Long weekends equal slow mornings, long walks and even longer lunches. These five restaurants rarely disappoint when it comes to edible indulgences and, well, it’s the weekend and good food is the ultimate celebration …
Fish Shop, Benburb Street, Dublin
As a rule, the fish and chips at Fish Shop is close to perfect. Yes, there are a few other (equally delicious) plates on the menu but truthfully, it has to be fish and chips, whether haddock, plaice, brill or hake. Oh, and the crab on toast; a clean, bright and toothsome nibble best enjoyed with a chilled glass of white ahead of the main event. Fish Shop is one of THE most popular restaurants in Dublin so book ahead if you want to secure a stool at the marble topped counter; going on spec is both foolhardy and a recipe for severe disappointment (that said, I have been lucky on occasion). The fact that they serve a great selection of wines by the glass to accompany your saline supper is a bonus. www.fish-shop.ie
Neighbourhood, Naas
Darling of the critics, there is a lot more to Neighbourhood in Naas than meets the eye. For a start, the interior is a visual treat that feels quite luxe while also feeling a little Zen. You will certainly feel carefree and serene after a lunch of whipped St Tola with Irish tomatoes, tomato and kombu broth, and chive oil followed by a dish of roasted cod with purple sprouting broccoli, mussels and seaweed. With a lunch menu that offers two courses for €30 and three for €35, dessert is a no brainer, especially with such gloriously tempting dishes as brown butter cake with tonka bean ice cream, whey caramel and coffee in the running. Don’t miss a pre- or post-lunch cocktail at the stunning bar counter. www.neighbourhoodnaas.com
Grano, Stoneybatter
A weekend booking at Grano is a fanciful notion indeed but you never know when the stars might align so it’s always worth a try, after all, it worked for Stanley Tucci on his recent visit to Dublin. The menu changes regularly so you are always kept guessing, regardless of how often you go. Watching the skilled chefs make the pasta in the open kitchen is as therapeutic as it is impressive. The wines by the glass also appear on the specials board so menu fatigue is not an option in Grano. A recent nibble of fresh asparagus with parmesan cream and toasted nuts was sublime and best of all, the prices are reasonable. Win win, or more appropriately, cin cin. www.grano.ie
Paradiso, Cork
There is a lot of buzz around Denis Cotter’s legendary Paradiso restaurant recently, in large part because of his latest book release. The new publication is an essential buy for any self-respecting cookbook enthusiast, vegetarian or not. However, should you fancy placing your taste buds in the capable hands of the master himself, then a trip to Paradiso is in order. The menu at Paradiso brings the term ‘seasonal’ to new heights so as you can imagine, the summer menu is bound to be a riot of colour, flavour and texture. For my money it would be the roast carrot with burnt aubergine, ras-el-hanout, harissa and date crumb followed by a dish of chocolate, bread, salt and olive oil that, since learning about it, I cannot evict from my mind. www.paradiso.restaurant
Spitalfields, Dublin 8
There are lots of tables to choose from in the Michelin Guide Bib recipient, Spitalfields, but rumour has it that the primo seats are at the counter where you can watch the chefs working their culinary magic. The stools are sadly backless but when you are propped at the traditional polished wood bar counter, devilled egg in hand, will you really care? The menu is delicious combination of traditional and contemporary and the cock-a-leekie pie for two would certainly be my choice. Finishing with the Spitalfields Orange and Vanilla ‘Super Split’ feels like the best Bank Holiday decision, ever. www.spitalfields.ie
