By Geraldine Carton
01st Mar 2018
01st Mar 2018
There’s no doubt about it, Ranelagh is a 10/10 haven for “foodies” (and for everyone else who quietly enjoys food on a daily basis, sans title). With about 80% of the businesses in this locale offering eats and treats in some shape or form, you won’t find a better place to end up in when you’re in need of a good feed.
But don’t be fooled; food isn’t all that this buzzy southside village is good for. The array of pubs and bars dotted in between the cafes and restaurants is equally impressive, and the quality of people-watching is golden.
There really are so many places to love in Ranelagh, but here are our absolute favourites…
Dinner
Image via thewildgoosegrill.ie
Really incredible food and wines here, owner Kevin Mc Mahon never fails to give a great welcome. Notable dishes include the goose main and the aubergine and goats cheese starter.
Tucked away under the Ranelagh LUAS stop, it might not have great stage presence, but serves up a fantastic culinary performance every time.
The new kid on the block (co-owned by Chloe Kearney and head chef Niall McDermott), the minimal decor ensures that your attention stays on the adventurous menu which boasts an array of small, sharing-style, mouth-watering dishes.
Lunch
Image via kennedywilson.ie
Gorgeous Italian deli with authentic produce at its core. It’s become somewhat of an iconic purple corner landmark at this stage.
Ranelagh’s answer to Donnybrook Fair, only with a more local feel to it. Full of artisan food products and, more importantly, a Sheridan’s cheese counter…
As healthy as it comes. Fresh juices, smoothies, salads and wraps, topped off with an endless supply of energy balls and good coffee.
Brunch
Image via jobbio.com
If your other half loves meat then book yourselves in with a table for two the next time you want to surprise them with something really special.
Be warned, this place seems to double up as a creche in the first half of the day. However, once the toddler-fuelled madness dies down, Cinnamon then becomes a gorgeous spot to while away an afternoon with a coffee and cake, or a charcuterie platter and glass of wine later in the evening.
Loved by hungover students and hearty-brekkie seekers alike. The french toast is famous for a reason.
Drink
Image via kennedywilsonresidential.ie
The interiors alone will make it worth the trip.
What might seem like another well-designed bar actually becomes a pretty wild place to head to on a Saturday night, with a packed dance floor and enthusiastic punters throwing all sorts of shapes. Always a brilliant atmosphere for match days, their bingo night is also highly recommended.
The staff here have a mesmerising knowledge of wines, but The Exchequer has become synonymous with the ever-popular bottomless brunch that takes place every weekend.
Morning Fix
The newest project to come from the Two Fifty Square crew, Project Black might be small but it serves up a mean cup of joe.
Serving so much more than just coffee, this tiny coffee shack has become a hub for old friends to come together, catchup, enjoy a good brew, and watch the world go by with nothing but the sun’s rays to keep them warm.
The hysteria for cold-pressed juice might have died down, but the lads from Green Beards continue to run a roaring trade with their glass bottles of goodness. Now serving gorgeous granola and coffee too!
Main image via excellentstreetimages.com
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