Bank holiday weekends call for menus that make it worth cancelling all other plans …
Mongoose, Dublin 8
One for those in the know, this new restaurant comes from the team behind Variety Jones, which is reason enough to pay attention. Open Sunday to Tuesday only, it feels tailor-made for a long weekend window. The menu showcases generous, confident cooking with dishes like braised artichokes with lardo and ricotta, fettuccine with sausage and fennel ragu, and fan-favourite whole chicken to share with Caesar salad. It’s the sort of line-up that makes decision-making so difficult. Given the pedigree behind it, expectations are understandably high, but all signs point to this being a very good place to settle in for an unhurried evening.
Leonard’s Corner, Dublin 8
Chef Dan Chambers keeps things refreshingly straightforward in the best possible way at Gaffe, open Thursday to Sunday. The squidgy cheeseburger has all the hallmarks of a crowd-pleaser, alongside more composed plates like plaice with chive butter sauce and a rustic hamhock that combines comfort food with a touch of finesse. It has already inspired legions of positive reviews thanks to uncomplicated dishes that always hit the spot.
Excuse My French, Ranelagh
If you’re after something that stretches easily from brunch into dinner, this spot covers all bases. The menu leans unapologetically French with indulgent dishes. For brunch, there’s a raclette sandwich that does exactly what you want it to, all molten cheese and crisp edges. Lunch might call for a proper French onion soup, rich and slow-cooked, while dinner moves into classics like duck confit. Crucially, it’s also a wine bar first and foremost, so the list is strong with cocktails, non-alcoholic options and plenty of cheese to keep things interesting. The kind of place that you can drop into at almost any hour and stay longer than intended.
Salty Buoy, Skerries
For a more casual jaunt, Niall Sabongi’s seafood truck brings a playful, seaside energy that suits a long weekend perfectly. Think bold flavours with classic street food. Highlights include Lambay Island crab rolls, scallop skewers and a Skerries spice bag, alongside more decadent new additions such as caviar chips with crème fraiche. Best enjoyed outdoors if possible, with no fixed plans.
Volpe Nera, Blackrock
Barry Sun’s new Sunday lunch lands at €49 per person for four courses. The centrepiece is a sharing main with options like black sole, slow-cooked short rib or salt marsh lamb, designed for a relaxed afternoon. There’s plenty to catch the eye elsewhere too. A char siu tartlet appears as a nibble, while starters include chargrilled asparagus with Manchego and hazelnut vinaigrette which is fresh, seasonal and nicely balanced. Drink-wise, yuzu michelada is intriguing enough to warrant a reservation – slightly offbeat and on brand for a leisurely lunch.