The team IMAGE culinary bucket list

Lizzie Gore-Grimes, Editor-in-Chief

It’s hard to whittle it down, but to pick just a few that are top of mind… Homestead Cottage in Doolin, Co Clare, is top of my drive-for-hours-just-to-eat-there list. I am not that into super fussy, starched tablecloth places so this is my dream version of a Michelin-starred restaurant. Set in a traditional Irish cottage, just a short drive from the Cliffs of Moher, the interior looks so cosy, characterful and warm – with off-the-charts food. What a combo.

Next on the list would be Amy Austin, recent winner of a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand (my favourite style of restaurant, where the food, wine and service are guaranteed to be great but the atmosphere is still relaxed and fun). Amy Austin may be teeny, hidden away in a Dublin city centre car park, but it’s got huge personality, as with all of restaurateur John Farrell’s places.

Running out of room here but I also have cooking-over-fire Lignum in Galway on my wish list, with Goldie in Cork and then back in Dublin Bar Pez (Spanish small plates from the folks behind Fish Shop) and Big Fan (serving up inspired Taiwanese and Chinese small plates, plus killer cocktails, on Aungier Street). You’ve made me hungry now.

Shayna Sappington, Branded Content Editor

My friends and I are always on the hunt for new restaurants to try around Dublin so I’ve a list in my Notes app of must-try places that is ever-growing. At the top is Achara, a new Thai restaurant in Temple Bar that I’ve heard only great things about. Centred around a charcoal grill, everything is served family style, so it’s perfect for a group. The mussel skewers and grilled pork belly are not to be missed!

I recently attended the opening of Flortiz on Stephens Green and was pleasantly surprised with its opulent interiors, gourmet bites and delicious cocktails. Serving a mix of small and large plates, each menu item is inspired by international cuisines but made with local ingredients – a winning combo for unique flavours to pair with your favourite cocktails. My top dishes were their fresh sushi, lamb bao, chicken skewers and rice chips with dragon sauce.