These are just a few of the many restaurants we loved in 2022, we can’t wait to see what 2023 brings…
It’s safe to say that 2022 was a challenging year for the restaurant industry for many reasons. With a raft of openings and closings, it was hard to keep up, but 2022 was also a year of memorable meals. These are just a few of the many restaurants we loved in Ireland in 2022, we can’t wait to see what 2023 brings.
Fish Shop, Dublin 7
Fish Shop is as close to casual dining perfection as it gets, as long as you like fish that is. Counter seating has never been so in demand and it’s easy to see why. Perfectly cooked fish, fluffy chips, smoked haddock croquettes, squid, Gildas and a simple butterhead lettuce salad that I still dream about. Fish, chips and excellent wine, what’s not to like? www.fish-shop.ie
Lignum, Galway
Tucked away in the heart of rural Galway, dining at Lignum is a spellbinding experience. The entire package is sublime, from the ambiance to the décor, the food and the impeccable staff, all of which blend seamlessly to result in a culinary encounter like no other. Chef-proprietor Danny Africano and his family of wizards have created a very special establishment and the word on the street tells us this is only the beginning. www.lignum.ie
The Oak Room at Adare Manor, Limerick
Limerick’s first Michelin star restaurant is a lesson in many things; timeless elegance, discreet service and of course, the food which head chef Michael Tweedie and his team execute with creativity and flair. The Cellar Dining Experience with an enhanced tasting menu from The Oak Room expertly paired with wines chosen by Jonathan Jønsson, the resort’s head sommelier should also be on everyone’s wish list. This is formal dining at its finest. www.adaremanor.com
Vaughans Anchor Inn, Liscannor, Co Clare
Two words. Fish, chips. That is all. Well, actually, there is a lot more to Vaughans; the Champagne flights, the scallops and the scampi with Galway Bay all come to mind, but the fish and chips with 20 year old start batter is truly special. And if you aren’t steaming your potatoes before frying them in beef dripping then you are doing it wrong. www.vaughans.ie
La Maison, Dublin 2
The problem with La Maison is choice. For me, it’s usually the choice between fresh whole sole on the bone or the cote de boeuf – an impossible decision. Whatever you choose, dining at La Maison is always a safe bet. The food is reliably first rate, the wine list fairly priced and the ambiance is delightful whether you dine on the terrace in the warmer months or the dining room on a frigid Friday night. www.lamaisondublin.com
Franks, Dublin 8
On Dublin’s Camden Street, Frank’s is the kind of establishment that you wished you had on your doorstep. It’s the ideal spot for after work drinks and now the perfect wine bar has resumed food service which happily doesn’t disappoint. The set menu will cost you €40 which is incredible value and bar snacks are also very purse friendly. Dishes of simple fried chicken and potato bread with sour cream, roe and chive have fuelled many of my food dreams since my last visit and don’t get me started on the wine. www.franksdublin.com
Etto, Dublin 2
Nigella Lawson knows a thing or two about food so when she states that Dublin’s Etto restaurant is her go to when visiting the emerald isle, you know you are in safe hands. The tomato and scamorza suppli are the perfect pre-dinner nibble and the red wine prunes with vanilla mascarpone inspired me to recreate the dish at home. It was good, very good even, but sadly not quite as good as the dreamy Etto version. www.etto.ie
