Ireland is known for its high standard of food, but with so many great restaurants to choose from, it can be overwhelming to choose - where do you go?
That's what we're here for, we've eaten our way across the country and found the yummiest, tastiest spots.
BEST FINE DINING
Greenes Restaurant, Cork City
Why dine here: The food at Greenes Restaurant is innovative, modern and devoted to place. Bryan McCarthy heads up the kitchen team at Greenes and recognises the uniqueness and quality of the outstanding ingredients that are available in Cork.
Food for thought: The talented kitchen team works in tandem with the best of Cork’s food producers, and producers in other parts of Ireland, to create a menu that’s devoted to local, seasonal, foraged, and organic ingredients. Wash it all down with a bottle of house wine and you will never want to leave.
W: www.greenesrestaurant.com | T: 021 455 2279
BEST TAPAS
Cask, Cork City
Why try tapas: This boutique cocktail and food venue has been wowing the public and hospitality industry alike since opening in 2017 with its cutting-edge, seasonal, nature-led food and drinks menus.
Tuck in: The street food-inspired tapas and small plates food menu is designed by award-winning local food devotee, chef Bryan McCarthy. All of the dishes are pleasing to both your palette and purse – and can be enjoyed not only with cocktails but with a selection of more than 20 wines.
W: www.caskcork.com | T: 021 450 0913
BEST WINE EXPERIENCE
The Copper Room, Limerick
Why go here: Enjoy a glass of wine with a cheese board while savouring the unique candlelight atmosphere in the underground caverns that formed part of the original Roches Hanging Gardens. It’s super cosy with soothing Dj music at weekends – perfect for after-work drinks or a first date!
Raise a glass: Besides boasting an amazing selection of wines to suit all tastes and budgets, The Copper Room oozes character and charm. We adore the massive chandelier, the exposed beams and fireplace. It’s open every day from 5pm until late.
W: www.thecopperroom.ie | T: 061 211 000
BEST CHEF
Eoin Sheehan
Who is he: A 23-year-old Limerick native and owner of Country Munch, a healthy meal preparation service. He’s also a chef on Virgin Media’s Six O’Clock Show and hosts cookery demonstrations nationwide.
Cream of the crop: Starting from his home kitchen and leveraging social media as a marketing tool, Eoin began to expand his business. Growing from six meals a week to 500 a week in the space of a year, Country Munch has grown exponentially. Eoin was recently named “one of Ireland’s most exciting young entrepreneurs”, and Country Munch has recently been added to the UberEats app. Impressive!
W: www.countrymunch.com | E: eoin@countrymunch.com
BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT
Lahinch Coast Hotel, Clare
Why dine here: It has had a stylish makeover by new owners John and Brid O’Meara who reopened the property in March. The redesign by architect Paul Haffey has completely changed the look of the entire ground floor which houses the gastro-style Aberdeen Bar and Restaurant and seasonal Breakers Café.
Mouth-watering views: The hotel is ideally located on the Wild Atlantic Way and is only a walk away from the beach. Rooms include two-bedroom suites with separate lounge and kitchen making them a perfect family option.
W: www.lahinchcoasthotel.ie | T: 065 7081100
BEST CATERING
The Gourmet Food Parlour, Dublin
Why bring in the experts: If you want to take your event to the next level, these are the caterers for you. They’ve been creating delicious, nutritious food from fresh, locally-sourced products since 2006 and their flavours have people going back for more. They will take care of every detail for you – from setting up to cleaning up, and everything in between.
Good grub: With clients like Google, Diageo and CityJet, they are committed to providing an unforgettable spread and service that’s every bit as brilliant as a top restaurant.
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE
Croí Restaurant, Tralee, Co. Kerry
Why book a table: As soon as you walk through the door at Croí, you immediately feel at home. The staff here are pros at greeting people, seating people and giving people an unforgettable dining experience. In just two years owner and chef Noel Keane has created a wonderfully relaxed vibe that no others can rival.
Service with a smile: Boasting a one-acre garden, the award-winning restaurant’s locally-sourced food is paired with foraged wild herbs, seaweed and berries, matched with a style of service from the marvellous Katherina.
W: www.croirestaurant.com | T: 066 7120685
BEST BRUNCH
The Spitjack, Cork
Why it’s so popular: It took two years to refurbish the 160-year-old building on 34 Washington Street before it opened its doors to much praise in 2017. In that time The Spitjack has become a firm favourite in Cork, opening for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The focus here is on quality, local meat that is cooked on the in-house rotisserie.
Cooking up a storm: Work has already begun on Spitjack No.2 which opens on Bedford Row in Limerick in February next year – we can’t wait!
W: www.thespitjack.com | T: 021 239 0613
BEST SEAFOOD EXPERIENCE
Linnane’s Lobster Bar, Co. Clare
Why it’s a perfect catch: If you are in the Burren region and want to relax, have some good seafood or a drink, Linnane’s is the place for you. Take in the fantastic views of Aughinish and Galway Bay while surrounded by sea and limestone landscape, or watch as boats come and go from the pier at New Quay, fishing for the shellfish that can be served straight away.
Key ingredient: Built more than 300 years ago to function as a post office and public house the building has remained at the centre of the New Quay community for generations.
T: 065 707 8120 | W: www.linnanesbar.com
BEST BURGERS
CoqBull, Limerick and Cork
Why grab a bite: A burger lover’s heaven, the menu boasts a huge variety of chicken, beef, bacon and fish burgers with a No BULL burger for the veggies. Don’t forget to make room for a cocktail or two or one of their local craft beers.
Savour the flavour: The restaurant itself is very stylish and serves as a perfect spot to sample its signature dishes including the Rotisserie Chick –100% Irish rotisserie chicken from the spit, marinated for 24 hours before rubbing and roasting.
BEST ITALIAN
La Collina, Galway
Why it’s the place to be: La Collina is everything an Italian restaurant should be: a warm, inviting, friendly environment for the whole family to enjoy and share a passion for good food, good wine and good times.
Classic cuisine: It has built up a strong reputation amongst tourists and locals in Galway, and for anyone missing authentic Italian cuisine and hospitality this is the place to go. Family and friends can all come together, share a good conversation, funny stories and experiences all while tucking into very reasonable and delicious cuisine.
W: www.lacollinagalway.com | T: 091 450716
BEST PIZZA
Crust Artisan Woodfired Pizza, Wexford
Why you need a slice of the action: A marriage of authentic Neapolitan pizza and the best of Irish artisan produces has made Richard Whitty’s Crust a must-try casual dining destination. The pizzas are complemented by local craft beers, a great range of wines on tap and a more exclusive wine list from renowned French regions.
All fired up: The huge bright red oven and the two exquisite Mike Mulcahy paintings are the focal point of the restaurant, giving it a fun and trendy feel.
