When veggie or plant based dining is called for, here is where to go …
First things first – I will admit to being a committed carnivore when it comes to food. That said, some of the most memorable meals I have ever had have been vegetarian and to me, good food is good food. Truthfully, some world cuisines do vegetarian foods equally (if not better) than meat based dishes – Middle Eastern food springs to mind. When veggie or plant based dining is called for, here is where to go.
Glas, Dublin 2
Michelin recommended, the team at Dublin’s Glas Restaurant are committed to using seasonal vegetables and local produce to create sustainably sourced gourmet dishes that just happen to be vegan or vegetarian. Two courses will set you back €38 and the menu features dishes such as chestnut terrine with bergamot cream, flamed plums and crispy parsnip to start followed by charred aubergine with sage and semolina cake, courgette compote and smoked olive tapenade. When it comes to the drinks menu, there is a good selection of vegan wines, cocktails and beers to pair with the food. One thing is for certain, there isn’t a soggy veggie lasagne in sight. www.glasrestaurant.ie
Paradiso, Cork
Perhaps Ireland’s most iconic fine dining vegetarian restaurant, Denis Cotter’s Paradiso has been churning out excellent vegetarian food since 1993. It was dining at Paradiso many moons ago that I first began to comprehend that vegetarian food could be every bit as delicious as its meat-based counterparts and so I began the journey of being tempted from the dark side, albeit momentarily. My vegetarianism didn’t last but Cotter’s cooking is likely to impress both meat eaters and plant based diners equally with dishes such as polenta with sweetcorn, and jalapeno or fried potato pave with sttrange sauce and scallions. paradiso.restaurant
Brother Hubbard, various locations Dublin
Yes, I know, Brother Hubbard is not actually a vegetarian restaurant but when it comes to Middle Eastern food, the vegetarian options are endless. The Middle East feast at Brother Hubbard has become somewhat legendary and it’s easy to see why. Lemon battered cauliflower with ras el hanout spices, harissa dressing, aioli and herbs feels like a no brainer or perhaps you’d prefer creamy labneh with salsa verde, roast crown prince squash and crispy capers. Then of course there is the brunch menu which has garnered something of a cult status and I am happy to report that it is well deserved. www.brotherhubbard.ie
Cornucopia, Dublin 2
Ireland’s best loved vegetarian café and restaurant, Cornucopia on Dublin’s Wicklow Street is an institution. Founded by Deirdre O’Mara and Neil McCafferty in 1986, Cornucopia has been a family business ever since. The much lauded vegetarian breakfast is worth checking out and the salad bowls are incredible value at €7.95 for a generous portion. It would be an error in judgement to skip the brownie with vegan ice cream. www.cornucopia.ie
Ré Nao, Xian Bar and Restaurant, Galway
Another one for the list that while it is not a dedicated vegetarian restaurant, it has a veggie menu that is impressive enough to warrant inclusion. Located at Galway’s Spanish Arch, the food at Ré Nao is fresh, vibrant and exciting. Tofu skin rolls, spinach jiaozi and crispy radish cake with yellow lemongrass curry sauce are just some of the delicacies that would tempt the most committed carnivore and as for the cauliflower nuggets with roasted pepper sauce… meat? What meat? www.renaorestaurant.ie
