one go-to choice that I ALWAYS order is their ‘Grilled Tiger Prawns’ dish; roasted potato with chorizo and shrimp stacked on top of one another.
Address: 18 Exchequer Street
Photo Credit: Chez Max Palace Street [Source: Facebook @ChezMaxPalaceSt ]
While there are two locations of this restaurant, I always opt for the smaller and cozier of the two beside Dublin Castle. With French staff serving native staples, you can rest assured the food is up to snuff. Don’t be surprised if you catch a lot of guests speaking in French - this is where the local Frenchies in Dublin like to go. Why? Because in addition to flavourful food with an authentic taste, the food is relatively reasonably priced (at least for Dublin).
In Dublin, it's easy to feel like you’ve overpaid, especially at restaurants that tend to be more Irish-American-trendy. Restaurants like that will always provide a lovely atmosphere and picturesque backdrops, and the food will certainly taste good, but you’ll still feel like it’s not QUITE worth the cost. But at Chez Max, the value of the food matches the price tag. Sample French classics like the Boeuf Bourguignon (beef bourguignon), Confit de Canard (duck confit), Croque Monsieur, or the Vegetable Tarte Tatin. Or opt for a the rich but delicious lamb burger with an onion soup to start. And if you really feel like treating yourself - especially in the colder months - go for some Raclette, which is not only ridiculously gratifying but makes for a memorable meal.
Whatever you choose to order here, you won’t find yourself disappointed - I’ve never had a bad meal here nor have I ever been with someone who wasn’t completely satisfied.
Address: 1 Palace Street
Photo Credit: Chez Max Palace Street [Source: Facebook @ChezMaxPalaceSt ]
La Maison
La Maison is a popular French restaurant in the city centre that delivers when it comes to an enjoyable dining experience. A great menu with mouth-watering food straight from the bistros of France and a respect for customer service and appreciate that guarantees satisfaction when dining here. Aside from the staff always doing their best to accommodate, you know you’ve found a great place that appreciates their customers when you get your bill here. Alongside the cheque, you are treated to a board of chocolate - both white and dark - making the perfect final touch to your meal. Whether you’re there for brunch or dinner, it’s always nice to end with something sweet, even if you’ve already ordered dessert.
As for the food, its classic French cuisine done right. From perfectly plated and portioned salads (I love a good beet salad), to buttery coquilles Saint Jacques and overwhelming coq au vin, you can’t go wrong with La Maison. If dining with someone else and looking to treat yourself, the côte de boeuf is an excellent choice. Personal favourites included, in addition to the from the aforementioned items, the charcuterie boards, the steak tartare, the sole, and of course, the French onion soup.
I won’t lie, the dessert is pretty good here too, as is the brunch. While I don’t normally like when a restaurant only opens for brunch at noon, excepts can be made when the food is delicious. And when they serve you an omelette in a skillet. Talk about true French cooking!
Address: 15 Castle Market
No offense meant to Ireland’s dining scene but sushi in Ireland is nothing I'd want to write home about. I tried highly rated restaurants in Dublin and always found them lacking in comparison to places like Toronto, New York, Vancouver... basically any big North American or Western European city. But Yamamori offers so much that ordering sushi here is rather unnecessary. In fact, I’d say ordering sushi here would be a waste, their other dishes delicious and far more authentic.
While Yamamori has three locations, I always opted for their ‘Izakaya Sake Bar’ location, which is just up the street from their ‘South City’ restaurant. And while all three branches are good, the Izakaya Sake Bar stands out the most to me, famous for their 'Japas' - Japanese tapas. At this location, you’ll find a range of small plates that are perfect for trying and sharing, along with a fun cocktail and saki menu to make it a wonderful and fun dining experience.
By far, my favourite item on the menu is their takoyaki (balls of fried octopus), that I simply must order every time I go there. However, other standouts to me include: Pumpkin Korokke, chicken Yakitori, Gyoza, Wagyu sliders, and the Sea Bass & Kuro Ninniku.
Needless to say, if you're looking for an enjoyable atmosphere with great food that isn't Irish or American, you cannot go wrong here. A dark ambiance with dim lighting might not make it the most ideal lunchtime venue (and hard for taking photos), but rest assured that come evening you'll want a table here or even at one of the other two locations.
Address: 12 South Great George’s Street (across the street from San Lorenzo’s, with the other Yamamori just up the street)
While there are lots of small/share plate restaurants in Dublin, finding a true Spanish tapas restaurant isn't as easy as one might expect in a Western European capital. However, why have multiple when there is Las Tapas de Lola - a Spanish restaurant that is so good, you’d hardly dare consider going anywhere else. My only critique with this restaurant is that the staff aren't always the warmest or friendliest, and don’t be surprised if they comment on how much you order. At first I was mildly offended and felt a little shamed, but I quickly realized that they hate to see food go to waste and would rather you under-order and add dishes as you go then to over-order. But truthfully, the food is so good that even when we ordered too much (or at least more than they’d recommend), nothing was wasted or left behind. There is such a large menu here, with great diversity, how can they expect us to narrow it down to only a few plates?
The food is delicious and offers you a taste of sunny Spain, despite the fact you’ll likely be in a grey-skied Dublin. The restaurant has a cozy vibe, especially if you can get a table on their covered patio. Order a pitcher of their Tinto de Verano, and prepare for a leisurely meal sampling dish after dish. And whether you’re vegetarian or not, there are lots of options. There are even some great vegan options, though admittedly a smaller selection than there is for vegetarians.
While I have NEVER been disappointed with anything I've tried - and I’ve tried A LOT - my favourites and go-tos include: Queso Manchego con Miel (Manchego cheese with honey), Pollo al Ajillo (garlic chicken thighs), Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician-style octopus), Gambas al Ajillo (prawns/shrimp cooked in olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes), Tumbet (layered stewed vegetables), Tortilla de Patatas (Spanish omelette), Queso Cordobés (grilled goat cheese with tomato marmalade), and the Croquetas de Jamón (ham croquettes). If that seems like a lot of choices, I’m sorry to say that the menu is full of over a dozen more amazing options; the dishes mentioned above are just my personal favourites, ones I’d always recommend.
Note: I do highly recommend making a reservation in advance if you’re able to, as they do book up quickly and getting a walk-in spot can be hard.
Address: 12 Wexford Street
Camerino is considered one of the best bakeries in Dublin but I only discovered their original location was a neighbourhood spot I couldn’t help but pass daily. So popular, there are now two locations and various other places in the city carry the baked treats that made Camerino a city staple. What first grabbed me was the braided challah bread in the window. While there are lots of breads in Dublin that look like a challah, most are not and are just braided white breads. And after trying a bakery that was famous for being the only spot in the city to have challah (it was awful, so I won’t even give the bakery recognition), I was shocked and pleased to discover a neighbourhood place that had my favourite bread.
Camerino’s north-side location (where I always went) is a tiny nook on busy Capel street, yet well worth popping into. Yes, you can get a sandwich or soup here, making it a lunch-time option, but that would be a waste - GO FOR THE BAKED GOODS! Owned by a fellow Canadian who moved from Montreal to Dublin a while ago, Camerino manages to bring a taste of both Canadian and Jewish baked goods to Dublin, without diverging from Irish staples. While you’ll find a few options always on the menu, like their delicious brownies, cookies, and mini personal-size cake loafs, the seasonal options are swoon worthy. If I had been a convert after finding challah (made properly and like I’d expect it to taste), I was hooked after the bakery offered pumpkin cookies with cream cheese drizzle in Autumn. Not only were the cookies outright delicious, it was such a treat to have a taste of an East Coast autumn, reminiscent of fall foliage, apple picking, and pumpkin patches - all things Dublin lacks. Equally welcome, albeit limited and not a main-stay treat on the menu, were the chocolate rugelach, the hamantaschen at Purim, the cinnamon apple swirl buns for Rosh Hashana, Canadian Nanaimo bars, and their soft cinnamon-swirl cookies.
If you’re stopping by on a weekday, grab a challah bun or full loaf to snack on, and pick up a few treats for later (or that particular moment - no shame). As noted above, the brownies are out of this world here, chocolatey and decadent. And their loaves and cakes are always fresh, moist, and flavourful. But who am I kidding, it’s all delicious here. Scones, cookies, muffins… you just cannot go wrong at Camerino.
Primary Address: 158 Capel Street
Their second bakery-café is located at 37 Merrion Square East (down a flight of stairs)
Not quite fast food, this Asian eatery is a relaxed and affordable restaurant that definitely delivers. There are some private tables but more than likely you'll find yourself seated at the long communal table in the middle, but that just adds to the unique experience of dining at Neon. And while you are seated by a hostess when you get to the restaurant, you'll find that after you've looked over the menu, you have to go up to the counter to order. Your food will then be brought to you in containers perfect for takeout, which you can either choose to eat out of or pour your food into one of the bowls stacked on the table.
You'll also find an empty ice cream cone on your tray. When you're done with your meal, treat yourself to a cone of vanilla soft-serve at the machine; filling it up as generously and high as your heart desires. If the food wasn't so tasty, that alone would be enough to draw me in, after all, it’s the little touches that help differentiate a restaurant from its competitors. But as I said, the food at Neon is quite delicious; flavorful and with lots of options to cater to various dietary needs or preferences. If you're not down for spicy, don't worry - there are tons of options for you. Not quite specific to one region, though predominantly influenced by Thai cuisine, you'll find an assortment of flavourful dishes here.
Personal favourites include: ‘#16 Asian Noodle Broth’, ‘#37 Crispy Honey Beef’, ‘Stir Fried Mix Vegetable’, and ‘#30 Prawn in Ginger and Yellow Soybean Sauce’. Now admittedly, my ability to fully try the menu was limited as I have a sesame allergy but I never saw anyone not enjoy their meal here.
Address: 17 Camden Street Lower
Mama’s Revenge
It may be hard to imagine that what appears to be a little nothing corner shop could be such a favourite amongst locals but if you pop by around lunchtime, you'll find yourself in a long line behind suits and students alike, eager to get a well priced and delicious burrito. And it’s well worth joining the queue. However, be prepared - it is most likely you'll be taking your burrito to go as the downstairs seating is rather limited. But no worries, it's worth it, especially for those who are used to chains like Chipotle; Mama’s Revenge is far superior.
With great flavour and great prices, it's hard to go wrong eating here. Personally, I always order a chicken burrito bowl and add extra vegetables, making it the best salad known to man. Aubergine, sweet potato, guac, lettuce, cheese, fajita veg (sautéed peppers and onions) - they make any burrito or bowl ten times better. And while some of those ingredients (aubergine and sweet potato) cost extra, the price is so nominal for the flavour it adds. However, if you're looking to go big, you can do as many others do and add 'crunch' to your burrito, which is crushed up nacho and tortilla chips.
This is the perfect place if you’re looking for something filling, flavourful, affordable, easy, and relatively quick. It’s also easy to eat healthy here if that matters to you. If the weather is nice, grab something from here to go and enjoy it while sitting on the grounds at Trinity College or in nearby Merrion Square.
Address: 12 Leinster Street South (FYI: Nassau St. turns into Leinster St)
Photo Credit: Mama’s Revenge [Source: Facebook @mamasrevenge]
Photo credit: Featherblade [Source: Facebook @Featherblade51 ]
There is something about Irish beef that is just so good. Having grown up with Canadian beef, which is also famous for its quality, I do have higher standards, especially when going to a steak restaurant. But despite the price, which can be rather misleading (steak is never that cheap), Featherblade has never disappointed. The menu is very limited so don’t bother coming if you want anything other than steak, but if you like red meat that is flavourful, well cooked, and shockingly affordable, then this is the place for you. The most expensive steak on the menu is the Ribeye Angus, which costs €20. The ‘Featherblade’ steak and ‘Miso Hanger’ steak are each €14 - shockingly affordable for a good steak. And the sides, which are also tasty and the perfect accompaniment are equally affordable. The ‘Beef Dripping Chips’ and the ‘Truffle Mac & Cheese’ - each one costs €3.75 - are particular favourites.
While the menu is small and limited, with three choices of steak, four options of sides, a few starters, and only two choices for dessert, everything available here is done well. So if you’re looking for a nice meal with dim lighting and that trendy atmosphere, you cannot go wrong at Featherblade; it’s the perfect choice for a nice steak dinner without going gourmet or breaking the bank.
Address: 51B Dawson Street
While not located in Dublin city, the Avoca café at Malahide castle became one of my favourite places for brunch in all of Dublin, especially if you could get a table on the outside terrace. Though there is an Avoca store and restaurant in the city centre, this location’s menu always hit the spot and makes for the perfect Sunday start, especially if interested in a coastal walk or castle visit.
The menu isn’t overly large, though there is no need for it to be when you get a look at all the baked goods and desserts available here. Entering through the Avoca store and castle gift shop, you’ll find a large open space with crowded tables. Though it may be off putting at first sight, the food is delicious and the meal can be surprisingly peaceful (again, try and snag a table outside). Pro tip: find a table you like and throw your coat down to save some seats, or have a person in your party save the table/spot, as you have to order up at the counter.
Go to the counter, read the chalk board menu and order one of the many delightful and delicious options, pick out a delicious dessert option or two, and then pay and get your number. Once you’re given your number you can grab cutlery and go to your table, a staff member will bring your food (and coffee/drinks) to you. Be warned, the portions are quite generous here.
Personally, I always opt for the scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, but the pancakes are also a great option. While filling, they are lighter than you’d first expect, the same of which can be said for their avocado toast with poached eggs.
Aside from always enjoying the food, one of the main reasons I like dining here is because of the view. If you sit on the terrace outside, you overlook the garden, which makes for a peaceful and relaxing experience. And even if you dine inside, afterwards you can explore the garden and castle grounds, venture into the castle for an informational and enjoyable tour, or stroll along the Malahide coast line and beaches. Brunch here is more than just a good meal, it’s a wonderful escape from the busy city centre, surrounded by nature and history.
Address: Malahide Castle, Malahide, co. Dublin
**Malahide is a Dublin suburb and not within walking distance of the city centre, requiring transit to get there
A burger restaurant in Dublin with multiple locations, this is no standard burger chain; Bunsen is definitely a step above most burger restaurants, both in quality and atmosphere. The menu is limited - you’ll find more options at a McDonalds than at Bunsen - but what they do, they do right. With their menu given to you on a business card, that should tell you just how limited the menu is. Your choice is whether you want a cheeseburger or plain hamburger, a single or a double. As for fries, you can choose between hand cut, shoestring, or sweet potato. That’s it - there is your menu. So if you want a delicious juicy burger, where the patty is clearly well cooked and a high quality beef, you know where to go.
But what makes Bunsen great, aside from their delicious burgers, is their restaurants. You don’t feel like you’re dining in a fast food restaurant or some tacky chain, especially as some locations offer wine. Bunsen restaurants are always clean and aesthetically pleasing in their simplicity, attracting a young and successful crowd, students, and anyone craving the best burger in the city. And if there is any doubt to how good it is, what started as one location has now turned into multiple locations in Dublin’s city centre, with further locations in Cork and Belfast.
Locations in Dublin include:
22 Sussex Street East (Dublin city centre, in Temple Bar and near Ha’Penny bridge)
53 Dame Street (Dublin city centre, down the street from Trinity College Dublin)
36 Wexford Street (Dublin city centre, south-west of St. Stephen’s Green)
3 South Anne Street (Dublin city centre, off Grafton St.)
24 Baggot Street Upper (South of the Grand Canal Docks, in Ballsbridge neighbourhood)
Photo Credit: Bunsen [Source: Facebook @bunsenburger]
Another delicious - and rather unpretentious - French restaurant in Dublin, tucked away off the busy Dawson Street. What stood out most to me about La Ruelle was not just the great food, but that their menu was different than most French restaurants, at least most outside of France. While you’ll find traditional staples like onion soup, ratatouille, and a confit de canard, here you’ll find some options more befitting of a local French bistro than a Dublin restaurant. So whether or not you’ve been to France, here you can indulge on some more authentic French dishes that you can’t find everywhere. Not to knock onion soup and ratatouille - they are some of my favourites - but it’s definitely nice to be able to branch out. It’s quite rare to find tartiflette, aubergine mille feuille, and St-Jacques Flambées outside of France, especially not done well.
But at La Ruelle, the food is amazing and well portioned so that you can share with friends or try a few different plates. They also have a good wine selection, though the French would be horrified at the prices of a bottle of Bordeaux - welcome to Ireland, wine is more expensive than on the continent. There is also a varied dessert menu, full of French staples, though again - ones less common or obvious. Yes, there is a Crème Brulée, but you’ll also find a Tarte Tatin and Crêpes Suzette, along with a few other unique options, like a lemon sorbet with vodka.
Address: Joshua House (just off Dawson Street, near St. Stephen’s Green)
Photo Credit: The Oak (Source: Facebook @TheOakDublin)
Dublin is a city full of pubs so narrowing down the options to one favourite is rather hard, but once I tried the Oak, I knew it was an easy win. While it’s not my favourite pub in the city if just going for drinks, if looking to dine in a pub, The Oak makes for a great choice. The menu is large, full of Irish staples mixed with elevated versions of pub classics. For the picky eater, there are plenty of great options here for you. But it’s not just the diverse menu that made this place one of my usual spots.
Unlike so many other pubs in the city, The Oak feels clean and fresh, rather upscale for a low-key place. The counters and tabletops aren’t sticky, the large windows let in light rather than the standard dim lighting, the menu is large with plenty of options, the cocktail menu is a delight, and there is often live music to pleasantly accompany your meal. Don’t get me wrong, there is a time and a place for an old authentic pub, but sometimes you just want to feel a little more civilized; proper table service, well cooked and flavoured food, and a crowd that’s just a little more sober.
To put it simply, The Oak is where I bring family and friends when visiting Dublin - the friends and family I wouldn’t go out partying with until the wee hours of the morning but who I want to have a good meal in a nice Irish pub.
Address: 1-3 Parliament Street (Temple Bar neighbourhood)
Photo Credit: The Oak (Source: Facebook @TheOakDublin)
Photo Credit: Canal Bank Cafe (Source: Facebook @canalbankcafe)
A little farther away from the city centre, Canal Bank Cafe is a perfect option if you’re looking to avoid tourists and crowds. Rather, here you’ll dine amongst locals, enjoying a relaxed-yet-sophisticated atmosphere with delicious food. While I’d recommend going for the food, it’s equally worth going to encourage yourself to explore another area of the city and for the attentive service.
While they have become known for their wings - many will tell you that it’s an absolute must when going here - I found so much of the menu to be satisfying. While there is nothing particularly fancy or special about their options, it’s a simple menu done right. You’ll find something for everyone here, and their daily specials are always so tempting it’ll make choosing difficult. They also do brunch here, which can be a nice way to start a lazy Sunday.
I have ordered a lot of salads here and have never been disappointed, especially with the salads offered of their daily specials menu, despite how boring that may sound. I appreciate fresh clean ingredients, and I especially appreciate a salad that uses quality ingredients liberally. Other personal favourites include their omelettes, fish and chips, their side of celeriac purée, and, most importantly, their fries. While I’m usually tempted by almost everything on their daily specials menu, I can never resist getting a side of fries here.
Address: 146 Leeson Street Upper
Maneki
As previously noted, sushi is not something I’d normally recommend eating in Dublin. However, Maneki is a pleasant surprise and perhaps the only place I’d actually happily get sushi in the city. That said, I still found the California Roll to be disappointing (to be expected, as this roll was actually invented in Canada), so if you’re going for that classic standby option, skip it and opt for one of the many other great choices on the menu, especially their Norimaki specials. You’ll find ramen, udon noodles, teriyaki meals, and a range of small plates to more than satisfy you on the menu. You’ll even find a vegan menu, so rest assured that every diet is catered to here. Even better - which is common in Dublin - is that they provide an allergen guide so should you have a common allergy, you can make sure you are choosing something safe for you to eat. Personal favourites of mine include: the Rainbow roll, Salmon (or Tuna) Avocado roll, chicken yakitori, Tako Karaage (octopus), Pumpkin Korokke, and basically anything teriyaki.
Address: 43 Dawson Street
Photo Credit: Maneki Restaurant & Karaoke [Source: Facebook @MakekiDublin]
Pho Kim
Once known as Pho Viet and now named Pho Kim, this became my Vietnamese staple in the city. It also became the perfect place when you’re feeling a little under the weather. If, like me, you grew up with chicken soup as the cure to all colds, you’ll be disappointed to know that it’s an uncommon option in Dublin. However, the chicken pho here is a close second to “Jewish penicillin” and will do wonders for you. Of course, it’s a perfect option all year round, especially on a cold dreary Dublin day.
The menu is large and full of great options, catering to most dietary needs. Even better, the portions are very generous, so you can be sure that you won’t be leaving hungry. My personal favourite is the Pho Ga, though I also enjoyed ‘#23 Com Tom Ga Nuong’ (chicken, prawns, and rice) and ‘#29 Mon Xao Dac Biet’ (chicken, beef, and prawns stir-fry). Whatever your taste buds, you’ll find lots of choices here, and I have always found the kitchen to be very accommodating to any requests, changes, or substitutions.
Address: 162 Parnell Street
Photo Credit: Pho Kim (Source: Instagram @phokim.dublin)
Piglet Wine Bar is the perfect spot when looking for low key yet sophisticated share plates with a French touch. The restaurant itself is not particularly large, nor is the menu, but you’ll find everything you could possibly want on the menu to whet your appetite. While I’d love to recommend some amazing dishes, they change their menu quite frequently, which can be both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because you’ll never get tired of the menu, with something new to try whenever you go, but a curse because god help you if you fall in love with one specific dish.
While French restaurants can feel a little uppity, this wine bar has no such pretences. When looking at their wine menu, you’ll be amused by how they categorize their selection. You can choose from “usual” whites or red, or “weird” whites and reds. In fact, you’ll find the whole restaurant has little quirky elements much befitting a wine bar that named itself Piglet.
One of the main reasons I appreciate this restaurant so much - aside from the good food and wine - is that it’s rather unassuming, tucked away down an old cobblestone street, just outside the crowded centre of Temple Bar. It’s easy to pass or skip over, but those who know about it are always happy to return.
Address: 5 Cow’s Lane, Temple Bar
Balfes
A controversial opinion, many Europeans find Balfes overpriced for its quality. Not to say that the food isn’t over priced - it definitely is pricier - but what I love about Balfes is that it is one of the only places that seems to favour North American brunch standards. Of course, Balfes is more than just a brunch restaurant, with a delicious all day menu to keep guests satisfied. But to me, Balfes stands out as a great brunch option, with a large diverse menu that can cater to most dietary needs and specifications. Personally, I like an omelette on a late weekend morning, something that is not as common on menus as one might expect, and especially not with the option for egg whites. After over a year in Dublin, I accepted that getting an egg white omelette would be a rare occurrence unless I wanted to treat myself. And I was never disappointed when I did.
The fries are great here, so I honestly would’ve been happy going to Balfes just for the French fries, but they sold me when they actually catered to my preferences. Non-fat milk for a cappuccino? No problem. Egg whites? I didn’t even have to ask, it was already on the menu! And if you’re craving something decadent, they had more than enough options, with pancakes, avocado toast, and an egg’s Benedict. And the ambiance/atmosphere! It somehow mixed New York chic with Parisian bistro. So yes, this is definitely a pricier option in the city, but it never disappointed - giving me a taste of New York or Toronto in Dublin. And for the record, their all day menu achieved the same effect.
Address: 2 Balfe Street (in the Westbury Hotel, just off Grafton Street)