Industry Jobs & Openings Hospitality Employment Job Board From chef positions to front of house, wine sales to PR and marketing, find the best hospitality jobs around, in companies you'll actually want to work for. Want to post a job or be the first to know about new postings? Click one of the links below to connect with our team. Post a Job Get Notified Open Positions Café & Bar Manager 13 Oct 2026 The Lighthouse Cinema View Job Head of Bread, Wilton Park 9 Oct 2026 Scéal Bakery View Job Head of Pastry, Wilton Park 9 Oct 2026 Scéal Bakery View Job Café Manager, Wilton Park 9 Oct 2026 Scéal Bakery View Job Restaurant Manager and Assistant Manager 5 Oct 2026 Volpe Nera View Job Restaurant Manager 14 Sept 2026 Reggie's View Job Chef de Partie 1 Sept 2026 Glas View Job

Café & Bar Manager < Back Café & Bar Manager The Lighthouse Cinema Apply Now Location Smithfield, Dublin 7 Employment Full-time Date Posted 13 October 2026 Website lighthousecinema.ie We are looking for a passionate and driven Café Bar Manager to join our team, responsible for the operational excellence and financial success of the Light House Café/bar , and the wider food and beverage offer. Working closely with a talented and motivated front of house team, the primary objective will be to grow Light House’s reputation as a premier entertainment destination in Dublin, known for its fresh, delicious and locally sourced food menu, an excellent range of drinks from local and Irish suppliers, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that blends quality service with a real sense of community. Taking on responsibility for the planning, and delivery of Light House’s food and beverage offer, this role is an opportunity to take a thriving social venue into the next phase of its development, realising its full potential as a unique cinema experience in the heart of Smithfield. Purpose of the Role: To create a vibrant, welcoming and popular food and beverage space that will serve as a thriving social and community hub for people of all ages from morning until night, as well as providing and essential revenue stream for Light House. Contract: Full-time with flexible working required (e.g. evenings, weekends, bank holidays) to effectively deliver the Light House Café/Bar operation. Benefits: Staff concessions are offered alongside Light House salary and holiday provisions. Reporting to: General Manager Management of: Café Supervisor, Duty Managers (shared), FOH team (shared). Requirements: Previous experience as a Bar Manager, Restaurant Manager or Food and Beverage Manager Confidence in improving and reporting on financial and operational performance Ambitious, imaginative and commercially astute An understanding of what makes Light House unique Key Responsibilities: Lead on planning, operations and financial management of Light House Café and Bar Deliver an imaginative and creative offer based on local products and local suppliers Manage stock control, ordering, wastage and labour costs Develop relationships with key suppliers Work collaboratively with Front of House manager on rostering, training, and staff management Support the events team to deliver food and beverage requirements for industry and corporate hires Ensure compliance with health, safety, HACCP and restaurant operating procedures How to apply: Please send your CV and covering letter/email to recruitment@lighthousecinema.ie with the reference: Café/Bar Manager in the subject line. Closing date is Thursday 15th October at 17:00 . Given the high volume of applications Light House regularly receives, applicants will only be contacted if they have been shortlisted for interview. Interviews will take place week commencing w/c 19th October.

Exclusive Access to Guides, News, Reviews & Events All the Food: Insiders Exclusive ATF Insider perks The Purty Kitchen, Dun Laoghaire Get a complimentary Dingle gin and Poachers tonic for all diners, any night of the week Lobstar, Monkstown A complimentary glass of wine (your choice) per person when dining at Lobstar in Monkstown Lottie's Complimentary snacks (dumplings nduja and potato skins) when ordering drinks on the terrace (one drink per person) Ely Wine Bar Free upgrade to bottle of premium organic wine with Ely's bottle and bites experience for two - €79 for wine and five small plates Bar Italia Complimentary glass of sparkling, white or red wine when dining at Bar Italia. Available all day Monday - Thursday until end of May Shaka Poké, Baggot St & Blackrock 15% off the bill from Monday - Wednesday. Just show your active subscription Glas A complimentary side or complimentary dessert cocktail of choice, when dining Sunday to Thursday September, Blackrock 10% off everything Monday - Friday - breakfast, lunch, dinner and wine Woodruff, Stepaside Complimentary snack of your choice, like organic potato crisps or croquettes, when dining Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday Suertudo, Ranelagh Complimentary churros with Mexican-style chocolate (one per diner with a spend of €45pp or more) Lottie's, Rathmines Complimentary snack of your choice pp when ordering two courses or more, any day or time (mention offer when ordering) Monty's of Kathmandu, Temple Bar 10% off the à la carte menu and drinks from Sunday - Tuesday Mamó, Howth Free portion of the "cod chip" when dining on Monday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings Mani, Dublin 2 15% off the bill at Mani from 12pm - 5pm Monday - Thursday The Seafood Café, Temple Bar 15% off the set menu, Mon-Fri 12pm-6:30pm, and happy hour on oysters all week (€1 off each oyster). Mention offer when ordering Cluck Chicken, Dublin 24 20% off the bill all day Tuesday and Thursday Brother Hubbard, Dublin 1 20% off the Middle East sharing menu on tables booked directly through reservations@brotherhubbard.ie Load More See all offers News, features and events

Oh no! We can't find this page. 404 It could be worse though. You could be at a rubbish restaurant waiting two hours for a table. Back to Homepage

Exclusive ATF Insider perks More benefits for you from some of Dublin's best restaurants, from complimentary drinks and snacks when dining out, to discounts on the bill. Log into the website and show your active subscription to claim them. Make sure to quote ATF Insiders when booking. Join ATF Insiders The Purty Kitchen, Dun Laoghaire Get a complimentary Dingle gin and Poachers tonic for all diners, any night of the week Go to website Lobstar, Monkstown A complimentary glass of wine (your choice) per person when dining at Lobstar in Monkstown Go to website Lottie's Complimentary snacks (dumplings nduja and potato skins) when ordering drinks on the terrace (one drink per person) Go to website Ely Wine Bar Free upgrade to bottle of premium organic wine with Ely's bottle and bites experience for two - €79 for wine and five small plates Go to website Bar Italia Complimentary glass of sparkling, white or red wine when dining at Bar Italia. Available all day Monday - Thursday until end of May Go to website Shaka Poké, Baggot St & Blackrock 15% off the bill from Monday - Wednesday. Just show your active subscription Go to website Glas A complimentary side or complimentary dessert cocktail of choice, when dining Sunday to Thursday Go to website September, Blackrock 10% off everything Monday - Friday - breakfast, lunch, dinner and wine Go to website Woodruff, Stepaside Complimentary snack of your choice, like organic potato crisps or croquettes, when dining Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday Go to website Suertudo, Ranelagh Complimentary churros with Mexican-style chocolate (one per diner with a spend of €45pp or more) Go to website Lottie's, Rathmines Complimentary snack of your choice pp when ordering two courses or more, any day or time (mention offer when ordering) Go to website Monty's of Kathmandu, Temple Bar 10% off the à la carte menu and drinks from Sunday - Tuesday Go to website Mamó, Howth Free portion of the "cod chip" when dining on Monday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings Go to website Mani, Dublin 2 15% off the bill at Mani from 12pm - 5pm Monday - Thursday Go to website The Seafood Café, Temple Bar 15% off the set menu, Mon-Fri 12pm-6:30pm, and happy hour on oysters all week (€1 off each oyster). Mention offer when ordering Go to website Cluck Chicken, Dublin 24 20% off the bill all day Tuesday and Thursday Go to website Brother Hubbard, Dublin 1 20% off the Middle East sharing menu on tables booked directly through reservations@brotherhubbard.ie Go to website Join ATF Insiders

Explore All The Food Dublin: the ultimate guide for Dublin's top restaurant news and reviews. Guides Dublin iconic dishes quiz How many have you tried? Read More Where to Eat & Drink in Dublin All the Food Join 15,000 Dublin food lovers • Reviews, new openings, where to eat, twice a month Join free • No spam • Unsubscribe any time Subscribe News The two minute review: Two Pups Wine Bar, Fairview We'd eat those arancini, chicken thighs and garlic butter fries every weekend, but we'd like plates, and a toilet... Read More Reviews The Goat's Gruff Once Over The Goats have gone to the next level with a new Castleknock restaurant, and there's a lot more than pizza on the menu... Read More What's New News and recommendations. More >> ATF Insiders The Best Seat in the House Unlock exclusive content as an ATF Insider. Join Us Insider Features Special news, events, and features. More >> Insider Perks See all ATF Insider perks More >> The Purty Kitchen, Dun Laoghaire Get a complimentary Dingle gin and Poachers tonic for all diners, any night of the week Lobstar, Monkstown A complimentary glass of wine (your choice) per person when dining at Lobstar in Monkstown Lottie's Complimentary snacks (dumplings nduja and potato skins) when ordering drinks on the terrace (one drink per person) Ely Wine Bar Free upgrade to bottle of premium organic wine with Ely's bottle and bites experience for two - €79 for wine and five small plates Insider Perks Recent Reviews Goat's Gruff 6th October '26 Sano Pasta 22nd September 2026 Fade Street Tavern 8th September 2026 Gaffe 25th August 2026 Where to Drink Right Now More Guides >> See the Sights. Eat the Food. Travel guides and inspiration. Start Exploring Dublin Guides Explore the best of Dublin. More >> Shop for Swag Our Shop >> 3 for 2 The Eat Brilliantly Collection Price €59.99 4-day Itinerary How to eat brilliantly in Turin - 2026 edition Price €29.99 4-day Itinerary How to eat brilliantly in Málaga - 2026 edition Price €29.99 4-day Itinerary How to eat brilliantly in Rome - 2026 edition Price €29.99 Last few 'Sláinte' Card Price €4.00 Last few 'We Going On The Sauce' Card Price €4.00 Last few 'Roses are Red, Violets are Blue' Card Price €4.00 Last few 'We're The Perfect Mix' Card Out of stock Last one! 'Grá' Card Out of stock ATF Insiders Yearly Gift Subscription - Digital Price €65.00 ATF Insiders Yearly Gift Subscription - Posted Price €65.00 New stock! 'Where's The Food' Tote Bag Price €12.00 New stock! 'There's Probably Food In Here' Tote Bag Price €12.00 Low stock! Notebook - People who love to eat are always the best people Out of stock Last one! Notebook - First I eat the food, then I do the things Out of stock

Head of Pastry, Wilton Park < Back Head of Pastry, Wilton Park Scéal Bakery Apply Now Location Wilton Park, Dublin 2 Employment Full-time Date Posted 9 October 2026 Website scealbakery.com We are looking for a visionary artisan to step in and take the helm of our pastry team at our new bakery at Wilton Park.! At Scéal, this role is about far more than perfect lamination and golden layers - it’s about leading a vibrant culture of excellence, innovation, and mentorship. As Head of Pastry, you’ll blend the technical precision of a master pâtissier with seamless operational prowess. You will oversee our entire pastry programme, focusing on the architecture of our viennoiserie - from the science of fermentation and butter incorporation to building the systems and positive environment that allow every croissant and baked good to shine. Who You Are – An Expert Craftsperson: You have deep, hands-on experience with high-volume viennoiserie and artisanal baked goods, with a passion for technical precision and flavor. – A Natural Leader & Nurturing Mentor: You thrive in high-energy kitchen environments, leading with empathy and enthusiasm. You find genuine joy in motivating a diverse team, building a positive kitchen culture, and helping bakers grow in their roles. – System-Oriented: You know that world-class pastry relies on great organisation and consistency. You enjoy building clear, supportive structures that allow creativity to flourish. – A Creative Innovator: You are excited by seasonal menu development, bringing new-wave flavors, acclaimed techniques, and standardized recipes to life. What’s in it for you? A Pivotal Career Moment You aren’t just joining a bakery, you’re joining a movement. With one new location already thriving and another currently under construction, you are coming on board at a definitive moment in the Scéal story. For a leader looking to build a career, the timing couldn't be better. A Culture of Genuine Care We believe that hospitality starts with how we treat our own. You’ll be part of a supportive, kind, and high-energy team culture where we genuinely care about one another’s well-being. We work hard, but we do it in an environment that respects your voice and values your contribution. Industry-Leading Growth & Learning As one of Ireland’s most acclaimed food businesses, we offer a front-row seat to industry excellence. You will have the opportunity to: – Learn from the Best: Gain deep insights into specialty coffee, artisan production, and high-level hospitality management. – Career Progression: With our ongoing expansion, there is a clear and direct path for career progression into senior leadership roles. The Essentials – Competitive salary reflective of your experience and leadership. – Working in a creative and supportive environment alongside the founders and other leaders – Creative collaboration & growth - producing industry leading products that inspire you – Staff coffees, home-cooked staff meals and plenty of flakey buttery pastry – A bike to work scheme, promoting healthy commutes So, what is the role... Visionary Production & Craft – Mastering the Craft: Oversee the entire production cycle - from fermentation, science and dough mixing to shaping, baking, and final garnishing. – Menu Innovation & R&D: Lead the creative development of seasonal items and new-wave pastries, taking ideas from initial concept to standardised recipes. – Quality Benchmarking: Act as the final gatekeeper for product excellence, ensuring every item perfectly represents the Scéal brand. Team Leadership & Culture – Cultivating Talent: Build an uplifting kitchen culture where open communication and teamwork come first. Act as an approachable mentor to every team member. – Strategic Onboarding & Training: Partner with senior management to scout top talent and design ongoing training programs to pass down our high standards of craft. Operational & Business Mastery – Dynamic Management & Rostering: Own production schedules and team rosters, balancing fast-paced business needs with a healthy, supportive work environment. – Data-Driven Success: Take ownership of daily production targets, sales goals, procurement, and waste reduction strategies. – Precision & Safety: Maintain gold-standard kitchen safety, overseeing HACCP compliance, cleanliness, and safe workplace practices. Requirements – Baking excellence: Significant experience leading high-volume viennoiserie and premium artisanal baked goods. – End-to-end team leadership: Proven track record in recruiting, training, rostering, and mentoring a kitchen team. – Strong commercial acumen: ability to manage budgets, production scheduling, and financial targets. – Creative Flare: Portfolio of successful seasonal menu launches and recipe development. – Health & Safety Guardian: Comprehensive knowledge of HACCP implementation and health & safety legislation. If this sounds like you we'd love to chat. Apply through our Google doc at www.scealbakery.com/careers

Café Manager, Wilton Park < Back Café Manager, Wilton Park Scéal Bakery Apply Now Location Wilton Park, Dublin 2 Employment Full-time Date Posted 9 October 2026 Website scealbakery.com At Scéal, our community is at the heart of everything we do. As we expand into our third location this year, we are looking for a people-centric leader to help us maintain our signature warmth and excellence at our new site at Wilton Park, Dublin 2. Who You Are: – A specialty coffee enthusiast with a passion for exceptional service. – A mentor who can inspire and lead a FOH team in a dynamic, evolving environment. – Someone who notices the "little things" that make a customer's day. What’s in it for you? A Pivotal Career Moment You aren’t just joining a bakery; you’re joining a movement. With one new location already thriving and you are coming on board at a definitive moment in the Scéal story. For a leader looking to build a long-term career, the timing couldn't be better. A Culture of Genuine Care We believe that hospitality starts with how we treat our own. You’ll be part of a supportive, kind, and high-energy team culture where we genuinely care about one another’s well-being. We work hard, but we do it in an environment that respects your voice and values your contribution. Industry-Leading Growth & Learning As one of Ireland’s most acclaimed new-wave bakeries, we offer a front-row seat to industry excellence. You will have the opportunity to: – Learn from the Best: Gain deep insights into specialty coffee, artisan production, and high-level hospitality management. – Progress Rapidly: With our ongoing expansion, there is a clear and direct path for career progression into senior leadership roles. – Shape the Brand: Have a real seat at the table, influencing how we grow and how our community evolves. Operational Leadership & Excellence – Orchestrate Daily Flow: Lead the daily rhythm of the cafe with a hands-on approach, ensuring seamless transitions between the front-of-house energy and the bakery production. – Brand Stewardship: Ensure every inch of the space reflects Scéal’s high standards, from the visual presentation of our bakes to the overall "vibe" and atmosphere. – The Bridge: Act as the vital link between our customers and the production team, fostering a culture of clear, timely, and collaborative communication. Team Culture & People Development – Be a mentor. You will develop and protect an incredible team culture, turning a group of staff into a high-performing, connected community. – Strategic Growth: Lead the charge on recruitment, onboarding, and continuous training for our Baristas and FOH team, ensuring they grow as the business grows. – Team Logistics: Master the art of the rota, balancing labor budgets with the human needs of the team to ensure a happy, motivated workplace. The Guest Experience – Sceal Hospitality: Set the gold standard for customer service, handling queries with a "yes" attitude and genuine warmth. – Trend Spotting: Analyze customer demand and local trends, sharing your "ear to the ground" insights with the senior production team to help shape our future menus. Business & Technical Management – Resource Management: Own the inventory and procurement process, ensuring we have exactly what we need to deliver excellence every day. – Performance Tracking: Manage revenue reporting and team budgeting, using data to help drive the cafe’s success. – Safety & Care: Maintain our high standards of safety and hygiene, overseeing HACCP compliance and equipment maintenance to keep the engine of the cafe running smoothly. The Essentials – Competitive salary reflective of your experience and leadership. – Daytime-only hours (no late nights!) promoting a healthy work-life balance. – Working in a creative and supportive environment alongside the founders – The chance to work with the finest local ingredients – Staff coffees, home-cooked staff meals and plenty of flaky buttery pastry – A bike to work scheme (promoting healthy choices) Requirements – Proven Leadership: Experience leading high-volume teams within a specialty coffee or premium hospitality environment. – Operational Excellence: A meticulous eye for detail with the ability to manage rotas, budgets, and stock procurement seamlessly. – Brand Ambassadorship: A genuine passion for artisan food and specialty coffee, acting as the primary voice of the Scéal brand for our guests. – Growth Mindset: A proactive, "solutions-oriented" attitude with the ambition to scale alongside a rapidly expanding business. – People-First Approach: Exceptional emotional intelligence and communication skills to foster a kind, high-performing team culture. If this sounds like you we'd love to chat. Apply through our Google doc at www.scealbakery.com/careers

Chameleon A reinvention for Indonesian tapas in Temple Bar Posted: 2 Apr 2019 Neighbourhood Neighborhood Name Address Restaurant Address Website Website Name Restaurant Info View the Listing >> Written by: Lisa Cope What’s the story? Indonesian-inspired Chameleon 's been part of the fabric of Temple Bar for an incredible 25 years, and recently made the clever decision to do a bit of a brand update - they got a new logo, changed the outside of the restaurant from black to bright blue, and invested in a beautiful new spray-painted shutter . It's a shrewd move to stand out in a city that's currently seeing a record number of restaurant openings each month, and one that got them onto our hottest restaurants in Dublin list for March. We hadn't visited in a long time, and after a very well-eaten foodie told us they were "hitting all the right notes" when it came to Indonesian cooking we thought it was worth a visit. Where should we go for a drink first? The temptation is always there to dance into Oliver St. John Gogarty 's and act like a tourist for an hour - you'll leave with a lighter wallet but a newly invigorated sense of national pride that only twee Irish music, aran jumpers and barely passable bowls of stew can summon up (but best to avoid the toilets if you can - €5 million a year in profit clearly isn't enough for a new paint job and some air freshener). Roberta's and The Liquor Rooms (below) do great cocktails, and for wine both Piglet and Loose Canon are within a 5 minute walk. Where should we sit? Upstairs all the way, ideally at the lower tables with the cushioned seating for the full experience. Anyone with a dodgy back or who likes proper tables and chairs can opt for the standard tables. There are more tables downstairs, but we don't think it has the same atmosphere or feel as the first floor. What's good to eat? The main part of the menu revolves around set menus that are either meat, fish or vegetable based, from €36 - €40 per person. There are also 'Asian Tapas', a lot of which are found on the various set menus. We thought it would be a good idea to get one Java (meat-based) and one Sumatra (fish based) to try as much as possible, but we hadn't realised that four of the seven dishes were the same on both (noodles, vegetables and a fish cake), so if we were choosing again we'd pick one set menu and other dishes from the Asian tapas section so that we could try more. The best thing we ate was probably the fish finger bao, with tiger prawn and squid katsu and sambal (a type of chilli sauce) in a homemade bao. Immediate regret for not having ordered all the bao. Other highlights included the Sweet Sambal Udang - marinated prawns with pineapple and chilli mango sauce - which walked the line perfectly between sweet, savoury and sour, the Kari Java - a Javanese curry with braised shoulder of Wicklow lamb and sweet potato that was incredibly rich in flavour, and the sesame fried vegetables with sautéed onions and toasted sesame seeds, which managed to make cabbage addictive. Both the crab cake with haddock and the chicken satay (props for using free-range) were enjoyable, and the beef rendang had great flavour but the meat could have been more tender. We weren't keen on the noodles which had an overpowering taste of molasses, and the salad with cucumber, mango and Chinese leaves could have done with having the dial turned up on the dressing - or maybe just needed more dressing. A dessert of Kahlua and organic dark chocolate pannacotta with peanut brittle had the perfect wobble, and was a nice midway point between coffee and dessert, when your heart says espresso, but your head says it's too late, don't do it. And the drinks? The wine list is pretty compact, with half on tap and half in bottle. The advantage of those on tap is that they're available in small and large glasses, carafes and bottles, so everyone can drink what they want in exactly the amount they want, but we would have liked to see a few more options that would specifically compliment the food in either format, like off-dry Pinot Gris or Gewurztraminer. We drank the Hobo Workbook Californian red blend on tap which is a great all-rounder, and for white we would have gone for the Peter & Peter Riesling in bottle, a grape that tends to work well with Asian flavours. And the service? Really warm, and couldn't do enough for us. The only issue with the set menus is that everything comes at once, and it's a lot of food, so by the time we reached the end some of it was cold, but retrospectively if we had asked our lovely server to bring a few things first like the bao, satay and fish cake, we think she would have been more than happy to oblige. That would be the plan next time. The verdict? There are a lot of good flavours going on at Chameleon, and we kept thinking what a perfect place it is for group dining - bag one of the big tables upstairs, order all the food and a load of carafes of wine, and we're pretty sure everyone would leave happy. Keeping a restaurant open for 25 years is no mean feat, and keeping people talking about you for that long is even more difficult, but we think updating their image was just what was needed to put Chameleon back on Dublin diner's agendas. Chameleon 1 Fownes Street Lower, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 www.chameleonrestaurant.com New Openings & Discoveries More >> Dublin's iconic dishes quiz 2 days ago 5 things we want to eat in Dublin this week 2 days ago The Best Autumnal Dishes In Dublin Right Now 2 days ago The Two Minute Review: Two Pups Wine Bar, Fairview 2 days ago

Honey Honey has been thronged from the day they opened in 2018 with locals, visitors and passing cyclists queuing up for specialty coffee, granola bowls and warm sausage rolls. It filled a much needed gap in the area for a quality café, and expect to wait for one of their in demand tables. Honey Honey Website honeyhoneycafe.com Address Strand Road, Burrow, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Honey Honey has been thronged from the day they opened in 2018 with locals, visitors and passing cyclists queuing up for specialty coffee, granola bowls and warm sausage rolls. It filled a much needed gap in the area for a quality café, and expect to wait for one of their in demand tables. Where It's At Nearby Locales Goat's Gruff Banco Bah 33 Mark Moriarty Studio Gaffe at Leonard's Corner Sano Pasta 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

Yumgrub The Two Minute Review: Posted: 5 Sept 2023 Neighbourhood Neighborhood Name Address Restaurant Address Website Website Name Restaurant Info View the Listing >> Written by: Ronan Doyle What should we know about Yumgrub? Previously located in Ballybrack’s Village Yard before its sudden closurescuppered things, plant-based fast food “filth” purveyors Yumgrub have now setup shop in Grand Canal Dock’s The Place , alongside fellow food trucks Pastiamo , Tacoman , Dosa Dosa and The Drunken Cookie . The all-vegan menu is packed with Beyond Meat burgers, chick*n rolls, tofu baconand loaded fries, and we’d heard just enough positive word to want to get downto check it out for ourselves. What should we have? We might have expected to walk away from Yumgrub raving about one burger oranother, but actually it’s the nachos we can’t shut up about: slathered in a rich and creamy vegan queso, these well-loaded tortilla chips happily hold their own with the standard competition. Where meat alternatives have come along in leaps and bounds over the last couple of years, plant-based cheeses are often lagging far behind. Yumgrub’s concoction gets it spot-on with a sharp, tangy tastiness that’s nigh-on impossibleto distinguish from the real thing. Well-seasoned guac and a piquant pico de gallo have just the right acidic kick to balance out the gooey, cheesy goodness. Had we known in advance just how moreish that queso was going to be we’d have gone for a helping of cheeze-loaded fries too – we make these mistakes so you don’t have to. Instead we went for the little-bit-of-everything Grub Box to give us a few little tasters. It’s a substantial serving of food anchored in the perfectly crispy skin-on fries, but we found the overly thin chick*n strips a little disappointingly bland in isolation – it’s easy to imagine one of the sauce-laden chick*n burgers being a more well-rounded vehicle for the breaded Seitan, with other ingredients giving it a chance to work in concert. We’d been really curious to try the “Mac ‘n’ Cheeni”, suspect though the pun may be, and while the textural contrast of crispy breadcrumbs, oozing cheeze and al dente pasta makes for a mighty mouthful, the filling was just a touch too under-seasoned to really resonate beyond that initial bite. We rounded things out with a Cowboi burger, and there’s no doubting the BeyondMeat patty looks the part, slathered with melted cheeze and topped with a messymound of caramelised onion and BBQ sauce – that’s no complaint. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/79af6f_1a38892b4bf349629d9584c4e4eee808/720p/mp4/file.mp4 Texture and flavour is on-point too, with crisped edges and a juicy interior making this a spot-on replica: vegan converts craving the nostalgia value of a dirty burger will be well-served here. The only slight drawback is the tofu “bacon”, too subtly flavoured and softly textured to stand out from the crowd in this busy stack. Why should I go? Dublin’s still a bit short-changed when it comes to decent vegan fast food – especially since the late lamented Vegan Sandwich Co. shut up shop – so those craving just that will be happy to discover Yumgrub. The slot at The Place also makes it a perfect compromise pick for mixed groups of vegans and carnivores unwilling to go without, though they might well be tempted to try it once they see how good it all looks. New Openings & Discoveries More >>

One of the best places for dim sum in Dublin, with prices that make it accessible any day of the week. They have an à la carte mainly Cantonese menu too, but the dim sum is what most people come for. Don’t miss the mince pork crystal dumplings, stir-fried mooli cake and the BBQ pork rice noodle rolls. Ka Shing Website ka-shing.site Address 12A Wicklow Street, Dublin 2 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story One of the best places for dim sum in Dublin, with prices that make it accessible any day of the week. They have an à la carte mainly Cantonese menu too, but the dim sum is what most people come for. Don’t miss the mince pork crystal dumplings, stir-fried mooli cake and the BBQ pork rice noodle rolls. Where It's At Nearby Locales Goat's Gruff Banco Bah 33 Mark Moriarty Studio Gaffe at Leonard's Corner Sano Pasta 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

Uno Pizza become legendary during the pandemic for teaching people stuck at home how to cook a Neapolitan-style pizza in a frying pan, with their pizza at home kits. The good news is that the ones they make in house are even better. A classic pizza menu with some 'bites' and salads, available to eat in or take away. Uno Pizza Website unopizza.com Address 105 Rathmines Road Lower, Rathmines, Dublin 6 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Uno Pizza become legendary during the pandemic for teaching people stuck at home how to cook a Neapolitan-style pizza in a frying pan, with their pizza at home kits. The good news is that the ones they make in house are even better. A classic pizza menu with some 'bites' and salads, available to eat in or take away. Where It's At Nearby Locales Goat's Gruff Banco Bah 33 Mark Moriarty Studio Gaffe at Leonard's Corner Sano Pasta 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

Romain Tessier's Arty Baker stole hearts and Instagram feeds with his stand at Sandycove Store and Yard, before going permanent with his first shop and bakery in Dalkey. Get there early for sourdough loaves, chocolate raspberry cruffins, and jalapeno popper croissants. Arty Baker Website artybaker.com Address 20A Castle Street, Dalkey, County Dublin Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Romain Tessier's Arty Baker stole hearts and Instagram feeds with his stand at Sandycove Store and Yard, before going permanent with his first shop and bakery in Dalkey. Get there early for sourdough loaves, chocolate raspberry cruffins, and jalapeno popper croissants. Where It's At Nearby Locales Goat's Gruff Banco Bah 33 Mark Moriarty Studio Gaffe at Leonard's Corner Sano Pasta 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

The all-in menu at Lucky Tortoise in Temple Bar (and in their original Aungier Street site) is some of the best value in Dublin, with plate after plate of banchan, okonomiyaki and dumplings meaning you can try it all and still have change from €30. There's a vegan version too. Lucky Tortoise Temple Bar Website luckytortoise.ie Address 17B Asdill's Row, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story The all-in menu at Lucky Tortoise in Temple Bar (and in their original Aungier Street site) is some of the best value in Dublin, with plate after plate of banchan, okonomiyaki and dumplings meaning you can try it all and still have change from €30. There's a vegan version too. Where It's At Nearby Locales Goat's Gruff Banco Bah 33 Mark Moriarty Studio Gaffe at Leonard's Corner Sano Pasta 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

Dosa Dosa So good you need to say it twice Posted: 5 Apr 2022 Neighbourhood Neighborhood Name Address Restaurant Address Website Website Name Restaurant Info View the Listing >> Written by: Lisa Cope What’s the story? We love Dosa Dosa 's back story. Owner Karthik Thiru was born in Tamil Nadu in Southern India, but came to Ireland after finishing school to study at the University of Limerick. In Southern India, dosas (similar to a flat pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter) are an everyday food, equivalent to a sandwich, so he couldn't understand why they weren't readily available here, especially considering how much Indian food (of varying quality) we have access to. He ended up working in the tech sector, but his obsession with bringing the food of his home to Ireland continued to grow, until eventually he decided to buy a second-hand food truck, customise it, and Dosa Dosa was born. The wheels were put in motion in February 2020, with the truck popping up in various locations in West Dublin, and just weeks later the country went into shutdown, but if ever there was a pandemic-proof business, it's a food truck. The lived a nomadic lifestyle over the next year, travelling around Dublin and Wicklow feeding the hungry and dosa-starved, but in February last year they found their first home, in a pretty random parking lot off Grand Canal Street. The location did nothing to dissuade old and new customers, and pretty soon plenty were breaking the 5k rule to get their hands on gunpowder masala dosa, paneer parotta and a side of Masala tea. Late last year, the food truck morphed into a shipping container, with other food vendors joining them in the car park, so the Dosa Dosa truck was free and in search of a new home. After some searching they found it down a laneway at the side of Hyne's Bar in Stoneybatter (is there anything the D7 suburb doesn't have?), and earlier this month Dosa Dosa 2.0 opened for business. Never one to look a northside parotta in the face, we went off to do a Dosa deep dive. Where should we sit? There's a really nice beer garden out the back here that we foresee being rammed when the weather gets warmer (or if covid stays with us for the remainder of 2022), and half of it is covered which is handy, being in Ireland and all. While the outside of Hyne's Bar is in bad need of a refresh and a paint job, the inside is a delight for the eyes. It's so very Stoneybatter, with its little nooks, corners, exposed brick, artwork, and lights ranging from "fairy" all the way up to "chandelier". It's the type of place you'd want to bring your friends from abroad when they come to visit, to show them a "real Irish pub", and we be very happy to cosy up in here for an afternoon sipping on pints and having the chats. There are also well behaved dogs all over the gaff so another potential plus depending on where you stand on the matter of dogs in drinking establishments. What is slightly disjointing is that to get to Dosa Dosa you have to go back out the front door, turn left and go left again down the alleyway where the van is parked. This isn't a huge deal, but it means you either have to wait there while the food is cooked, or come back in your allotted 7/10/13 minutes, taking the chance that it's been sitting there a few minutes. We'd envisioned the truck in the beer garden so you'd be able to sip your drink while they cooked your food, and call out your name or number when it's ready. There's no way around this marginally irritating situation, other than hiring someone to ferry the food back and forth into the pub, which perhaps they'll look at if things get busy. What's the food like? The dosa are clearly the big ticket item here, but you'll also find parotta, uttapam, kathi rolls, vada and specials depending on the week. If you've seen the vada, it's probably already on your order list - has anything shaped like a doughnut ever been a disappointment? The deep-fried lentil fritters are filled with spices, herbs and curry leaves, and while we're sure they won't be giving away their family recipe, you'll usually find chillies, ginger, onion and sometimes coconut in there. They're light and fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and only got better when dipped in the accompanying chutneys. Bar food Southern India stye. The dosa is king, and first up we tried their best-seller - the Gunpowder masala dosa. Gunpowder is the name of the lentil and spice blend inside the perfectly thin and crisp dosa, made using dahl, chillies and curry leaves, making it all vegan, and all tear to your eye delicious. Bite it, chew it, dip it, gaze lovingly at it - you'll run the gamut. It's one of the spicier options, but we'd mark it as a medium at most. We also tried the Chettinad chicken dosa, filled with Chettinad chicken (a type of south Indian curry) and spicy tomato chutney. This food is so pure, so flavoursome, so untouched by hands wanting to appeal to the Irish market, that it will probably make you a tad emotional. A paneer kathi roll was so flaky, so buttery and so perfect we briefly wondering had we imagined it. With each bite you can hear the shards of paratha pastry crunch and crumble, giving way to the fragrant cheesy filling. This is one of the most popular street foods in India, and we feel aggrieved that they got this, while we got chicken fillet rolls. Another section of the menu is devoted to parotta - shredded flatbread fried and mixed with vegetables, curry leaves and spices, and served with raita. We tried the egg kothu parotta with onion and mixed peppers, and it was a bit of a "once you pop you can't stop" situation, with forks aggressively diving back in for more. This also had a bit of a spice kick to it, but nothing unmanageable, and the raita's there to cool things down. Everything comes with chutneys - mint and coriander; coconut; and tomato, and they make every bite taste different. The coconut in particular we would drink by the bowlful. There's no dessert on the menu here, but the bar serve Pornstar Martinis if you're in need of something sweet, and Espresso Martinis if that's more your style. What about the drinks? For a pub, Hyne's has an impressive drinks list. There's a good selection of draught and bottled beer and cider (including craft obviously), and an extensive list of cocktails (which we didn't try but would be reasonably confident about). We'd steer clear of wines though - anywhere listing just the grape is usually bad news bears. Dosa Dosa are supposed to be serving mango lassis and masala tea, but they didn't have them when we visited. And the service? There's not much service to speak of. You order at the van, get given a time to come back, go back to your seat, then head back when time is up. As mentioned earlier it's a bit disjointed and a couple of times we realised our food had been ready a few minutes before we picked it up as it wasn't as hot as it could have been. Bar staff were lovely, but it's bar service, so between the two you can do a fair bit of jumping out of your seat. These are minor issues, but something to be aware of. And the damage? €43.50 for all of that food which comfortably fed three, which for price to quality ratio has to be one of the best bargains in Dublin right now. The verdict? You could get on a plane to Tamil Nadu and not find food as delicious and pure of purpose as it is at Dosa Dosa - okay you probably would find it but now you don't have to get on a plane which is going to save you a lot of money. You know those fantasies you have about making a new friend from a far off land and being invited to their house for a meal filled with the most incredible, fascinating, original dishes you might never experience otherwise? Dosa Dosa is that friend, and for mere pennies in comparison to what most Dublin restaurants are charging these days, we'd wager you'll have some of the best food you'll try all year. Dosa Dosa @ Hynes Bar 79-80 Prussia Street, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7 www.dosadosa.ie New Openings & Discoveries More >>

Edizemi Onilenla’s Mama Shee brand has done stalwart trade on Moore Street and through its retail range of food products for the past few years, but finally they have a permanent base to serve their Nigerian specialities from. Pick from the menu or head up to the buffet with a large plate and an empty stomach. Adventurous diners will love the ability to try dishes you won't find anywhere else, like goat and turkey stew, or boiled egg and tripe. Mama Shee Website mamashee.com Address Mama Shee Flavours of Nigeria, Belgard Square West, Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Edizemi Onilenla’s Mama Shee brand has done stalwart trade on Moore Street and through its retail range of food products for the past few years, but finally they have a permanent base to serve their Nigerian specialities from. Pick from the menu or head up to the buffet with a large plate and an empty stomach. Adventurous diners will love the ability to try dishes you won't find anywhere else, like goat and turkey stew, or boiled egg and tripe. Where It's At Nearby Locales Goat's Gruff Banco Bah 33 Mark Moriarty Studio Gaffe at Leonard's Corner Sano Pasta 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

Frank's Small plates and all the wine on Camden Street Posted: 23 Jul 2019 Neighbourhood Neighborhood Name Address Restaurant Address Website Website Name Restaurant Info View the Listing >> Written by: Lisa Cope What’s the story? Unless you've had your head under a rock for the past two months you've probably heard of Frank's , the new wine bar serving small plates around a communal table, from the guys behind Delahunt a few doors up. Industry chatter for months before they opened was about how they were going to bring a better value wine offering to Dublin, and that the inspiration came from London wine shop and bar P Franco in East London, which has a similar set up. Where they differ, is that Frank's don't really want you sitting at the communal table unless you're eating, so in effect it's only a wine bar if you're happy to perch on the ledges either side of the window (or maybe if it's not busy - we certainly wouldn't attempt it at peak times on Friday or Saturday night). And if you were planning on pitching up and snacking on olives and almonds your plans might be scuppered too - you can only order their smoked almonds with a glass of amontillado sherry, as apparently people were coming and just ordering those. Smoked almonds and sherry are a great match, but it seems like an oddly constraining rule to come up against on a night out. The other thing it's really important to know before going is that you can't book, it's walk-in only, and they won't take your name and let you go off for a drink (there's no phone), so you just have to hang around. This wasn't filling us with joy when we arrived just after 19:30 on a Friday evening to be told there was a two hour wait for seats. There's also no wait list, so you're just counting on the staff to remember who got there first, which seems unnecessarily anxiety-provoking (and will surely end in a scrap one night). We decided to have a drink (sherry, because we were starving and needed those almonds), and thanks to at least one waiting couple giving up and leaving we were sitting down after an hour, which goes by fast if you've brought someone with good chat. Where should we go for a drink first? The queue here is where you will be having your drink, because no one wants to risk an hour long wait for food while already tipsy, and they have good wine. Where should we sit? You'll likely have no choice unless you're first in, but if you do it's the dilemma of whether to go close to the action where the chef is cooking and risk leaving smelling like your dinner, or back away and sit closer to the window, standing a better chance of keeping your perfume/cologne on. Either way communal dining won't be for everyone, but if it's your thing you'll love it. What's good to eat? We can vouch for the wait snacks of almonds and gordal olives, and after that we just told them to bring everything - blame the queuing time. The menu has been changing a lot, and every review we've read has featured different food, so it could be totally different by the time you get there, but we imagine they'll settle into some favourites after a while. Head (and only) chef Chris Maguire had previously been the head chef at Locks , and before that worked at two-Michelin starred The Ledbury in London, so you know you're in good hands, and the same over-riding focus on quality produce is the main driver for the menu. From the six main small plates (not including cheese or dessert) the standouts were the chargrilled squid with a padrón pepper sauce and violet artichokes (a pretty perfect plate of food, in flavour and texture), and the hen of the woods mushrooms with charred corn and smokey chicken wing meat, which we would have ordered another of if we'd had enough time. What a dish. Burrata with heirloom tomatoes and pickled onion was simple but obviously made with quality ingredients, including tomatoes that tasted like they were grown on sunnier shores, and mackerel with gooseberry and horseradish would give that unfairly judged fish a less stinky reputation, just barely fried and still pink in the middle, lifted by the tart gooseberries, although we couldn't taste the horseradish. We'd been eyeing up the whipped chicken liver with pickled strawberries and brioche on Insagram all week, and while it was pleasant we felt like the chicken liver needed the flavour turned up, or maybe a bit more seasoning. It was hard to imagine the pickled green strawberries or the brioche getting any better. The only plate we didn't love was the morcilla with salt-baked beetroot and cherry, whose flavours seem to fight against rather than compliment each other. Dessert and cheese ended things on a high, as all meals should. We'd been daydreaming about the peaches, ricotta and brown butter crumb, and we're still daydreaming about it. The peaches were like none we've tried here before (maybe we're going to the wrong fruit shop) with an almost cartoonish, over-exaggerated flavour, smooth, creamy ricotta mellowing out the sweetness, with the brown butter crumb adding a rich savouriness and texture. It's already on the "best things we've eaten this year" list. Cheese was a perfect rectangle of Shepherd's Store from Tipperary, with a vivid looking and tasting purée of dried raspberries, which beats any chutney we've tried recently by a long stretch. What about the drinks? If you like wine you will not go thirsty in here. There's an extensive selection of sherry, sparkling wine, white, red and dessert wines at very reasonable prices, which is one of their hooks. We spotted wines that are €9/€10 on other city centre wine lists on here at €6.50-€7. You will probably end up drinking more rather than spending less, but the wines are great with that minimal intervention slant that tends to result in less of a hangover, so that's okay. The serious value seems to be in the glass selection, but they do have an additional few pages of bottles (including magnums that we could see ourselves having some group fun with) and we'd advise just telling the staff what you like and letting them make suggestions. You're unlikely to go too far wrong - we tried a lot of different glasses and there wasn't one disappointment. One thing you should be aware of is that you'll be holding onto the same glass for the night, so if you're switching from sherry or red to white or fizz you might want to ask for a rinse. And the service? Pretty to the point at queuing stage but warmed up considerably once we managed to sit down. Staff were happy to chat and recommend wines, despite being run off their feet, and dishes were delivered by the chef, although we would have liked a bit more chat in terms of what we were about to eat - to be fair he's pretty busy in that solo kitchen so we get it. This is a very lean operation and they have to be given credit for keeping things running as smoothly and calmly as it was when we were there, and keeping smiles on their faces throughout. The verdict? Frank's has brought a lot of things to Dublin that it was in desperate need of - somewhere that you can always (attempt to) walk in without a booking, non-gouging wine prices allowing us to drink better while spending the same money, and the kind of counter, communal dining that's so popular in other cities but which we're lagging behind with. We would love to see things loosen up a bit to the point where you can just go in for a bottle of wine, but at the same time understand that priority needs to be given to people who want to eat, so for now there's the ledges on either side of the window. If they can improve their wait list system it will do much to alleviate any queuing-related anxiety you may experience while trying to eat and drink there, but once you sit down all is likely to be forgiven. Frank's 22 Camden Street Lower, Dublin 2 www.instagram.com/franksdublin New Openings & Discoveries More >>

Bah 33 All you can eat steak is one of the bargains of the year - if you do it right Posted: 11 Aug 2026 Neighbourhood Neighborhood Name Address Restaurant Address Website Website Name Restaurant Info View the Listing >> Written by: Lisa Cope What's the 411 on Bah 33? Bah 33 announced itself as the new premium Brazilian rodizio BBQ on the block back in August 2020. Flashy social media posts showing the red and green tabletop traffic light system , and mouth-watering meat being carved from skewers tableside did their level best to overcome the strict covid restrictions they opened in the middle of, but things went into total shutdown again a month later, so they never really had a chance for an opening blast off. Between its premium location just off Grafton Street, the price of steak in Dublin right now, and the ingrained theatre of an all-you-can-eat rodizio served "gaucho-style", it's always looked like a very fun place to eat, but seems to have relatively little buzz outside of Brazilian circles (we've been told by many Brazilians in Dublin that it's their special occasion place). Are the rest of us missing out on a good thing? Where are the best seats? While the weather's still playing ball there's a lovely outdoor terrace (covered, cos Ireland), with tables for two or four looking out onto Hibernian Way. If you like having a nose at passers by and their shopping bags, and/or like making pedestrians jealous of your dinner, you'll love this dining spot, BUT they don't do the rodizio BBQ out here - it's À Lá Carte only. Inside is where the BBQ magic happens, and it's a large space with the flexibility to make a table of whatever size you need. The worst seats for us are always in the middle of the room, so we'd go window or wall if we had a choice. The back section in particular with its longer banquette across the wall is ideal for groups or family gatherings with children in tow - it's far enough from the buffet that they can't stick unsupervised hands in, and close enough to the toilet for emergency runs. What's the price and when's it on? For the full rodizio adults pay €62.90 , with children aged five - eleven half price at €31.45 . Kids under five eat free . This isn't a cheap meal, but when you look at the price of steak in the city right now, it's not bad value. It's also on for lunch and dinner seven days a week so a great one to have in your back pocket when you need a special occasion meal at an awkward time of the week. So what's the gameplan? The meal has three main parts. "Starters", meaning various deep-fried carbs like pao de queijo, rice cubes, polenta and fries, are brought to the table when you sit down. They're perfectly nice but do not fill up on them . Then there's the salad bar, and once again we shall caution BEWARE . Every spoon of pasta salad, potatoes and cheese is taking up space in your stomach that should be reserved for the good stuff. Do you really need coleslaw, slow-cooked beans and salami slices when there's bife de chorizo, short ribs, and crispy pork belly on the way? Our advice is as follows: get some grilled and pickled veg, some salad, maybe a touch of potato, bowls of salsa and chimichurri, and some farofa to dip your steak in. Then head back to your table and let the show begin. How does the rodizio work? There's a menu on the table showing you everything that's supposed to come around during your two hour sitting . Look carefully - if there's something you haven't had towards the end you can ask them to bring it. We had no pork come by our table, but when we asked they brought all three options to us (we selflessly forced it down despite being stuffed full of beef by that stage). You turn your card to green when you want them to bring meat, and red when you want them to stop, but we kept ours on green the whole time for fear of missing out on something good. Steak (100% Irish meat) is the star here, and what you want to go hard on. You can tell them how you like your meat cooked and they'll try to get you the best slice for your tastes, or just do what we did and say yes to everything. The picanha (rump cap), alcatra (eye of rump), maminha (rump tail), vazio (thin flank) are all well worth dissecting and comparing, every piece precisely seasoned for peak flavour. The garlic steak was the only one we'd leave on the table - this meat just doesn't need it. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/79af6f_fe399703d4a74f27867a7d02916cf3a4/720p/mp4/file.mp4 The undisputed star of the steak show for us was the Bife de Chorizo (striploin), so juicy, full flavoured and skilfully salted that it could bring a tear to your eye if you were already feeling a bit fragile. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/79af6f_da5c725069b24539899383afb4034486/720p/mp4/file.mp4 The "12-hour authentic gaucho beef ribs" will be another core memory from your meal here, turning heads on every table as the rib trolley passes. Indecently good, these are likely to make a mockery of any you've had before - 12 hours well spent. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/79af6f_8608527c46a341839526efdb3a029e24/720p/mp4/file.mp4 Chicken wings and drumsticks might not sound as exciting as the main attraction, but they're juicy and chargrilled enough that you shouldn't pass them over. Chicken hearts are always a fun one to try on the uninitiated, but we don't think the ones here would convince a first timer to see the light ( Rei Momo's were in a different league - RIP). https://video.wixstatic.com/video/79af6f_1286c8188a204caca1ad9b5c67ce2ad7/720p/mp4/file.mp4 "Lamb picanha" is another don't miss it moment, the tenderest, juiciest slices of loin meat, cooked pink rather than in the traditional Irish way of cremation. Smoked pineapple might look like a cinnamon sugar-covered gimmick, but we said yes to the warm, juicy palate-cleanser three times in a row - we had to ask them to stop bringing it to the table because we were powerless to say no. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/79af6f_66e6459dd1c04d4a9c4fb30ae5b3d014/720p/mp4/file.mp4 We were absolutely at the point of "no more meat por favor" when we realised we hadn't had any pork. There was only one option. We summoned one of our gaucho waiters and he summoned the pork. We would be first in the queue for a class on how to get that crackling on pork belly - just the sound of the knife clashing through it would activate your fourth stomach, the meat itself juicily encased beneath. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/79af6f_a5a85def77b744f68acda3b5182ac478/720p/mp4/file.mp4 In a glut of greed at this stage we missed getting pictures of the pork ribs (you'll want these) and Tuscan sausage (you don't need these), and halloumi didn't come around, but we were well and truly done at this point. What about dessert? Dessert is not included in the price, and if you have space for it (flan, brownie, ice-cream) then you haven't done the Rodizio experience right. You should be deep, deep in the meat sweats by that stage, proclaiming that your 24-hour fast starts now. What should we drink? Caipirinhas of course (€13.90). When in Rio de Janeiro... Other than that it's got to be Argentinean Malbec with all that steak. We tried the Butcher's Cut (€39.50), and their signature Malbec (€40) which for an extra 50c is the better choice. For that price it's a perfect pairing with the meat, and while the rest of the wine list is short and mainly uninspiring, there are a couple of big hitters in there if you're in the mood to drop €600 on Barolo (sadly we weren't). How was the service? Each table was given the loveliest of welcomes from the manager, who introduced himself, thanked everyone for coming, and explained how the rodizio works. After that we were left in the hands of more lovely wait staff and (slightly more gruff) gaucho servers, but throughout the meal any requests were dealt with promptly and with a smile. We never went too long without meat being brought to the table either. What was the bill? We spent just under €100 a head including tip with two drinks a piece. Where else could you gorge on steak for that kind of money? What's the verdict? Bah 33 feels like a bit of a barbecue secret in Dublin (we might even say "hidden gem" if that wasn't the most hideous, over-used, influencer-infected phrase countrywide). Judging by the mainly Portugese speaking crowd it's clearly doing big business amongst Brazilians in Dublin, but we'd love to see that message getting out to everyone else in the city. Gather your steak lovers, find an occasion that warrants some fun, and don't wear anything that's a tight fit. New Openings & Discoveries More >>

With restaurants in Greystones and Bray already, the third branch of this Pakistani and Indian restaurant opened in Glasthule in 2021 and immediately gained a following. Their reputation preceded them, and their newest foray is delivering so far. The restaurant sets the mood before you’ve even had a chance to look at a menu, with rich and colourful furnishings in a large and comfortable room. The food itself is traditional, but very well done, and unusually for an Indian restaurant they have a well- developed cocktail menu, so this is a great spot to come with a group of friends. Daata Website daata.ie Address 73 Glasthule Road, Sandycove, Glasthule, Co. Dublin Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story With restaurants in Greystones and Bray already, the third branch of this Pakistani and Indian restaurant opened in Glasthule in 2021 and immediately gained a following. Their reputation preceded them, and their newest foray is delivering so far. The restaurant sets the mood before you’ve even had a chance to look at a menu, with rich and colourful furnishings in a large and comfortable room. The food itself is traditional, but very well done, and unusually for an Indian restaurant they have a well- developed cocktail menu, so this is a great spot to come with a group of friends. Where It's At Nearby Locales Goat's Gruff Banco Bah 33 Mark Moriarty Studio Gaffe at Leonard's Corner Sano Pasta 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

John Farrell (777, Amy Austin Dillinger’s, The Butcher Grill) has taken a deep dive into suburbia with this roadside grill and bar above Whelehan’s Wines in Loughlinstown. Much of the food is cooked on a wood-fired grill, and both the cocktails and the Sunday roast are worth a spin down the N11. At lunchtime from Wednesday - Friday you can bring in anything from the wine shop downstairs for a €10 corkage charge - something to make a note of if you like to drink the big hitters. Eleven Website elevendublin.ie Address Bray Road, Loughlinstown, Dublin 18 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story John Farrell (777, Amy Austin Dillinger’s, The Butcher Grill) has taken a deep dive into suburbia with this roadside grill and bar above Whelehan’s Wines in Loughlinstown. Much of the food is cooked on a wood-fired grill, and both the cocktails and the Sunday roast are worth a spin down the N11. At lunchtime from Wednesday - Friday you can bring in anything from the wine shop downstairs for a €10 corkage charge - something to make a note of if you like to drink the big hitters. Where It's At Nearby Locales Goat's Gruff Banco Bah 33 Mark Moriarty Studio Gaffe at Leonard's Corner Sano Pasta 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

One of the more authentic Chinese restaurants in the city, with a focus on dishes from the Szechuan province. All the reliables are there, but steer away towards the chef's recommendations for the real deal, like sliced whelk with scallions and soft shell crab in egg yolk batter. The green beans are one of the city's must-try dishes, as are the homemade dumplings and the deep-fried seabass. M and L Chinese Website mlchineserestaurant.com Address 13/14 Cathedral Street, Dublin 1 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story One of the more authentic Chinese restaurants in the city, with a focus on dishes from the Szechuan province. All the reliables are there, but steer away towards the chef's recommendations for the real deal, like sliced whelk with scallions and soft shell crab in egg yolk batter. The green beans are one of the city's must-try dishes, as are the homemade dumplings and the deep-fried seabass. Where It's At Nearby Locales Goat's Gruff Banco Bah 33 Mark Moriarty Studio Gaffe at Leonard's Corner Sano Pasta 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

The second opening from the Las Tapas de Lola team is its more grown-up, bodega-style sister. The narrow, dimly-lit room is the definition of intimate, with half the seats at the bar, and the menu of snacks, starters, mains and desserts is ultra-appealing. Despite the bodega comparisons they're keen to stress that it's not a tapas bar where you can sit nibbling small plates and sherry, but it's ideal for dates and special occasions when you want to go all out. La Gordita Website lagordita.ie Address La Gordita, Montague Street, Dublin 2 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story The second opening from the Las Tapas de Lola team is its more grown-up, bodega-style sister. The narrow, dimly-lit room is the definition of intimate, with half the seats at the bar, and the menu of snacks, starters, mains and desserts is ultra-appealing. Despite the bodega comparisons they're keen to stress that it's not a tapas bar where you can sit nibbling small plates and sherry, but it's ideal for dates and special occasions when you want to go all out. Where It's At Nearby Locales Goat's Gruff Banco Bah 33 Mark Moriarty Studio Gaffe at Leonard's Corner Sano Pasta 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

Old school, opulent dining with French flair in a refurbished 18th century coach house. Great produce cooked skillfully for over 20 years, with new head chef Zhan Sergejev taking the reins in 2022. They've made no attempt to hide that they're in pursuit of a Michelin star, and many think they should have been given one years ago. Could this be the team that does it for them? One Pico Website onepico.com Address 5/6 Molesworth Place, Dublin 2 Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Old school, opulent dining with French flair in a refurbished 18th century coach house. Great produce cooked skillfully for over 20 years, with new head chef Zhan Sergejev taking the reins in 2022. They've made no attempt to hide that they're in pursuit of a Michelin star, and many think they should have been given one years ago. Could this be the team that does it for them? Where It's At Nearby Locales Goat's Gruff Banco Bah 33 Mark Moriarty Studio Gaffe at Leonard's Corner Sano Pasta 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

Shouk Mezze, shawarma and arayes straight from the Levant Posted: 13 Nov 2018 Neighbourhood Neighborhood Name Address Restaurant Address Website Website Name Restaurant Info View the Listing >> Written by: Lisa Cope What’s the story? Shouk opened quietly a year ago with zero fanfare - they have social media but not even a website. Slowly rumours started to go around about what sounded like a ramshackle operation on the grounds of St Pat's college in Drumcondra serving really exciting Middle Eastern food. Catherine Cleary reviewed it six months later and the word was officially out. It's actually not in St. Pat's College, it's right next to the train station and the Arts and Business Campus, and it backs onto a yard with a few covered market stalls selling various handmade bits and pieces. Owner Alon is Israeli with Irish roots, and insists on everything being made fresh, and it's in no small thanks to this that in 12 months Shouk has gone from suburban unknown to somewhere you'd be lucky to get in without a booking. Where should we go for a drink first? This isn't really the land of wine or cocktails. Your best bet would be a pint or a gin and tonic in Fagan's (Bertie Ahern's fav) or Kennedy's , or just go straight to Shouk which is BYO. Where should we sit? Inside is warm and 'cosy', with a few bar seats and tables which are quite close together, but we can guarantee it won't bother you much once the food starts coming. There's also a wonderful outside area which is a total suntrap and was the place to be during the summer. We were thinking of how sad it is that this space is going to go to waste for the next six months or so until the weather gets better again, when they told us that work is about to get underway on building walls to enclose the space that will be able to go up or down depending on the weather, as well as a retractable roof. Genius. What's good to eat? Honestly? Everything. We've been three times and were wowed by it all. Don't miss the mezze platter, but be warned, it's enormous, so one between two (or two between four) is plenty, unless that's all you want to eat. Everything in Shouk is homemade and it's so obvious when you start eating. The flavours are so intense and vibrant, we spend most of our time there making yummy noises and shaking our heads rather than talking. You can order all of the bits separately from the snacks menu but the mezze is a really good overview of what the kitchen are doing. The chicken shawarma is another winner, albeit more difficult to share, and is packed with spiced chicken, pickled and fresh veg and loads of hummus in a fresh pita. For €8.50 it's one of the best sandwiches we've had this year. The menu is mostly vegetarian, and the chargrilled aubergine, with tahini, harissa, cherry tomatoes and more of that amazing pitta is as good an example as any to give meat a break. It is very charred and strong-tasting, so you might not want a whole plate to yourself but it's a definite if you're sharing. *Secret menu item alert* - Through some fortuitous twist of fate (an older member of a group asking where all the meat was) we discovered the beef and lamb arayes - stuffed pitta breads deep-fried and served with labneh, charred vegetables and a cucumber, onion and tomato salad. This is heavy and probably the least healthy item in here but oh so worth it - total table silencer. They're hoping to launch new menus soon and we're told this will be on there, but if not ask for it. They only had one dessert the last time we were there - Malabi, an Israeli milk pudding. Usually desserts like this wouldn't overly appeal, but our server convinced us to give it a go and we were so glad she did. A coconut cream base was topped with rosewater, shaved coconut, caramelised almonds and pistachios, and was a perfect combination of lightness, zippiness and sweetness. We shared one and were very tempted to order another, but had already eaten our body weight in pitta so restrained ourselves. What about the drinks? Another brilliant thing about Shouk is that it's BYO - €4 for wine, €1 for beer, but this might go up soon as it's very cheap. This started as they initially didn't have an alcohol license, but despite recently securing a wine list they're going to keep allowing BYO as it's been so popular - three cheers for Shouk. They're currently working on a wine list too so if you don't want to BYO (or forget to) they will have options. And the service? There's a really positive atmosphere in Shouk and everyone really seems to like working there. This is probably partly down to the fact that they are deluged with customers telling them how much they enjoyed their meal and can't wait to come back. It's like walking into a big love bubble. The verdict? This the most exciting, best-value Middle Eastern food we've found in Dublin. The dishes and flavours set the bar for this style of cooking, and if we had this in Israel, never mind Ireland, we'd be delighted. Every time we've gone the bill has seemed paltry for the amount and quality of food we had, and the fact that you can BYO makes it ideal for special occasions. Go soon, and be sure to book in advance. Shouk 40 Drumcondra Road Lower, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 shouk.ie New Openings & Discoveries More >>

Gertrude Website gertrude.ie Address 130 Pearse Street, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Where It's At Nearby Locales Goat's Gruff Banco Bah 33 Mark Moriarty Studio Gaffe at Leonard's Corner Sano Pasta 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

Head to the back room in Bar Anam at the top of Capel Street to find a space dedicated to the art of Korean-fried chicken. Owner Kelan O'Reilly is obsessed with KFC in all its forms, and the playful menu featuring mandu dumplings and stretchy "corn cheese" is perfect for accompanying Bar Anam's excellent drinks selection. Dak @ Bar Anam Website baranam.ie/dak Address 1a Bolton St, Rotunda, Dublin, Ireland Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Head to the back room in Bar Anam at the top of Capel Street to find a space dedicated to the art of Korean-fried chicken. Owner Kelan O'Reilly is obsessed with KFC in all its forms, and the playful menu featuring mandu dumplings and stretchy "corn cheese" is perfect for accompanying Bar Anam's excellent drinks selection. Where It's At Nearby Locales Goat's Gruff Banco Bah 33 Mark Moriarty Studio Gaffe at Leonard's Corner Sano Pasta 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

Gloria Osteria Big, bold and endlessly glam - your guide to the best time at Gloria Posted: 13 Jan 2026 Neighbourhood Neighborhood Name Address Restaurant Address Website Website Name Restaurant Info View the Listing >> Written by: Lisa Cope What should we know about Gloria? There's a good chance you know it all at this point, but in case you've just awoken from a coma that you entered in November 2025, here's a recap. Gloria Osteria is the first Irish opening from the French-owned Big Mamma group . The group currently owns and operates 35 Italian restaurants across Europe and the UAE, and you've got to admire the cohones of two French dudes opening an Italian restaurant in Milan (the reviews are excellent). We're not usually one for chains and/or international imports, which tend to come in all watered down and tin man-esque (in sore need of a heart), but after seeing the drama-filled, ultra glam, always fun restaurants these guys have opened in London, where by some sweet miracle the food doesn't seem to suffer as we'd expect, we were feeling buoyant that Dublin was getting in on the action. We managed to secure access to a three day soft launch for ATF Insiders , where our lovely readers let them test the breaks before going full speed ahead, and feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with a few kinks to be ironed out. We let them get ironing for a month before returning for a full once over. Are there any "best seats"? This is a sprawling, 180-seater restaurant, with so many different areas depending on what you're after. The centre of the room (above) feels the most dramatic, with it's striking red chandeliers, and 'Bambi chairs', modelled on the deer in the Phoenix Park. These all sit two - four. Walk straight to the end of the room and you'll find the best natural light, with a large window looking out towards Trinity College. There's a nice round group table in here, as well as some very cute booths for two with (for once) plenty of table space for whatever you order. Cute booths for two at the back; a more private dining option on the left side of the room behind the bar Then there are two slightly more private spaces, on the left and right sides of the room when you walk in. To the left would be perfect for groups of 8-10, hidden away behind the bar where clandestine talking might be easier. To the right is another larger space that's screaming out for a massive group gathering, with tables and banquettes that can easily be adjusted for whatever size your booking is (check out the €64 group menu on their website if this appeals). The dining space in Gloria to the right of the main room when you walk in There's also a fully private space with a curtain in front of it, but we didn't get a picture as it was still being worked on, so the options here really are endless, and groups are very well catered for. What's our first drink? A cocktail, naturalmente. You'll find all the Italian classics and more, each with a 'classico' or a 'twist' version. We can recommend the twists on a Bellini (peach and raspberry purée, bergamot foam), the Gin Gizz (creme de cassis and aranciata rossa), and the Spritz (grapefruit liqueur and homemade cream soda). The Margarita might not be Italian, the twist involves Limoncello and infused green peppercorns, and it's a Tequila-laced, spicy delight. After something stronger? Try the Penicillin, with Bourbon, Irish Whiskey, Cognac and Cynar, as well as a homemade honey and ginger concoction, cleverly served in a vessel on ice so you can keep it chilled while you slowly sip. We got very excited at the sight of an Espresso Martini flight (€25 for three minis, or a single for €9.50), and while we're on board for the Guinness and Pistachio twists, truffle oil has no business in an Espresso Martini - it took a while to expunge that sip from our minds. Let's get down to business, what should we order? Between us we've had four visits to Gloria (two during the soft launch) and tried most of the menu. We have definite standouts, and while we wouldn't critique something from a soft launch period, we do feel obliged to tell you about dishes we tried during those visits that we definitely think you should order. So prepare yourself - here's a run through of most of the menu... ANTIPASTI/STARTERS Focaccia della casa with herb and garlic ricotta (€5) : This is not the best focaccia in town, but the crumb was good and it's a perfectly acceptable vessel for scarpetta. The filling gives it some needed moisture. Prosciutto Crudo Gran Riserva (€18) : 30-month aged ham which will melt in your mouth. Huge portion, order one for the table. Datterini tomato tatin with Pecorino cream (€16) : Order this! Sweet, confit tomatoes on deeply flavoured and coloured pastry, lifted by a splodge of cheesy cream on each spoon. If you don't love it, we quit. Burrata alla pesto Genovese (€17) : Another example of letting the best Italian produce speak for itself. Slice through the burrata ball and let it flow, piling it into the crispy carasau crackers, topped with excellent pesto. Stracciatella con girolles (€16) : Another cheesey winner from Gloria. The heart of burrata is spread across the plate, with what we thought were slightly pickled, cooked down girole mushrooms, and herb oil. This is where you need that focaccia. Crocchette di Vitello Tonnato (€18) : Vitello tonnato in croquette form, complete with all the veal/tuna/capers flavours you would expect, wrapped in the crunchiest coating. One to share as five would be overkill. Truffle French Toast (€21) : Warm, buttery brioche topped with shavings of raw (i.e. cold) mushrooms and (real) truffle, for a self-indulgent start to dinner. We loved it, but did find the raw mushrooms slightly jarring. We'd share this due to richness, rather than over-doing it so early in the meal. PRIMI PIATTI Sideways lasagne (€27) : The kind of lasagne you constantly crave but don't have a spare 12 hours to put into it. A glorious beef and veal ragu with those San Marzano tomatoes almost jumping off the plate. Tender, fresh pasta, a perfectly cheesy béchamel, no notes here. Agnolotti with lamb ragu and minty salsa verde (€28) : A plate straight out of a Piedmontese osteria on a cold winter's day, that's crying out for a glass of Barolo. So rich, so comforting, such meaty depth of flavour, with that salsa verde saving it from veering into "too rich". Lobster and caviar spaghettoni (€45) : The seafood flavours in this sauce tell you how many hours of cooking went into it - it's like a thicker bisque. You don't get a lot of lobster, and barely a teaspoon of caviar, but this was another favourite. (This was actually better at the soft launch - the second time we tried it the pasta was undercooked. Always send it back if this happens - any good restaurant would rather know and fix the problem at the time). Fazzoletti al 3 Formaggi (€26) : A surprise star. We thought a three cheese pasta (Roccolo, Strachitunt and Taleggio fondue) would be too much, but we ended up fighting over the freshly rolled little handkerchiefs. The herby oil brought the freshness it all needed. SECONDI La Gran Milanese, €36: If you're after something meatier, please order this (to share - it's enormous). That butter soft veal, the perfect, grease-free crumb, the squeeze of lemon, aioli, radicchio and carrot shavings giving it all a heavenly flavour boost. Tagliata di Manzo (€28) : Kildare rump steak in a shallot sauce. We asked for it to be cooked however the chef recommended (medium rare), but it was too tough, and we felt like cows chewing on cud. We sent it back, the chef agreed, they offered to bring a new one, we declined, it was taken off the bill. Turbot with fennel, cockles and beurre blanc (€38) : The King of fish never comes cheap, but this was cooked to the exact point of doneness, with milky soft flesh in a rich but zippy beurre blanc with chewy fennel. We wouldn't come just for this, but those people who always want to order the fish should be happy. SIDES Compared to the other menu sections, we found the sides weak, and would skip most of them next time we return. Crispy potatoes (€6.50) : They certainly are crispy, but too small for our liking without enough inner, soft potato for the texture contrast we wanted. Insalata verde (€6) : A faultless, green, bistro-style salad. Nice and crisp with a nicely balanced dressing. Carotine al Parmigiano (€7) : Like something out of Peter Rabbit, but under-cooked and forgettable. Garlicky spinach (€7) : The worst of the lot. As if someone had boiled frozen spinach, forgotten to drain it, and given it a cursory spin in a pan. Not good enough for €7. Desserts A total highlight of dinner at Gloria so save space! And order as many as you can possibly fit in. A note on tiramisu: We tried two types during the soft launch, one pre-made, one assembled at the table. We only snapped the one made at the table, and they ended up ditching that idea, so now it's all pre-soaked. We tried it, and it's benchmark, so you won't be disappointed. The Incomparable Lemon Pie (€12) : Yes it's ridiculous, yes it's too much meringue, but you need the photo of you holding it next to your head! Full marks for all three elements here. Italian chocolate tart (€14) : An even crazier dessert price than the lemon pie, but worth it. A salted caramel chocolate tart sits on crispy coffee praline, which sits on a plate of cream (you might not spot it until you dig in), and this is one of the best desserts in Dublin - we'll fight anyone who says otherwise. Soufflé al cioccolato e pistacchio (€16): Up there with the most expensive desserts in Dublin! And yet again, worth it. Chapter One and One Pico have had the soufflé market cornered, until now. Everything you will be hoping for and more. Caramel apple torta (€11): The colour on this tart tatin tells you everything you need to know, and that lemony buffalo ricotta with olive oil is magnificent. Vanilla cheesecake (€9) : This can happily sit amongst the great Basque cheesecakes of the city. Not technically Italian, but when it's this beautifully burnished and creamy, do we care? What about wine/other drinks? There's an incredible spirits list in here, laden down with vermouth, grappa, amaro and everything else you can think of, and there's some nice softs if you're not drinking. The all Italian wine list is a nice size too, with most styles and regions covered, and bottles starting at €34. Staff were happy to let us try anything that was open by the glass before committing to a bottle, and we found the quality variable, but we really liked the Zullo Primitivo for a rich, full red; and the Tenuta Pule for a medium-bodied Valpollicella with great acid to stand up to any tomato-based dishes. Our absolute favourite thought that we ordered again on subsequent visits was the Villa Regis Montepulciano from Cascina del Colle. The perfect Italian red if you're asking us, working beautifully with everything we were eating. How was the service? Almost every report we've had about Gloria raves hard about the service - staff have been exceptionally well trained, with most coming from other Big Mamma sites, and they really go out of their way to look after customers. If you have a special occasion they'll put a little magnet on your table so everyone knows; if you don't like your wine they'll change it; if there's an issue with your food they'll whip it away and replace it; if you tell them the issue after you've eaten, they'll take it off the bill. We never had to ask for a water refill, a menu, to have an empty plate or wine bottle lifted from the table. We never had to get out of our chairs, try to make eye contact with staff or wave anyone down. They knew what we wanted before we did. With none of these friction points, it makes it easy to just focus on having a great time, but we'll insert one caveat. Many staff told us they were only here for a few months to get the restaurant up and running, so it remains to be seen whether they can find and train up new staff to a similarly high level by spring. What should we budget per person? Easily €100 a head (and rising if you like lobster and expensive wine), but you could share two antipasti, a couple of pastas, that lemon meringue pie and have a glass of wine each for €60 a head. What's the verdict on Gloria? Gloria isn't Grano, and it's not trying to be. You won't find the owner's Nonna hand-rolling pasta in the dining room, wines from a cousin's vineyard, weekly changing specials that have been passed down through the family for generations, but there's room for both intimate dining rooms in Dublin's suburbs, and a big, bold whack of glamour to the face. Sometimes you just want to sit in a stunning room taking in the obscene amount of money that's been spent on it, drinking a Limoncello spritz while you decide which pasta to order, while (sometimes) boisterous staff do more for your energy levels than eight hours sleep would have. It 's fun, flamboyant, and they could get away with much worse food than this (plenty in Dublin do), but that's not their MO. Get glammed up, go in and let them do what they do best, and use everything you've learned here to navigate the menu to full effect, and we're pretty sure you'll have a grand old time. New Openings & Discoveries More >>

Hakkahan The Man from Hakka comes to the 'Batter Posted: 12 Oct 2021 Neighbourhood Neighborhood Name Address Restaurant Address Website Website Name Restaurant Info View the Listing >> Written by: Lisa Cope What’s the story? Every now and then a new restaurant opens with no website, and no information (like pesky menus and openings hours) on their social media channels, and generally this is when our eagle-eyed readers slide into our DMs looking for the scéal. This is what happened in June when brightly coloured Hakkahan opened on Stoneybatter's main street, and other than a menu in the window potential diners had little to go off, but those brave enough to venture in sight unseen seemed to be leaving very happy. Hakkahan means "the man from Hakka" (where owner Ryon Wen is from), but head chef Terry Yang is from the Sichaun province, and they describe the food here as "purely Sichuan". This may be disappointing to anyone who knows their way around Chinese cuisines and who was expecting traditional Hakka dishes like salt-baked chicken or yam abacus - they say it's extremely difficult to find a chef from the region in Ireland. Yang previously worked at China Sichuan and Mak at D6, and we were immediately impressed by their declaration of wanting to use the best local ingredients in their dishes. Where should we sit? Indoor tables are aligned against one wall, but there is more space at the back that presumably could be filled if things get busier. If you're still a bit Covid-cautious the outdoor tables are fine with the umbrellas up (they come down in windy conditions), although it does feel a bit treacherous to have your back to the traffic whipping up and down the road. You certainly wouldn't want to leave your bag at your feet - but that goes for all outdoor dining. What's the food like? Menus with too many dishes make us feel confused, indecisive, and like we're missing out on something, so we like Hakkahan's relatively concise menu, with 'house dumplings', 'small chow', mains and sides. Also, they had us at the whole section for dumplings. There's not much provenance information on the menu but they told us that duck is from Silverhill, chicken is free-range from Manor Farm, meats are from FX Buckley, and fresh fish is delivered each morning from Every Day Seafood. Most of their organic vegetables come from The Green Grocer next door, and at these prices, putting this much care into sourcing deserves a bualadh bos. Of the six dumplings on the menu we tried three, and 100% would eat again. The scallop with yuzu soya sauce gained points for having proper juicy pieces of scallop in there, and lost points for having an ever so slightly slimy texture inside. The wrappers are thick but we didn't mind, it gave them more of a chew, and we liked the uneven, handmade quality of them. We enjoyed the roast duck with hoisin sauce a lot (a crispy pancake in dumpling form), but our favourites were the beef siu mai, which were crispy and chewy in every bite - we're guessing some deep-frying may have been involved here, and wouldn't change a thing. From the small chow we're still obsessively thinking about the salt and pepper fresh squid (note the used of the word fresh). Tender squid, a perfectly thin non-greasy batter, crunchy onions, scallions, chillies - it's the version of this dish you wish your local Chinese did, but they don't. Sourdough prawn toast was another exemplary version of an all too often annihilated dish, with big chunks of prawns, crispy edges and yuzu mayonnaise for dipping. Pork yuk sung is another dish that's all too often given a bad name by a greasy Chinese, but the one at Hakkahan is a world away, with fresh lettuce cups, fragrant pork and crispy rice noodles underneath. It has a decent amount of heat but nothing that will blow your head off, but we did find ours quite salty. For a kick in the tastebuds, the Pai Huang Gua (spicy smashed cucumber) will numb your mouth and have you asking for a water refill, but you'll still keep eating it. There's garlic, sesame seeds, chilli oil and a lot of fresh chillies in here, and if you're a spice fiend don't miss this. For mains we really wanted to try the black pepper short rib of beef, with ginger, garlic, onion, porcini mushrooms and chilies, but they'd run out. Devastating, but also a sign of freshness - if you try it let us know if it tastes as good as it sounds. We'd seen many a post about the Silverhill basil duck with scallions, garlic and chillies, and this is a must-try when you visit. Silverhill is amongst the best duck being reared in the country, and the very generous portion of tender, crispy meat with perfumed Thai basil, crunchy onions and chillis will bring us back to Stoneybatter again. We also tried the Mala spicy lamb, which had the first notable signs of those lip-numbing Sichuan peppercorns. This was a bit of a table splitter. The flavours were deep and the lamb delicious, but there was a lot of oil and gloop as it sat, which may put some people off. Nice to try, probably wouldn't reorder. For sides we went with steamed rice and Chinese scallion bread, the latter of which we were so interested to try but was a bit of a disappointment, the pancakes being hard and overly chewy, as if they'd been cooked earlier and reheated. Maybe it was a one off, as we've seen other people praising them online. They also do fried rice with pork char siu and vegetables, and stir-fried noodles, and sides are free with mains at lunchtime every day, which is incredible value considering how well priced the food is already. There's only one dessert - hand-made Nutella rice balls (mochi) with vanilla ice-cream. It does the job and the mochi themselves are very good, but we're perplexed at how many Asian restaurants feel the need to jam Nutella into dessert, unless there's a big cocoa and hazelnut factory in Sichuan province that we're not aware of. We would have much prepared mochi filled with something fruit based and less cloying, but younger diners will probably eat their basil duck quicker knowing this is at the end. What about the drinks? It's a constant source of head scratching that the majority of Asian restaurants don't put more effort into their drinks list. Surely it's as important a source of income for them as it is for other restaurants? The offering here is predictably humdrum, with "house white", "house red", "rose" and "prosecco". Hard pass. They have said that they're expanding their wine list shortly and bringing a few more suppliers on board, so we hope there will be something to entice us next time. And the service? Friendly if a little restrained. The outside tables definitely had to do a bit more waving to get a menu/order food and drinks/ask for the bill, but that was most probably down to there being only one server for the whole restaurant. And the damage? Lunch for three (with no drinks) came to the bargain price of €60, but two sides were free because of the lunch deal. They don't do takeaway because the chef wants his food to be eaten fresh (respect), but they will give you containers for any leftovers. The verdict? Hakkahan is not in the same bracket as your local Chinese, it's a serious cut above. The food is fresh, the provenance is admirable, and you'll feel more invigorated than inactive after eating it. Bring a gang, over order, eat all the food, leave feeling great about life. Hakkahan 32 Stoneybatter, Dublin 7 www.instagram.com/hakkahan_dublin New Openings & Discoveries More >>

Sano have made a diversion into pasta after the success of their Neapolitan pizza chain, now in Cork and Glasgow as well as Dublin. This massive space has big ambition, with handmade pasta made fresh in front of diners, and prices lower than most pasta places around town, but the ambition didn't quite deliver on the plate when we visited. Sano Pasta Website sanopasta.ie Address 6/7 Jervis St, Millennium Walkway, North City, Dublin 1, D01 XV02, Ireland Good For Tag 1 Cuisine Tag 1 Once Over Read our Review >> The Story Sano have made a diversion into pasta after the success of their Neapolitan pizza chain, now in Cork and Glasgow as well as Dublin. This massive space has big ambition, with handmade pasta made fresh in front of diners, and prices lower than most pasta places around town, but the ambition didn't quite deliver on the plate when we visited. Where It's At Nearby Locales Goat's Gruff Banco Bah 33 Mark Moriarty Studio Gaffe at Leonard's Corner Sano Pasta 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