The high streets of Dublin are being transformed by a new generation of Irish restaurants ready to challenge the city’s culinary big beasts. As they carve out formidable reputations, Glasgowist takes a trip across the Irish sea to visit 8 of the best recent arrivals.
Counter Culture
Powerscourt Centre, South William Street, Dublin 2
Tel: (01) 679 9225
Fresh, healthy food bursting with flavour makes Counter Culture the place to be for clean eating that still packs a taste punch. Ronan Ryan and Pamela Flood have created a short menu that concentrates on combining ingredients from the best of Dublin’s local suppliers. Visit for superfood-charged dishes in a great corner of the city for a chilled out lunch.
Best Dish: Avocado, soft feta, spring onion and roast cherry tomato melt (€9)
Camden Exchange
72 Camden Street Lower, Dublin 2
Tel: (01) 559 9028
A new arrival to one of the coolest streets in the city, Camden Exchange claim to provide fuss free and modest food but their dishes make an impact. Enjoy the relaxed surroundings and some classic Irish dishes with a twist. Plus, chorizo jam!
Best Dish: Brisket, Smokey Chilli Sauce, Blue Cheese Dip, Crispy Onion Rings, Celeriac Remoulade – €8
Best Deal: Share ‘N’ Graze Combos – €6 each
Luna Steakhouse
Units 2–3 Drury Street Car Park, Drury St, Dublin 2
Tel: (087) 776 4230
Take to the basement of the curious Super Miss Sue to experience food as theatre with decadent, charcoal-grilled steak the star of the show. In the surroundings of a plush speakeasy, with all kinds of flourishes on the menu, linger for the colourful cocktails.
Best Dish: Rib Eye Steak with Spinach and Sauteed Onions – €28
Best Deal: Free Salume and Sourdough With Any Bottle of Wine
The Meeting House
Meeting House Square, Dublin 2
Tel: (01) 670 3330
In a wonderful room brimming with character, settle in and enjoy food, drink, music and art. We particularly enjoy the food: Asian influenced and full of strong flavours. Save room for the orange and almond drizzle cake.
Best Dish: Mussel Soup with Ginger, Chilli, Shallots, Garlic and Coriander
Sophie’s
33 Harcourt St. Dublin 2
Tel: (01) 6078100
One of Dublin’s newest boutique hotels has some of the most in demand tables in the city. Not just because they have enviable views from their penthouse dining room, but because of their innovative dishes and charming staff. It’s the kind of place you would be happy to arrive for breakfast and stay for lunch. Weekend brunch is quite the scene.
Best Dish: Sea bream, Roast Aubergine, Peppers & Artichoke’s 15.50
Best Deal: Three course set menu – €40
Balfes
Balfe Street, Dublin 2
Tel: (01) 646 3353
Where does Paris meet New York? Some claim these cosmopolitan tastes collide in a bistro off Grafton Street. We’re starting to believe they may be right. Balfes boldly claim these international influences and carry them off with aplomb. The room is impressive. The menu is ambitious. Brunch mixes the traditional choices with a lot of excellent Irish cuisine.
Best Dish: Pan fried scallops with peas & smoked ham potato mousseline – €14
Best Deal: Daily specials: €15
Blas Cafe @ The Chocolate Factory
26 Kings Inn Street, Dublin 1
Tel: (086) 363 0939
A creative space for a coffee, and one of the great examples of how to bring life to an old building. Drop in for a soup, a sandwich and a chat. The trendy little hangout is a relaxing haven for locals and a thriving nexus of small businesses and individuals involved in art, design, music, photography and craft who have made this their home on the Northside.
Best Dish: beef po boy salad roll
Sister Sadie
46 Harrington Street, dublin 1
Tel: (01) 441 1112
Brother Hubbard arrived on Capel Street as it became one of the most fashionable streets in Dublin and won over even the most sneering of online critics. Their little sister on Harrington Street has had an easier job of winning over Dubliners but the formula is the same – a cracking menu and a cadre of outstanding Irish suppliers. Plus enthusiastic and committed staff, who serve up lunch with a smile. Many places claim to have the best sandwich is Dublin. Sadie’s may have a point.