Must-see restaurants in Ireland

  • Helm

    County Mayo

    Fittingly for a pub set beside a boat-backed quay, Helm showcases the freshest Irish seafood, with chefs working with fish caught between Rossaveal in…

  • Dax

    Dublin

    Olivier Meisonnave's posh-rustic basement restaurant, named after his hometown north of Biarritz, is popular with serious foodies. They come for the…

  • Blackberry Cafe

    Connemara

    Connemara smoked salmon, creamy chowder and oysters (€12.50 for six) are on offer during the day at this smart wood-floored cafe with water views in the…

  • BiteSize

    County Cork

    This artisan bakery in the middle of the high street is the ideal place to start the day with a Danish pastry served Scandi-style (ie with a luxurious…

  • Bison Bar & BBQ

    Temple Bar

    Beer, whiskey sours and finger-lickingly good Texas-style barbecue – served with tasty sides such as slaw or mac 'n' cheese – is the fare at this…

  • Little Mike's

    Dublin

    At Little Mike's, opened in 2019, you can sit at the counter for a few glasses of wine and some smaller plates of the seafood that Michael's, its sister…

  • Lighthouse Tavern

    County Donegal

    Just before you reach Fanad Lighthouse, this welcoming and excellently located tavern is at hand for decent pub fare: lunchtime sandwiches and soups, plus…

  • Roast House

    Tralee

    The name comes from its own custom-built coffee roaster, but Roast House is even better known for its food, which spans breakfasts of homemade buttermilk…

  • Talbot's Seafood Lodge

    County Mayo

    Fishing-themed decor festoons this welcoming restaurant-bar where local seafood is firmly to the fore, with lobster, crab claws and an excellent fish pie…

  • Happy Pear

    County Wicklow

    Half of Greystones seem to meet each other for a chat at this hugely popular cafe, deli and organic grocery. Enjoy your porridge with fruit and seeds,…

  • Bang Café

    Dublin

    Fashionistas and foodies have long been aficionados of this stylish spot, which turns out top-notch contemporary Irish fare, including Wicklow venison and…

  • Harbour Bar

    Beara Peninsula

    The vintage bar at the Eccles Hotel adds a sophisticated twist to the idea of pub grub – alongside classics such as fish and chips and beefburgers, you'll…

  • McCormack's at the Andrew Stone Gallery

    County Mayo

    Upstairs above the Westport hubbub, there's excellent food on offer at this family-run bakery and lunch cafe, which has been in business for decades and…

  • Newman's West

    County Cork

    This yachtie-filled cafe-cum-wine bar (with many good choices by the glass) and art gallery serves soups, salads and enormous chunky sandwiches filled…

  • Fish Kitchen

    County Cork

    This outstanding little restaurant above a fishmonger's shop does seafood to perfection, from the live-tank local oysters (served with lemon and Tabasco…

  • Derragarra Inn

    Counties Meath, Louth, Cavan & Monaghan

    This delightful ivy-covered pub has a wood-beamed interior and a large, sunny beer garden overlooking the river and St Aidan Church across the way. Its…

  • Ionad Bhalor

    County Donegal

    Immediately west of the ferry pier, Ionad Bhalor makes an appealing stop for a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of homemade pie or cake. There is also a…

  • King House Tearooms

    The Midlands

    In the King House courtyard, this little cafe serves coffee, tea and cakes (including a luxurious red velvet cake) and light lunches, like soups,…

  • D'vine

    Counties Meath, Louth, Cavan & Monaghan

    Hidden down a small flight of steps and opening to a sunny courtyard, this convivial cellar bistro has a great selection of Mediterranean tapas dishes,…

  • Quay Street Kitchen

    Galway City

    Vegetarian and vegan dishes such as beer-battered organic tofu are a highlight of this small, busy restaurant on bustling Quay St. It also caters well for…

  • Java's

    Galway City

    We may be in western Ireland, but this is as northern France as they come. In this authentic Breton crêperie, savoury and sweet French pancakes have…

  • Muck 'n' Muffins

    County Donegal

    A 19th-century stone grain store houses this 1st-floor cafe, pottery studio and crafts shop. Even on rainy winter days, it's packed with locals sipping…

  • Union8

    Dublin

    A hub for the local community of Dublin 8 (hence the name), this terrific spot serves tasty breakfasts and contemporary Irish cuisine (beautifully…

  • Xico

    Dublin

    It's quite the scene at this underground Mexican restaurant, where the music is loud and the food – tacos, tostadas and main courses such as salmon…

  • Souper

    County Clare

    The choice of soups changes daily at this cosy cafe, which dishes up warming bowls of creamy garden pea, French onion with croutons, vegan leek and potato…

  • Caviston's Food Emporium

    County Dublin

    This is an excellent seafood restaurant with a long-standing reputation. From tuna loin to seared scallops, everything is fresh and beautifully presented…

  • Oyster Tavern

    Tralee

    Grilled Atlantic salmon, pan-fried Kerry Head crab claws, Dingle Bay prawn scampi and lobster in season star at this classy restaurant, but carnivores,…

  • Seafood Cafe

    Temple Bar

    Sister restaurant to the seafood shack Klaw, the Seafood Cafe is a more spacious outpost where you can enjoy native lobster dripping in garlic butter,…

  • Tuco's Taqueria

    Galway City

    At this student favourite, you first choose from tacos, burritos or enchiladas, then select your fillings (meat, vegetarian or vegan), extras (guacamole,…

  • Fig Tree

    Kilkenny City

    Many a visitor has stumbled into this clean, bustling cafe lured by its excellent all-day breakfasts. With quick service and plenty of seating, it's a…

  • BeaNice Cafe

    Counties Wexford, Waterford, Carlow & Kilkenny

    This cute cafe serves delicious breakfasts, homemade soups, salads (such as pesto-marinated chicken and roast chickpeas, or beetroot slaw), savoury scones…

  • Temple Bar Food Market

    Temple Bar

    Every Saturday this small square is taken over by food trucks, filling the air with the scent of pastries, artisan hot dogs, vegan curries and crêpes. The…

  • O'Neills Bakery

    Counties Meath, Louth, Cavan & Monaghan

    Breads, cakes and buns are sold still warm from the ovens (one of which is over a century old) at this five-generation-old village bakery. Knock at the…

  • Starfish Cafe & Bistro

    County Donegal

    Pretty in blue, this fresh and cheery bistro excels from breakfast through lunch. At any time the baked goods beguile and there's all sorts on the menu,…

  • Spillane's

    Dingle Peninsula

    Outside tables look across Brandon Bay to the mountains at this laid-back pub idyllically located out near the tip of the peninsula. Seafood is a…

  • Quay Co-op

    Cork City

    Flying the flag for alternative Cork, this cafeteria offers a range of self-service vegetarian dishes, all organic, including big breakfasts and rib…

  • Teach Nan Phaidi

    Aran Islands

    At tiny, thatched Nan Phaidi, picnic tables and a riot of flowers sit in front of whitewashed walls, and happy diners tuck into award-winning treats…

  • Sol Rio

    County Mayo

    The extensive menu here ranges from pizza and pasta to organic meat and fish. Carefully chosen ingredients are combined cleverly, whether you pause at the…

  • Cork Coffee Roasters

    Cork City

    In this foodiest of foodie towns it's not surprising to find a cafe run by artisan coffee roasters. The brew on offer in this cute and often crowded…

  • Creel

    County Mayo

    With its lively chatter, superb cakes and all-day brunches, Creel conjures up inventive treatments with traditional Mayo ingredients. Lunch might be a…

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