We first made a guide to the Batter in late summer last year, and since then the area has had a sizeable refresh when it comes to food. Scéal have left Penders Yard to fill their rightful spot at the Fumbally Market on Saturdays, Cotto closed in February, and it's become the unofficial vegan capital of Dublin...
If there was ever a poster-child for gentrification in Dublin it's Stoneybatter. The working class neighbourhood has transformed into one of the most sought after property locations in the city, and the number of great places to eat and drink has exploded in the past few years. While very close to the city centre, it has a neighbourly and community driven feel that's hard to find, illustrated by the brilliant Stoneybatter Festival in June. It’s a great place to stroll around on the weekend, with a glut of food and drink spots to visit, and if it's somewhere that's alien to you (most likely because of Dublin's woeful transport links), we think it's time you got to know it a bit better.
Morning
Start the day off with a coffee from Love Supreme on Manor St, a staple in Dublin’s coffee culture, where they use Koppi coffee from Sweden. If you happen to miss the market, grab a sausage roll or croissant from their mini bakery and sit in their very instagrammable interiors.
Lunchtime
The plant-based cafe Kale + Coco settled in to a permanent home in Stoneybatter back in February. Grab yourself a smoothie bowl, or if you’re looking for something savoury, get a nourish bowl with a heavily pun-intended name, like ‘Miso Hungry’.
Stroll into Lilliput Stores on Rosemount Terrace for a browse around the greengrocer, deli and coffee shop, where most of their artisan products are sourced locally. They stock their own range of oils and vinegars, as well as pestos, salads and olives, and serve sandwiches, soups and stews all day, using seasonal produce. Bordering Stoneybatter is the Phoenix Park - a prefect place to take a picnic from Lilliput. They've also started a small plates evening offering on Thursday and Friday nights which looks excellent.
Evening
Grano burst onto the scene at the end of last year and was almost immediately being talked about as one of the best Italian restaurants in Dublin. The menu has a strong Calabrian influence, fresh pasta made in house and a great wine list, and would make you jealous of anyone living in Stoneybatter who has constant access to it. Read our Grano once over here.
You could also head to L. Mulligan Grocer, one of the best gastropubs in Dublin, with an incredible selection of beers to choose from. There's a big emphasis on local Irish produce, with dishes like raw Irish cheese bon bons and salad from their allotment, and wild boar chops from Cork, and they offer a beer pairing for every dish.
V-face, the vegan burger spot, is still in and out of The Belfry, but is in the process of relocating to a permanent site in North Brunswick Street, becoming the first vegan burger bar in Dublin. That should be open in the next month and we'll keep you posted when we know more
Another fast, purse-friendly option is Vietnom in the beer garden of The Glimmerman pub, which serves predominantly vegetarian Vietnamese food with some Mexican influences, and which Catherine Cleary in The Times called "some of the best street food in Dublin". The Glimmerman is worth a trip alone to see its mental interior, including a bed hanging from the ceiling with Margaret Thatcher and Charlie Haughey in it. You could happily while away a few pints taking in the eclectic decor. Read our Vietnom once over here.
When if comes to drinks, vegans have a new watering hole since Beo Wine Bar + Kitchen opened last month. They offer a full vegan menu with cheese boards, fermented foods and various tasting menus, and are open for brunch at the weekend and dinner from Thursday - Sunday. Whether or not you're vegan they have a great wine list, so it's one of the best places in the area to grab a glass of something interesting.
And if you like your pubs without a side of half-naked politicians, as in The Glimmerman, head to Walsh's, which was named "Best Pub in Ireland" at last year's Irish Restaurant Awards. They're known for their cosy atmosphere, friendly staff and cheaper than average top-shelf whiskey prices, and it's the perfect place to finish a great day of eating and drinking.
Have we missed any of your favourite Stoneybatter spots? Let us know by emailing info@allthefood.ie.
