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These underrated eateries are our favourite spots to grab grub in town
From upscale establishments to casual watering holes, Dublin is a fine food hub.
Its multicultural population of nearly 1.4 million people means it houses a variety of authentic restaurants with diverse cuisines.
Here are our favourite restaurants we can’t wait to dine in now that lockdown restrictions are relaxing.
By far the most popular on our curated list, Bunsen remains one of the best burger joints in the country (a fact proven by its usual queues). Simplicity in its most tasty form, the restaurant chain features just three things on the menu: a burger, fries and a drink. We recommend indulging in a cheeseburger with a side of shoestring fries and a milkshake — a meal you’d be hard pressed to beat.
In defiance of its pricey neighbours, V Temple Bar maintains a casual, easy going atmosphere. It’s easy to see why it has become a frequent haunt for local vegans. Cheesy melts, cauliflower tacos, spicy hot wings and killer cocktails are top order favourites. Plus, the eatery is dog-friendly. Pop in for a visit and you may meet V’s owner Paul, who’s friendly and laid back demeanor mirrors his restaurant’s low-key style.
Boasting Italian fare made with Irish produce, Sprezzatura offers a delectable seasonal menu. They make their own pasta packed with unique flavours. This week’s menu features a gnocchi with sage butter, squid ink tagliatelle with monkfish and lobster stuffed mezzaluna. Their appetiser plates are equally delicious, serving Toonsbridge stracciatella and polenta with wild mushrooms and black truffles, and its interior is refined yet cosy, making it the perfect date night spot.
For something more upscale, Michael’s has the best steak and seafood around. In fact, it could be argued that Michael’s serves the freshest fare in the city. Chef Gaz Smith buys directly from fishermen in the nearby bay and you can certainly taste it. Annagassan Bay lobster roasted in lemon butter with homemade chips, seared angus fillet steak with wild mushroom cream and bernaise sauce — your palate will be thanking you after a dinner here.
Serving Korean and Japanese dishes, Kimchi Hophouse is an unfussy diner’s dream. Authentic, affordable dishes are served in a welcoming, open style layout. Favourite meals include Kimchi Bokkumbap with avocado, Korean fried chicken and Bulgogi bento box with purple-grain rice and assorted banchan.
Often overshadowed by its popular neighbour Two Boys Brew, Loretta’s brunch is highly underrated. It’s a quiet spot with elegant interiors that you could lose an entire afternoon in. Don’t leave without trying the breakfast burrito with scrambled egg, chipotle pork, cheese, pico de gallo and green sauce. And you can add a bloody mary or mimosa to any brunch item for just €6. Serving brunch Wednesdays to Sundays, from 12pm to 3pm.
Most guests wouldn’t be able to tell this award-winning restaurant served exclusively veggie fare. It’s surprisingly tasty menu has led Veginity to take two awards at last year’s Food Awards Ireland. Breakfast is served all day, featuring seasonal produce, fluffy vegan pastries and delicious summer meals, like watermelon and feta salad and rainbow chard spanakopita with vegan ricotta.
This quirky gastropub serves traditional Irish fare in a ‘pub grub’ style. Stone walls and dark, panelled interiors pleasantly contrast with industrial lighting and tasteful birch chairs. Lunch includes a daily changing roast-in-a-roll, Irish potato flatbreads and homemade crisps. (They even have a DIY crisp sandwich on offer). There are 20 craft beers on tap, cocktails and an extensive wine list as well.
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