Take some time to decompress …
Borgo, Phibsborough, Dublin 7
Phibsborough is spoiled for choice thanks to wine shop and bar Fion Eile opening earlier this year, now joined by Borga in the old (RIP) Loretta’s building. A much needed ‘osteria locale’, the menu is a dream. By all accounts, the house fermented sourdough focaccia should have its own dedicated fan club, and I’ll also be queueing up for the woodfire pork chop with hazelnut gremolata and charred bitter leaves, gambas, tiramisu and peach spritz. @borgo_dublin
Angelina’s, Baggot Street, Dublin 4
In another genius Eclective Hospitality pivot, the recent appointment of Dan Hannigan as executive head chef at Angelina’s can only mean good things for all who have enjoyed his food in any capacity. The new lunch and dinner menus are awash with delicious dishes such as roast halibut, chicken butter sauce and celeriac and grilled courgette with preserved lemon and chilli bean stew and ajo blanco. With a new brunch menu also in development, this is one to add to the list. @angelinasdublin
D One 5, Castleknock, Dublin 15
New kids on the block, D One 5 is located in the centre of the village, comprising three separate concepts. D One 5 Bar, Eden Café and The Rib Steakhouse open their doors this week, with future plans for an evening wine bar. In a suburb that’s been described as a ‘culinary desert’, the news has been very well received indeed. Only time will tell whether the ambitious project can live up to expectations.
Other ones to watch in Dublin include the newly opened Arket Café from Martin Berg and the long-awaited Seafood Bar at allta, opening soon. Watch this space … @D-One-5
Neighbourhood, Naas, Co Kildare
Spend all your money on summer extravagances? Same. However, hardworking restaurants shouldn’t suffer and some make it easier than others to being affordable. Enter The Taste of Neighbourhood, the reasonable midweek dining experience we all deserve. Two courses will set you back €34.50, €39.50 for three. For that price, you too can gorge on currach scallops with Jerusalem artichoke, chicken jus, chicken skin XO and lime foam, followed by roasted hake with asparagus, mussel, Morteau sausage and beurre blanc. Plus, Thursday night is steak night, which is amazing value at €45 per person for two courses. @nbhdnaas
Farmgate, Lismore, Co Waterford
Meanwhile, Farmgate has been given the Michelin seal of approval for its “sensibly priced menu” and a prevailing ethos of fuss-free cooking using prime, locally sourced produce. Those in the know didn’t need to be told twice, but if garden pea and fresh mint risotto or Una O’Dwyer’s (excellent) homemade sausages with spring onion champ and red onion gravy is your jam, then visit when you’re in the area. It’s the perfect menu to bridge the gap between the change in temperature, which can often be difficult to navigate. @farmgatelismore