Daddy's Brunch in a pub has never been this good Posted: 10 Mar 2020 Neighbourhood Neighborhood Name Address Restaurant Address Website Website Name Restaurant Info View the Listing >> Written by: Lisa Cope What’s the story? Last December, the team behind Lucky's on Meath Street opened a new multi-purpose venue in a neighbourhood that really needed it - Rialto. The Circular is the pub part, serving craft beer and pizza from Coke Lane with a "beer yard" out the back (yet to be seen), and at the front is Daddy's - the bright, vintage style pink-toned café. Daddy's serves breakfast, lunch and 'early dinner' during the week, with brunch on weekends, and very quickly locals (and those from farther afield) were singing the praises of their Turkish Eggs, savoury tarts and the nostalgia inducing 'mashed eggs in a cup'. The suppliers list is impressive, with O'Neill's bacon, Annascaul black and white pudding, organic free-range eggs and Tartine bread and pastries, and there's a cabinet in front where you can buy many of the same ingredients to take home. If you're planning on rocking up to do a bit of work, be aware that they only allow laptops in the café part at the front, and on a separate visit, another member of the ATF team felt staff were a bit snippy when she asked if she could move into the main room with hers. Sounds like it's a bit of a sore spot. What else is around? If you're in this neck of the woods you've got to pay a visit to The Bakery by The Cupcake Bloke , to stock up on almond and honey, lemon and raspberry and oreo cupcakes, their award-winning Earl Grey, cranberry and orange tea brack, and if you're lucky a giant mikado or a jambon. You're also a 10 minute walk from Kilmainham Gaol if it's somewhere you've been meaning to tick off your bucket list (guilty), and a 20 minute walk to Teelings Distillery if you're in the mood for some whiskey tasting. Where should we sit? Although Daddy's is technically only the front part with high stools, high tables and counters, there are three seating areas in the venue, so plenty of room whatever the size or needs of your group. The front has the best light but you need to be okay with a bit of leg dangling. Then in the main pub there's "the good room", an annexed section with red booths and blue wall panelling, then into the main pub with round booths, counter seating and regular tables for two or four. If you don't want to be in the café at the front, the "good room" is definitely where it's at, feeling cosy yet bright at the same time thanks to the high windows. Because the main pub is so big, and they only fill a few tables for brunch, it's somewhat lacking in atmosphere in comparison to the other areas, but if you want peace, space, or just to have a private conversation it'll do the job. What's good to eat? This is one of those brunch menus that you immediately know is a cut above most, due to twists on some classics and the produce being used. The counter is filled with Tartine pastries, scones, bakes and tarts, and if you can avoid ordering one while waiting for your food you have more self-control than us. We opted for a pain au chocolat which was exactly how it should be, with the coveted two rows of chocolate and crispy strips on the outside for extra crunch. Clearly we couldn't come here without trying the Turkish eggs (why don't we see more Turkish eggs on menus here!?) and they were very good with a generous amount of sourdough, but we'd argue that the bowl they were served in wasn't ideal. The spiced oil had risen to the top with the garlic and herb yoghurt sitting at the bottom, and it took a lot of digging to get down and get a decent amount of it on the bread. We prefer Turkish eggs in a wider, more shallow bowl where both oil and yoghurt are easy to scoop up. Saying that the flavours were excellent and the eggs perfectly poached. Next time we'd probably just gently empty the bowl out onto the plate. Next up the impossibly perfect 'organic mashed eggs in a cup" with Annascaul black and white pudding, kale and toast. It's hard to imagine mashed eggs tasting this delicious (we're guessing lots of butter), but our parents certainly never made 'em like this. Both the black and white pudding have to be some of the best in the country, soft and spreadable, and the kale was beautifully seasoned with crispy edges. A really perfect breakfast plate, barring the single wrapped butter pats which in this day and age are pretty unforgiveable. We also couldn't resist the double baked croissant pudding with vanilla custard, O'Neill's smoked, streaky bacon and honey, and if sweet breakfasts are your thing, this is a triumph. Like the best bread and butter pudding, which could only be made better by chucking a load of salty, streaky bacon on top, from one of our favourite bacon producers. We wanted to try pretty much everything on the menu (a rare occurrence), but sadly stomach space is limited. On the list for next time are the boxty with kale, poached eggs and garlic herb yoghurt, and the fried egg sandwich with bacon and brown sauce, with a slice of seasonal fruit tart for afters. What about the drinks? Coffee is by Two-Fifty Square and is excellent - special shout out for the decaf which is among the best we've tasted. Tea is from Clement & Pekoe and they also do freshly squeezed orange juice and Bloody Marys if you're feeling delicate (or just like booze with brunch). And the service? Everyone was bright, warm and welcoming, and the food arrived in good time. The verdict? We loved Daddy's and think Rialto is very lucky to have it. There's no doubt it's going to be packed with weekend brunch crowds, and the word's probably not fully out yet so now is as good a time as any to get in there and try it for yourself. You can't go wrong with the menu, the vibe is ideal for some weekend chill time, and despite Dublin's brilliant brunch scene, Daddy's feels unique and different to the rest. Now if only they'd take over a big pub on the Northside and do the same. Daddy's 538 South Circular Road, Rialto, Dublin 8 www.instagram.com/daddysdub New Openings & Discoveries More >>

Sister restaurant of the highly regarded Ka Shing on Wicklow Street, specialising in the same top quality dim sum. The location next to McDonalds might not be as glamourous as its city centre sibling (opposite Brown Thomas), but the cheung fun, dumplings and pork BBQ buns will make you forget you're eating on the outskirts of a shopping centre. There’s a Cantonese menu too playing all the greatest hits in an elegantly appointment room upstairs, and unusually for an Irish-Chinese restaurant, desserts are worth sticking around for. Kaizen Website kaizenrestaurant.ie Address Kaizen Chinese Restaurant 嘉盛樓, Blanchardstown Centre, Blanchardstown, Dublin, Ireland Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Sister restaurant of the highly regarded Ka Shing on Wicklow Street, specialising in the same top quality dim sum. The location next to McDonalds might not be as glamourous as its city centre sibling (opposite Brown Thomas), but the cheung fun, dumplings and pork BBQ buns will make you forget you're eating on the outskirts of a shopping centre. There’s a Cantonese menu too playing all the greatest hits in an elegantly appointment room upstairs, and unusually for an Irish-Chinese restaurant, desserts are worth sticking around for. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

Taqueria on Drury Street from the people behind Bunsen, serving tacos with freshly made tacos and salsas. Portions are small and cheap so you can pile the plates high. Masa Website masadublin.com Address 2-3 Drury Street, Dublin 2 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Taqueria on Drury Street from the people behind Bunsen, serving tacos with freshly made tacos and salsas. Portions are small and cheap so you can pile the plates high. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

Part of a new wave of coffee shop by day, wine bar by night openings, Two Faced's tagline is "we never close". The basic kitchen area is more for assembly than cooking, but there's plenty of cheese, meat and conservas (tinned fish) to keep you sated while you drive into the wide-ranging wine list. The central counter has a DJ booth at the end so the volume can be more "bar" than "wine bar", and the tables outside will be in high demand during warmer weather. Two Faced Website instagram.com/twofaceddublin Address Two Faced, Montague Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Part of a new wave of coffee shop by day, wine bar by night openings, Two Faced's tagline is "we never close". The basic kitchen area is more for assembly than cooking, but there's plenty of cheese, meat and conservas (tinned fish) to keep you sated while you drive into the wide-ranging wine list. The central counter has a DJ booth at the end so the volume can be more "bar" than "wine bar", and the tables outside will be in high demand during warmer weather. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

All the modern French bistro vibes from Sandy and John Wyer (Forest Avenue, Little Forest, Una Bakery). Located above M.O'Brien's pub (formerly home to The Sussex), the dark wood and deep blue room has never looked better or felt cosier, and the menu of upmarket French bistro classics features hit after hit. Try the leeks vinaigrette, the chicken liver parfait, and the headline grabbing chicken au vin jaune, and no matter how full you are, there's always room for the croissant pudding made with Una leftovers for dessert. Forêt Website foret.ie Address Forêt, Dublin 4, Ireland Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story All the modern French bistro vibes from Sandy and John Wyer (Forest Avenue, Little Forest, Una Bakery). Located above M.O'Brien's pub (formerly home to The Sussex), the dark wood and deep blue room has never looked better or felt cosier, and the menu of upmarket French bistro classics features hit after hit. Try the leeks vinaigrette, the chicken liver parfait, and the headline grabbing chicken au vin jaune, and no matter how full you are, there's always room for the croissant pudding made with Una leftovers for dessert. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

We heard whispers about this Turkish charcoal grill for months before we stuck our heads in for a taste, and it didn't leave us wanting (either in portion sizes or value for money). You'll find foods here that you won't find anywhere else, like Tombik bread and Iskender lamb, and the food comes back. The best is best for group meet ups and family dining, the front if you want to watch all the action. Pera Website instagram.com/peradublin Address 61 Mary St, North City, Dublin 1, D01 XP94, Ireland Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story We heard whispers about this Turkish charcoal grill for months before we stuck our heads in for a taste, and it didn't leave us wanting (either in portion sizes or value for money). You'll find foods here that you won't find anywhere else, like Tombik bread and Iskender lamb, and the food comes back. The best is best for group meet ups and family dining, the front if you want to watch all the action. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

Bahay Website @bahay_dub Address TBC Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

Sweet little café on Stoneybatter's thoroughfare that's become a favourite with locals for their honest cooking, weekly specials and warm welcome. Breakfast is a particular strong point, with fluffy pancakes, nduja Turkish eggs and breakfast burritos. Social Fabric Website social-fabric.ie Address 34 Stoneybatter, Dublin 7 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Sweet little café on Stoneybatter's thoroughfare that's become a favourite with locals for their honest cooking, weekly specials and warm welcome. Breakfast is a particular strong point, with fluffy pancakes, nduja Turkish eggs and breakfast burritos. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

Their Walkinstown Roundabout food truck has long boasted some of Dublin's best fried chicken sandwiches but Cluck Chicken have finally got a permanent home. They've expanded up the road to Tallaght, bringing some much needed zing to the food options of The Square where they'll continue to sling chicken burgers alongside of fries and other sides. Owner Ian Ussher had a big hit when he opened Ian's Kitchen in Crumlin last year so hopefully this new brick and mortar location will continue that trend. Cluck Chicken Website cluckchicken.ie Address Unit 136, Level 1, The Square Shopping Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Their Walkinstown Roundabout food truck has long boasted some of Dublin's best fried chicken sandwiches but Cluck Chicken have finally got a permanent home. They've expanded up the road to Tallaght, bringing some much needed zing to the food options of The Square where they'll continue to sling chicken burgers alongside of fries and other sides. Owner Ian Ussher had a big hit when he opened Ian's Kitchen in Crumlin last year so hopefully this new brick and mortar location will continue that trend. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

Nashville-style fried chicken joint Firebyrd arrived in Ranelagh in late 2020, and its variety of all-American chicken burgers, wings and tenders have remained a local favourite ever since. With literally hundreds of Irish and imported hot sauces in stock it’s a place that takes spiciness seriously, and its Inferno Chicken - made with the Scoville scale-topping ghost pepper - is about as hot as it gets. Fret not if you’re more faint-hearted, there’s plenty of options here on the cooler end of the scale too. Fried pickles and loaded tater tots round out the menu, while an all-you-can-eat wings offer every Monday is a great value way to give it all a go. Firebyrd Website firebyrd.ie Address 51 Ranelagh, Dublin 6 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Nashville-style fried chicken joint Firebyrd arrived in Ranelagh in late 2020, and its variety of all-American chicken burgers, wings and tenders have remained a local favourite ever since. With literally hundreds of Irish and imported hot sauces in stock it’s a place that takes spiciness seriously, and its Inferno Chicken - made with the Scoville scale-topping ghost pepper - is about as hot as it gets. Fret not if you’re more faint-hearted, there’s plenty of options here on the cooler end of the scale too. Fried pickles and loaded tater tots round out the menu, while an all-you-can-eat wings offer every Monday is a great value way to give it all a go. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

Tucked away at the back of casual sushi stop, Kokoro Sushi Bento on South William Street, The Ramen Bar is always reliable, and always busy. Hot, steaming bowls of broth and noodles with a good selection of ingredients and options to customise, and there's 19 different bowls to choose from. The Ramen Bar Website theramenbar.ie Address 51 William Street South, Dublin 2 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Tucked away at the back of casual sushi stop, Kokoro Sushi Bento on South William Street, The Ramen Bar is always reliable, and always busy. Hot, steaming bowls of broth and noodles with a good selection of ingredients and options to customise, and there's 19 different bowls to choose from. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

NYC-style pizza slice shop with triangular and square slices, gigantic 20" whole pies, and a small, well-chosen drinks selection. The ricotta is housemade, the sausage comes from Andarl Farm pigs, and greens come from McNally Farm in North Dublin. Bambino Website bmbno.ie Address 37 Stephen Street, Dublin 2 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story NYC-style pizza slice shop with triangular and square slices, gigantic 20" whole pies, and a small, well-chosen drinks selection. The ricotta is housemade, the sausage comes from Andarl Farm pigs, and greens come from McNally Farm in North Dublin. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

Madame Pho The Belfast-born Vietnamese chain is expanding rapidly, but it needs a Pho-King rethink Posted: 29 Oct 2024 Neighbourhood Neighborhood Name Address Restaurant Address Website Website Name Restaurant Info View the Listing >> Written by: Ronan Doyle What should we know about Madame Pho? Established in Belfast in 2020 by a second-generation restaurateur, Vietnamese street food chain Madame Pho has seen explosive growth since its sale to new management last year, with four new openings in the North of Ireland in the space of just six weeks – a manic pace by any standard. Not content with keeping that many plates spinning, they’ve now begun an incursion south of the border, slipping into the Exchequer Street spot vacated by Ukiyo’s recent shock closure . Their livery can also be seen on the Thomas Street Boojum that’s lain idle since lockdown, due to open before the end of the year, with the sheer speed of scooping up long-term dormancies and high-profile casualties showing the surplus of ambition here. Where should we sit? The layout isn’t wildly different to what was there in Ukiyo, with the ground floor bar scaled-back to make room for a few additional two-tops on the floor. A fresh lick of paint, wood wall panelling, and Vietnamese light fixtures and décor join colourful new chairs and banquettes for a casual reinvention of the space that’s fresh but familiar. The basement level is a bit more lavishly appointed, with a less crowded layout and more upmarket banquettes retained from the previous tenant – we’d bet on this space getting a lot more use in the evenings. The wraparound booth tucked in the corner has to be our top pick if you’re in with a crowd. What’s on the menu? We got stuck straight in with the Vietnamese mainstay gỏi cuốn (summer rolls), plump parcels of rice paper-wrapped prawns, vermicelli and shredded veg. With a fair serving of fat prawns and a pleasant tang of pickled daikon, these are a strong start and a solid option for a quick snack on the go. Peanut sauce on the side isn’t our top pick for pairing at the best of times, but all the less with the one-note flavours of this version. It makes more sense, if equally little impact, with their chicken skewers. The menu lists these chargrilled chunks as satay-marinated but until we dipped in the sauce there wasn’t the slightest taste of peanut. Or, on that note, much to taste at all – under-seasoned and over-cooked, they were a bland block of middling meat with neither the fatty flavour nor crisp coating we’d expect. Wings were a massive improvement - tender, juicy meat basking in a sticky-sweet caramelised glaze for a showcase of all the skewers are not. The umami-rich tang of fish sauce is balanced with sugar and soy, with garlic and chilli bringing more assertive flavour. The little side serving of sriracha mayo will satisfy those seeking a more prominent kick, but it's a glaze that needs no adding to as far as we and our licked-clean fingers are concerned. The bánh mì marks a major bump in the road, with Madame Pho’s take on maybe Vietnam’s most famous street food staple not likely to have anyone booking a flight. The new owners have said they’ll be shipping their baguettes from Belfast until they find a suitable substitute down south, but short of cheaper prices up north we couldn’t detect anything in this basic bread worth importing – Dunnes across the road does them just as well. We’d believe you if you told us the “Vietnamese ham” came from there too, with little to note in the paltry pink slices. BBQ crispy pork neck has been pummelled to a thin, tough texture, with the coating joining the chicken skewers in the gravely under-seasoned stakes. We’d forgive some of this in a cheap and cheerful lunch joint; at €14 it’s a big misfire. The curry makes for a modest return to form, a substantial serving that’s creamy and rich with coconut milk and mild spice, studded with your choice of meat or veg. We went with roast duck and found more favour in the thin, tasty breast slices than the chunkier cuts, more flavour needing to be rendered from the fat. Still, the sum total worked well, with coriander and lemongrass lending a freshness and balance to the bowl. You could do a lot worse. Just how much worse we soon sampled, as we slurped up the broth from the Pho King and almost let it spill right back into the bowl. The menu talks a great game of deep sweetness and fragrant flavour derived from an eight-hour simmer, but perhaps they forgot to flick on the heat – this was as bland as it gets, less bone and marrow than… water and water. Short of the rich depth of a proper broth, the four kinds of meat are left to carry the can and they are, putting it mildly, not up to the task. With no hint of suppliers or provenance across their menus or sites, it's safe to assume Madame Pho isn't working with Ireland's best produce. Sliced beef hasn’t a trace of the medium rarity claimed, from-frozen meatballs have a denseness that’s deeply off-putting, chicken chunks are of a chewiness we’d sooner starve than relive, while more of those fat, farmed prawns practically come off as gourmet by contrast. We started to eat the side of sliced chilli by itself just to feel something, and left the bowl behind. Pho, the menu explains for those not in the know, is pronounced in Vietnam as “fuh” – we think this dish needs a Pho-King rethink. What are the drinks like? Vietnamese-style coffee is a big part of the pitch and happily more successful than some of the efforts elsewhere. Our iced black offering, drip filtered over a thick layer of condensed milk, was deeply tasty, and these are likely to sell well. Cocktails are an effort to parlay fast food vibes to a slower, more spenny atmosphere come evening – the relatively keen pricing at just under a tenner a pop should do a solid job. The Pho Signature we sampled was decidedly fruit-forward, with apple and passionfruit bringing a leading sweetness to hide any real trace of vodka or lime. Four Asian beer options and a short but sweetly-priced wine bottle list won’t rock the boat for anyone. How was the service? Like lightning – we were seated and served so quick we’d barely got our coats off by the time the food arrived. This is a machine well-oiled and well-intent on turning tables over as quick as it can. That’s not to say there’s any sense of being rushed, though the onslaught of food could leave you scoffing your starters for fear the curry will go cold. Textbook brand expansion is on full display, with a few Northern accents on the floor a sure sign that experienced staff from across the business have been parachuted in to see the new opening over the line. It’s all very slick, smooth and served with a smile. And the damage? Madame Pho’s owners have noted the far higher cost of doing business down south, with overheads running anything from 20 to 50% above what they’re dealing with in Belfast. It was a pleasant surprise then to see coffees and starters running in and around the same price both sides of the border. It’s a pretty good deal. That’s not a theme that holds up across the mains, alas, with the banh mis, phos and curries clearly making up the margins. Substantial mains will see you starting off at €18, while the cheapest banh mi comes in at €11. That makes for street food speed at sit-down spend, with the wildly varying quality making for occasionally very bad value. What’s the verdict on Madame Pho? Badly dropping the ball on your namesake dish is a very big stumble to recover from, and the Dublin debut of Madame Pho is already clocking up the sceptical user reviews to show it. There’s a lot of good will going for the OG Belfast branches, but everywhere we looked here we saw creaking signs of an overly cynical effort to cash in on a big brand name acquisition under this new management. Part of the case they’ve set out for expansion to these parts is a relative lack of competition in the Vietnamese food space, but what’s true in quantity isn’t at all in quality. At a ten minute stroll across the Liffey, Capel Street’s Aobaba is the one to beat at a far lower price point, with honourable mentions for Pho Kim and Pho Ta – Madame Pho isn’t just not in the same league, it’s not even playing the same sport. Even up against less established players in the market it falters, with Little Geno ’s bánh mì head and shoulders above for a full three euro less. The real USP Madame Pho offers is quick and cheerful service with enough space that you’re near-guaranteed a walk-in seat. In a city with restaurants that are often heaving and booked out weeks in advance, that might be enough to keep a hold of this corner for now, but it’s not likely to generate the same affection and repeat custom. There is much more of the business of food here than the pleasure, and maybe that's a sad sign of the times. New Openings & Discoveries More >>

Farm-to-fork café on Airfield Estate in Dundrum, with most of their milk, meat, fruit, vegetables and eggs produced on the 38-acre estate. The ethos here is seasonal, local and sustainable, with breakfast and lunch every day and occasional evening events. Overends Kitchen Website airfield.ie/overends Address Airfield Estate, Overend Avenue, Dublin 14 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Farm-to-fork café on Airfield Estate in Dundrum, with most of their milk, meat, fruit, vegetables and eggs produced on the 38-acre estate. The ethos here is seasonal, local and sustainable, with breakfast and lunch every day and occasional evening events. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

One of the original Thai restaurants in Dublin, Baan Thai is still going as strong as when it opened back in 1998. It seems to sit just below the foodie radar, going out their business in an unassumingly, consistently excellent way, kept busy by locals and those who've been coming here for decades. Mix and match meat, seafood and vegetables in a wide range of curries and stir fries, with crispy half duck, jumbo prawns and whole seabass some of their specialities. Baan Thai Website baanthai.ie Address Baan Thai Ballsbridge, Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story One of the original Thai restaurants in Dublin, Baan Thai is still going as strong as when it opened back in 1998. It seems to sit just below the foodie radar, going out their business in an unassumingly, consistently excellent way, kept busy by locals and those who've been coming here for decades. Mix and match meat, seafood and vegetables in a wide range of curries and stir fries, with crispy half duck, jumbo prawns and whole seabass some of their specialities. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

A ‘pub with a restaurant’ in the Liberties from the same owners as The Pig’s Ear – chef Stephen McAllister and wife Andrea Hussey. Beef cheek and oxtail Parker House rolls, Iberico pork schnitzel, and a huge cock-a-leekie pie for two make the food at Spitalfields a cut above the average gastropub. Spitalfields Website spitalfields.ie Address 25 The Coombe, Dublin 8 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story A ‘pub with a restaurant’ in the Liberties from the same owners as The Pig’s Ear – chef Stephen McAllister and wife Andrea Hussey. Beef cheek and oxtail Parker House rolls, Iberico pork schnitzel, and a huge cock-a-leekie pie for two make the food at Spitalfields a cut above the average gastropub. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

French bistro using Irish ingredients, open since 2004. Some modern takes on classic dishes and the menu changes with the seasons. Brunch is also big, with Eggs Benedict, morcilla hash and steak frites on the menu. l'Gueuleton Website lgueuleton.com Address 1 Fade Street, Dublin 2 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story French bistro using Irish ingredients, open since 2004. Some modern takes on classic dishes and the menu changes with the seasons. Brunch is also big, with Eggs Benedict, morcilla hash and steak frites on the menu. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

One of Dublin’s best places to buy and drink wine, with a small kitchen serving up cheese, charcuterie and tinned fish to go with it. Choose from their shelves of brilliant wines to drink in house with a set corkage fee (€15 at the time of writing), so the better you drink, the better the value. Green Man Wines Website greenmanwines.ie Address 3 Terenure Road North, Terenure, Dublin 6W Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story One of Dublin’s best places to buy and drink wine, with a small kitchen serving up cheese, charcuterie and tinned fish to go with it. Choose from their shelves of brilliant wines to drink in house with a set corkage fee (€15 at the time of writing), so the better you drink, the better the value. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

The Blackrock Italian from Forest Avenue owners Sandy and John Wyer exploded during lockdown thanks to chef Reggie White (ex-Pi)'s unparalleled pizza skills, and once indoor dining resumed, they added bread, snacks and antipasti to the menu. White has now departed, but his DNA remains, and the nduja, ricotta and honey 'white pie' is one of his best creations yet. Little Forest Website littleforest.ie Address 57 Main Street Blackrock, Co. Dublin Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story The Blackrock Italian from Forest Avenue owners Sandy and John Wyer exploded during lockdown thanks to chef Reggie White (ex-Pi)'s unparalleled pizza skills, and once indoor dining resumed, they added bread, snacks and antipasti to the menu. White has now departed, but his DNA remains, and the nduja, ricotta and honey 'white pie' is one of his best creations yet. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

Hatch’s Blackrock outlet opened mid-pandemic and quickly raised the bar for the village’s food offerings. Chef Emma Tarrant’s menu is so delicious that you might consider having her creamy tarragon mushroom toast topped with a fried egg for breakfast AND lunch. Sourdough is from Bread 41 and it would be plain wrong to leave without a cinnamon swirl. Hatch Coffee Blackrock Website @hatchcoffee Address 13 Main Street, Blackrock, Co. Dublin Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Hatch’s Blackrock outlet opened mid-pandemic and quickly raised the bar for the village’s food offerings. Chef Emma Tarrant’s menu is so delicious that you might consider having her creamy tarragon mushroom toast topped with a fried egg for breakfast AND lunch. Sourdough is from Bread 41 and it would be plain wrong to leave without a cinnamon swirl. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

Named after the famous government-run canteen in Delhi, Andhra Bhavan has been struggling to keep up with demand since bringing their dosas, idli and uttapams to Marlborough Street. The restaurant focuses on Southern Indian cuisine with no shortcuts, but the extensive menu occasionally dipping into other areas too. The tables are crammed together, the noise levels are high, and the flavours are next level. The value for money here is among the best in the city too. Andhra Bhavan Website andhrabhavan.ie Address Andhra Bhavan, Marlborough Place, North City, Dublin 1, Ireland Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Named after the famous government-run canteen in Delhi, Andhra Bhavan has been struggling to keep up with demand since bringing their dosas, idli and uttapams to Marlborough Street. The restaurant focuses on Southern Indian cuisine with no shortcuts, but the extensive menu occasionally dipping into other areas too. The tables are crammed together, the noise levels are high, and the flavours are next level. The value for money here is among the best in the city too. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

Ranelagh's favourite neighbourhood restaurant serving sharing plates with a mostly Italian influence. Vibrant, modern food and a sleek, minimalist restaurant design. Book well in advance. Host Website hostrestaurant.ie Address 13 Ranelagh, Dublin 6 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Ranelagh's favourite neighbourhood restaurant serving sharing plates with a mostly Italian influence. Vibrant, modern food and a sleek, minimalist restaurant design. Book well in advance. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

Georgian bakery specialising in cheese breads, pastries stuffed with mince, chicken or potato, and fruit and nut filled sweets. There's Turkish coffee and hot food too, like Georgian dumplings and lamb stew. Don't miss the cheese piroshki, similar to Hungarian langos, and the Khachapuri breads topped with a raw egg yolk to swirl around into the mix. Ella's Heaven Website ellasheaven.ie Address 95A Talbot Street, Dublin 1 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Georgian bakery specialising in cheese breads, pastries stuffed with mince, chicken or potato, and fruit and nut filled sweets. There's Turkish coffee and hot food too, like Georgian dumplings and lamb stew. Don't miss the cheese piroshki, similar to Hungarian langos, and the Khachapuri breads topped with a raw egg yolk to swirl around into the mix. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

Barry Stephen’s LA-style, smoke-generating warehouse was booked solid for two months almost immediately after opening, which tells you everything you need to know about how good the food and vibes are at Chubby’s. The former taco truck has grown into a far more sophisticated beast, with the 10-hour smoked short-rib, Massaman chicken wings and sticky toffee spring rolls bringing all the boys and girls to the yard. Chubbys Website chubbyskitchen.ie Address Chubbys, Clontarf Road, Clontarf West, Dublin 3, Ireland Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Barry Stephen’s LA-style, smoke-generating warehouse was booked solid for two months almost immediately after opening, which tells you everything you need to know about how good the food and vibes are at Chubby’s. The former taco truck has grown into a far more sophisticated beast, with the 10-hour smoked short-rib, Massaman chicken wings and sticky toffee spring rolls bringing all the boys and girls to the yard. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

One of North Dublin's most detour-worthy bakeries with a monthly changing menu, The Rock Bakery originally operated out of a pub, but has now moved to a permanent home on New Street. There are more types of must-eat pastries than you'll reasonably be able to eat, but you should try. The Rock Bakery Website @therockbakery Address 17 New Street, Skerries, Co. Dublin Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story One of North Dublin's most detour-worthy bakeries with a monthly changing menu, The Rock Bakery originally operated out of a pub, but has now moved to a permanent home on New Street. There are more types of must-eat pastries than you'll reasonably be able to eat, but you should try. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

Sandwich specialists on Smithfield Square with daily changing specials. Depending on the week you might find a chargrilled chicken shawarma with gordal olive tapanade and tahini, or chargrilled ribeye with béarnaise, balsamic, mushrooms and rocket on white. Their classics are on every day, like their version of a Reuben, with pastrami, sauerkraut, pickles and horseradish aioli on granary, and they have a second location just off Capel Street. Oxmantown Smithfield Website oxmantown.com Address 13 Smithfield terrace, Dublin 7 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Sandwich specialists on Smithfield Square with daily changing specials. Depending on the week you might find a chargrilled chicken shawarma with gordal olive tapanade and tahini, or chargrilled ribeye with béarnaise, balsamic, mushrooms and rocket on white. Their classics are on every day, like their version of a Reuben, with pastrami, sauerkraut, pickles and horseradish aioli on granary, and they have a second location just off Capel Street. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

Madame Pho Website madamepho.ie Address Madame Pho, Exchequer Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

Ex-Etto head chef Barry Sun’s first solo restaurant Volpe Nera (meaning black fox) opened in between Blackrock and Foxrock in 2019, and every critic who walked through the doors was wowed. The menu has a lot of similarities to Italian/Irish Etto (which can only be a good thing) with the occasional Asian flourish, like the cep dumpling with aged soya, trompettes and chives. Grown up and comfortable dining room over two floors with table and bar seating, and the wine list gets better every time we look. Volpe Nera Website volpenera.ie Address 22 Newtown Park, Blackrock, Co. Dublin Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Ex-Etto head chef Barry Sun’s first solo restaurant Volpe Nera (meaning black fox) opened in between Blackrock and Foxrock in 2019, and every critic who walked through the doors was wowed. The menu has a lot of similarities to Italian/Irish Etto (which can only be a good thing) with the occasional Asian flourish, like the cep dumpling with aged soya, trompettes and chives. Grown up and comfortable dining room over two floors with table and bar seating, and the wine list gets better every time we look. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

When Grano announced they were opening an Italian-only wine bar next door to their adored Stoneybatter restaurant we were practically twirling with joy. A Fianco (meaning 'next to') opened in summer 2022 looking far more polished than anyone expected, and walking through the door on Manor Street is a transportive experience. The all-Italian wine list is a joy to explore, and the small plate menus range from caponata and Calabrian-style anchovies to Capocollo ham and 40-month aged red cow Parmigiano. People-watch at the window, jostle for a leather seat at the bar, or pitch up at one of the standing areas, but with just 16 seats prepare to wait for somewhere to balance your glass on. A Fianco Website afianco.ie Address Unit 6, Norseman Court, Manor Street, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story When Grano announced they were opening an Italian-only wine bar next door to their adored Stoneybatter restaurant we were practically twirling with joy. A Fianco (meaning 'next to') opened in summer 2022 looking far more polished than anyone expected, and walking through the door on Manor Street is a transportive experience. The all-Italian wine list is a joy to explore, and the small plate menus range from caponata and Calabrian-style anchovies to Capocollo ham and 40-month aged red cow Parmigiano. People-watch at the window, jostle for a leather seat at the bar, or pitch up at one of the standing areas, but with just 16 seats prepare to wait for somewhere to balance your glass on. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra

From the team behind Hakkahan in Stoneybatter, Nan Chinese is a more high end opening specialising in Huaiyang cuisine, which is subtler and softer than many other types, and usually reserved for banquets or special occasions in China. Don't miss the xiao long bao (soup dumplings), the crispy bottomed Shengjian bao, and the whole deep-fried seabass with sweet and sour sauce. There's also a private dining room downstairs that can seat up to 12. Nan Chinese Website nanchinese.ie Address Unit 1, Drury Hall, Stephen Street Lower, Dublin 2 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story From the team behind Hakkahan in Stoneybatter, Nan Chinese is a more high end opening specialising in Huaiyang cuisine, which is subtler and softer than many other types, and usually reserved for banquets or special occasions in China. Don't miss the xiao long bao (soup dumplings), the crispy bottomed Shengjian bao, and the whole deep-fried seabass with sweet and sour sauce. There's also a private dining room downstairs that can seat up to 12. Where It's At Nearby Locales Yibu by Janet Little Canton Dak @ Bar Anam Mongoose Chongqing Hot Pot Boco Clontarf Bell Pesto Bang Gloria Osteria Cantina Valentina D'Lepak Pera Borgo Amai by Viktor Kaizen Chubbys Badam Table 45 Comet Daruma Malahide Lena The Pig's Ear Notions @ Two Pups The Rooftop @ Anantara The Marker Sofra