The perfect base for a seasonal get-together, rain (you won’t care) or shine …
Floritz, Dublin 2
Floritz is no wallflower, that’s for sure. Bold and indiscreet, the most talked about restaurant in town has injected a dose of much needed glam into the Dublin restaurant scene and for that alone, I am thankful. Then there’s the food. Let’s talk about the food. The sushi, the prawn skewers, the steak with black pepper crème brulee, the lobster bao, the turbot tempura and the rice chips. Need I go on? It all sounds amazing, but this is one of those restaurants that delivers in every element. I will be back for the courgette flowers, the sweetcorn tempura and the general fabulousness. Oh, and the cocktails. www.floritz.ie
allta, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2
If there is a more vibey restaurant in Dublin than allta, I have yet to find it. The dining room is roomy and well lit, the Glovebox bar feels effortlessly cool (although I imagine quite a bit of effort went in to making it feel that way), and the terrace is the ideal outdoor space in finer weather. You will likely never have cabbage better than the charred cabbage with lardo in allta, and the shared steak is one of the best I’ve ever tasted. The frozen watermelon daiquiri and charred turbot are very likely to lure me back and resisting would be futile. www.allta.ie
Wilde at The Westbury, Dublin 2
There is nothing that The Westbury doesn’t do well, and the beautiful Wilde restaurant is one such example of the hotel’s excellence. The terrace is just dreamy with lavender and lilac arrangements reminiscent of the south of France. The menu is awash with indulgent dishes such as the Wilde seafood tower, lobster tail and Beluga caviar. Not too shabby at all. Flights of oh-so-delicious Chateau Minuty are also on the menu, so my advice? Cancel your afternoon. www.wilde.ie
La Maison, Dublin 2
A personal favourite, La Maison is picture perfect with excellent food to match. While dining here was always reliably good, like fine wine, La Maison seems to be improving with age and getting a table can now be somewhat challenging. Perfect for dinner à deux, the olives and bread that kickstart the meal are excellent, and the sole (when on the menu) reminds me why this dish is a classic, while the shared cote de boeuf is perfect for a more substantial meal. The epitome of a classic French bistro, albeit in the heart of Dublin. Vive la France. www.lamaisondublin.com
Volpe Nera, Blackrock
Regulars talk a LOT about Barry Sun’s famous cep dumplings, and with good reason. Today’s lesson, however, is all about celebrating the flavours of the Mediterranean with a selection of Volpe Nera’s most popular nibbles, paired with a chilled glass of Gramona ‘Mart’ Rosé. Bites include Flaggy Shore Oysters, fried courgette flower with ricotta and garlic honey, and Mandola dei colli (a type of charcuterie) served with pickles and crispy sourdough. www.volpenera.ie