By Geraldine Carton
11th Apr 2018
11th Apr 2018
When people think of Dun Laoghaire they usually think of the pier, the marina and Teddy’s ice cream.
Whilst not wrong (this seaside town does indeed contain all of the above), it seems like the general public is not quite up to date with the huge range of eateries and watering holes that can also be found here.
Being based out in Dun Laoghaire, we’re proud of our neighbourhood and frequently indulge in the array of culture, cuisine and quality that it has offered us over the years. So please see below for a list of our favourites, and be sure to give them a try the next time you venture out this way.
Breakfast
Giddy Goose cafe
139 Georges Street Lower
A bright and breezy café with eggshell blue walls, this cafe serves home-baked food, breads, pastries and is a lovely place to meet your mum or granny for a catchup.
11 Georges Street Lower
These guys are serious about coffee and pride themselves in extract shots with some of the highest scoring coffees in the world. They also source their food from local artisan producers, opting only for organic Irish milk.
17 Georges Street Lower
Inspired by coffee hubs such as Bushwick, Williamsburg, and Melbourne, Owners Caraí McMahon and Evan Williams have created a gorgeous, calming space where the sausage rolls are as good as their infamous flat whites.
107 Georges Street Lower
It’s no wonder why they named it “sunshine cafe” – this old-school cafe is a ray of sunshine week in, week out. Here you’ll find homemade cakes, fresh scones, hearty brekkies and a mean pot of tea.
Lunch
Fallon & Byrne
The People’s Park, Park Road
A gorgeous, bright and airy setting to sit down for some good quality food and maybe a glass of wine, if the occasion calls. The staff are renowned for their friendliness, willing to cater to your every need.
102 Georges Street Upper
A lunch favourite amongst the staff here at IMAGE HQ, the sandwiches are particularly noteworthy for their generous portions and fresh ingredients. Expect a chorus of envious ooo’s and ahhh’s if you bring one back into the office.
87 Georges Street Lower
Specialising in gourmet tea and coffee (they have their own ‘The Kingstown Blend’), soups and sandwiches, Bailey and Pim provides a modern twist on the charming memory of Victorian coffee houses.
Harbour Square, Crofton Road
Another favourite in this office, you’ll often find us lapping up the buzzy atmosphere and consistently friendly service. Favourite dishes include the daily soups (never disappoint), the superfood salad, and the ploughman toasty.
64 Upper Georges Street
You’ll be hard pushed to find better quality sushi in this country than that on offer in Michie Sushi. All of their sushi is hand-rolled, made to order, and incredibly fresh.
Dinner
Oliveto at Harrington House
9-12 Haddington Terrace
Authentic Italian dishes marked by seasonality and a passion for chargrilled meats & fish – “Irish seasonal ingredients through an Italian lens”. The prawn linguine is exceptional, as is the view overlooking the pier.
1 Harbour Road
This is where you go if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, or if you really want to impress someone. A high-quality dining experience in elegant surroundings. The scallops are a must.
47 Lower Georges Street
Don’t be fooled by the modest interior (and exterior), the food quality here is superb. With menu is as authentic as it comes, the portions are generous, and the staff are helpful. A lovely little find.
1 Lower Georges Street
A new and trendy eatery to join the Dun Laoghaire local, Feast is run by a group of friends who are passionate about providing customers with a “feast” of different cuisines and a celebration of taste.
12 Patrick Street
A fun, casual and trendy place to go with friends or kids. Very quick and friendly service, plus you get the added bonus of free “DIY” soft serve ice-cream after you slurp up your noodles.
5 Windsor Terrace
Having won multiple awards, Toscana has garnered a reputation for being one of the finest Italian restaurants in Dublin, specialising in authentic cuisine that embraces fresh, organic, locally-sourced ingredients. The king prawns starter should not be missed.
Drink
McKennas pub, image cred: jar.ie
88 Lower Georges Street
A metropolitan gastro bar that boasts a brilliant atmosphere with live music, great food and some fantastic cocktails. Be prepared to be welcomed in like family upon arrival – the management place a lot of value on friendliness here.
3-5 Old Dunleary Road
This is the third oldest pub in Dublin, and the oldest pub in its own local area. For that fact alone it’s worth a visit, but The Purty Kitchen’s reputation for great food, (particularly seafood) and lovely atmosphere keeps people coming back for more.
8 Wellington Street
McKennas is another favourite amongst the IMAGE staff and it’s wherever we go when we want to wind down in gorgeous, cosy surroundings with a beautiful glass of red.
128 Lower Georges Street
With a retro style 70s fit out, impressive cocktails menu and entertainment every night of the week, Gilbert and Wright is definitely a fun place to go with friends.
41 Lower Georges Street
Upon entering this easy-to-miss pub you’ll find a quiet and relaxing surrounding where the staff take great pride in the pouring of a good pint. It’s the kind of cosy pub that your grandad would probably love.
Treat Yourself
Photo cred: William Murphy on Flickr
1a Windsor Terrace, 5 Marine Road
Having first opened its doors in 1950, Teddy’s has become Dublin’s best known and loved Ice cream store, making it a real Dublin institution today. A day out in Dun Laoghaire is not complete without a Teddy’s pit stop.
64 Georges Street Lower
J.J. Darboven is famous for its range of premium coffee, tea & hot chocolate, and rightly so (the range really is extensive). The hot chocolate is our favourite, making the perfect addition to a walk on the pier on a cold day.
4 Crofton Road
Sugar addicts be warned: Scrumdiddly’s has over 2,400 combinations of toppings for you to add to your ice cream/ crepe/ waffle base, including every jelly, chocolate, sprinkles and swirl imaginable. Just watch out for the huge queues whenever sun peaks its head out.
96 Georges Street Lower
A brand new shop on Dun Laoghaire’s main street, this French chocolate café offers crêpes, waffles and ice creams drizzled with melted chocolate (milk, dark or hazelnut) and fruit. They have liquid chocolate on tap, too. Need we say more?
Main image via dunlaoghaire.ie
Also Read
