From Dublin and Cork to Galway and Belfast …
THE GLASS CURTAIN, CORK
SENSE OF OCCASION With its rough plaster, soft lighting and lively open kitchen, The Glass Curtain has a relaxed charm that makes it perfect for a celebration, big or small. The energy feels informal, but the food will confirm that it’s a serious night out. There’s an infectious buzz from the chefs and front of house that feels like you’ve walked into a dinner party run by professionals.
ON THE PLATE Chef Brian Murray’s sharing-style dishes are best for a group: sharing steaks, whole fish, and clever, seasonal small plates. The menu is concise, which means less time spent making decisions and more time celebrating. It’s generous cooking with a sense of fun, ideal for people who eschew formality in favour of passing plates.
WHAT ELSE? Don’t skip the crispy potato terrine – it’s the fan favourite for good reason. The Glass Curtain, Thompson House, MacCurtain Street, Cork, 021 451 8659; www.theglasscurtain.ie.
FLORITZ, DUBLIN 2
SENSE OF OCCASION Finally passed those exams or made it through the final round of interviews? For something with more than a touch of glamour, Floritz on St Stephen’s Green is the place to go. After dark, the music is turned up just loud enough, the room glows with dim lighting, and the atmosphere makes it feel like every guest has reason to celebrate. An evening at Floritz calls for dressing up and painting the town whatever colour you want.
ON THE PLATE A colourful night calls for colourful food, and that’s where Floritz excels, with Asian-inspired feasting with bountiful bao, tantalising tempura and seriously good sushi. There is a choice of sharing menus, perfect for when you are with a group and want to try it all.
WHAT ELSE? Cocktails are strong, and the service is gracious but unfussy, keeping the tempo of the evening exactly right. Floritz, 22 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, 01 531 2535; www.floritz.ie.
UNO MAS, DUBLIN 2
SENSE OF OCCASION Elegant yet relaxed, Uno Mas feels tailor-made for a dinner where good news is revealed. A favourite among Ireland’s foodie folk, the dining room is softly lit, with just enough buzz to feel celebratory. The staff have that rare knack for making every table feel like the best in the room, whether you have a two-top at the bar or a low table for a larger group.
ON THE PLATE Snacks and starters showcase modern Spanish cooking with depth and confidence. There are crisp croquetas, squid á la plancha, and jamón sliced to order. For mains, choose from halibut, duck, or an excellent sharing Delmonico steak.
WHAT ELSE? The flan has become something of a Dublin legend – sweet, silky, and entirely worthy of the hype. A well-curated wine list ties it all together, ensuring all the elements of a very special evening. Uno Mas, 6 Aungier Street, Dublin 2, 01 475 8538; www.unomas.ie.
STOCK KITCHEN & BAR, BELFAST
SENSE OF OCCASION Inside the soaring space of St George’s Market, Stock manages to feel both polished and approachable, the perfect place for an anniversary dinner or family celebration that will keep your granny equally as happy as your girlfriends. Soaring ceilings, long tables, and a touch of Belfast warmth complete the scene.
ON THE PLATE Chef Danny Millar’s food celebrates Irish produce with quiet confidence. Dishes such as Wicklow venison with red cabbage, Peter Hannan’s beef with chimichurri, polenta and parmesan fries, or Strangford prawn orzo with Armagh tomato and gremolata are the perfect blend of classic and contemporary.
WHAT ELSE? Don’t skip dessert: dishes like Young Buck cheese with fruit soda and apple chutney, or a perfect rice pudding, are as comforting as they are elegant. Stock Kitchen & Bar, St George’s Market, Belfast, 0044 289 024; www.stockbelfast.com.
KIRWAN’S LANE, GALWAY
SENSE OF OCCASION This enduring Galway classic is ideal for understated celebrations – anniversaries, graduations or catching up with old friends. The stone-walled dining room feels atmospheric and timeless, with soft lighting and service that hits the sweet spot between relaxed and attentive.
ON THE PLATE Seafood is the star of the show at Kirwan’s Lane, with gambas, mussels, oysters, scallops, and ceviche dominating the starters menu. A main course of a whole black sole to share would cement the sense of occasion.
WHAT ELSE? The food is reliably excellent, and the atmosphere intoxicatingly convivial – it’s Galway dining done right. Kirwan’s Lane, Galway, 091 568 266; www.kirwanslane.ie.