Revisit these perfect pairings …
IZAKAYA
THE CLASSIC COMBINATION Sushi and sake. Pairing sushi with sake is all about balance. Light, crisp sakes highlight delicate flavours, while richer, full-bodied sakes enhance more robust sushi. Whether you prefer something dry, fruity, or umami-rich, there’s a sake to complement every sushi experience.
THE PLACE The year 2025 marks 30 years of Yamamori in Ireland, and while there may be an abundance of sushi options for us today, I can assure you that this was not the case in 1995. Izakaya (by Yamamori) serves up a variety of sushi dishes, perfect for sharing with friends and complemented by a selection of sakes for something a little different. There are seven different types of sake available, with a sparkling sake that would be perfect as an aperitif.
WHAT ELSE? Other purveyors of sushi and sake to visit in Dublin include Daruma, Musashi, and Matsukawa. Izakaya Japas and Sake, 12-13 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2, 01 645 8001; www.yamamori.ie/izakaya.
THE SEAFOOD CAFÉ
THE CLASSIC COMBINATION Oysters and martinis make for an iconic pairing. And given the profusion of oysters we are lucky enough to have on our shores, this combination is an obvious choice. The crisp, briny oysters contrast beautifully with the sharp, herbaceous notes of a well-chilled martini. Whether garnished with an olive or a twist of lemon, the cocktail’s dryness enhances the natural sweetness of the oysters.
THE PLACE Pull up a stool at the counter at The Seafood Café in Temple Bar and enjoy your very own oyster fest. Choose from naked, dressed, or torched, or mix it up with a selection of all three. Throw in a few peel-and-eat prawns and a Grey Goose vodka or Gunpowder gin martini, and the perfect pairing is complete.
WHAT ELSE? A spicy Bloody Mary is another great addition to a plate of oysters, as is a pint of plain, both of which are also on the menu at The Seafood Café. The Seafood Café, Unit 11 Sprangers Yard, Fownes Street Upper, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, 01 515 3717; www.theseafoodcafe.ie.
SOLE SEAFOOD AND GRILL
THE CLASSIC COMBINATION Caviar and champagne. While caviar is, without a doubt, still a luxury item, it has certainly become more mainstream recently. Whether you go Martha Stewart-style, slathering it on expensive Spanish crisps topped with thick sour cream (guilty – and zero regrets), or treat it as a condiment with fried chicken, caviar is the food item of the moment. And champagne? Well, apart from being the perfect pairing for caviar, champagne is always in fashion.
THE PLACE For the ultimate caviar experience, book the Ars Italica Caviar Experience at Sole Seafood and Grill. Explore three unique caviars, accompanied by classic warm blinis, crème fraiche, chives, red onion, finely grated hen egg whites and yolk, best enjoyed with a bottle of Laurent Perrier Champagne or a vodka martini flight (with Belvedere Gibson, Grey Goose Twist, and Cîroc Dirty) served ice-cold.
WHAT ELSE? Also embracing the caviar trend this summer is The Terrace at The Shelbourne Hotel. Sole Seafood and Grill, 18-19 South William Street, Dublin 2, 01 544 2300; www.sole.ie
MISTER S
THE CLASSIC COMBINATION Red wine and red meat. Meat cooked over fire appears to fundamentally appeal to us, which is no real surprise. As a farming country known for our excellent beef, enjoying a properly cooked steak with a glass of red wine is one of life’s simple pleasures.
THE PLACE There is no shortage of restaurants serving good steak in Ireland, but finding a really excellent steak is a whole different animal. For those with a penchant for steak cooked over fire, Mister S is an excellent choice. And given that a dry-aged Hereford côte de boeuf with smoked béarnaise for two to share is just €70, it also offers excellent value. A robust, full-bodied red is the ideal pairing, but the wine list offers everything from light and fresh to ripe, smooth reds.
WHAT ELSE? Some other great places for steak and red wine include FX Buckley Steakhouses, Hawksmoor and The Butcher Grill. Mister S, 32 Camden Street Lower, Dublin 2, 01 683 5555; www.misters.ie.
RASCALS BREWING
THE CLASSIC COMBINATION Pizza and beer – name a better duo. Not all classic combinations involve cutlery. Sometimes, a napkin is all it takes. Pizza and beer is one of the most timeless pairings you can find, which is no great surprise, considering both go through fermentation. Plus, is there anything more social than enjoying pizza and beers with your friends?
THE PLACE Rascals Brewing in Inchicore has nailed the pizza and beer pairing. Crisp, refreshing beers perfectly balance the gooey cheese and rich toppings, keeping every bite as fresh as the first. Whether it’s a punchy IPA with a spicy “Sweet Pie of Mine” or a smooth lager with a classic marinara, it just works. Simple, delicious, and downright addictive.
WHAT ELSE? Other great spots for pizza and beer include Pi, Reggie’s, Dough Bros in Galway, and Cent’Anni in Durrus, Co Cork. Rascals Brewing Company, Unit 5, Goldenbridge Estate, Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8, 01 538 2051; www.rascalsbrewing.com.