The heart wants what the heart wants …

Variety Jones, Dublin

Please don’t judge me too harshly, but I’m somewhat ashamed to say that I have yet to dine in Dublin’s Variety Jones. I’ve stalked it online, swooned over dishes, enjoyed the banter and read all the reviews, yet somehow I’ve never been lucky enough to visit for octopus tempura with mayo and kimchi, or the famous spaghetti Alfredo. Watch this space … @variety_jones

Everett’s, Waterford

Waterford city and county have so many wonderful places to eat and, according to the critics, Everett’s is right up there at the top of the list. Reviews are all well and good, but it’s reading the menu that solidified a must-visit for me; Tuskar crab with grapefruit, radish and herbs or local fish with broccoli, Helvic shrimp, carrot and Sauternes sauce all sound like a great reason for a road trip to Blaa country. @everetts_restaurant

Blackthorn at The Twelve Hotel, Galway

I was saddened when I heard that West Restaurant at The Twelve Hotel in Barna closed last year as I often visited over the years. Happily, my mood brightened when it was announced that Blackthorn would reopen in its stead, under the same supersonic team that made West so special. It’s next on my list for Dexter beef tartare cheeseburger, whole black sole and sticky date loaf with Highbank Orchards butterscotch. @blackthorngalway_

Baba’de, Cork

I’ve been lucky enough to dine at the original Dede, which is reason enough to inspire me to make the pilgrimmage to Baltimore in West Cork. If Dede’s içli köfte bulgur wheat dumpling with Fastnet farm lamb, garlic yoghurt and isot mint or, a personal favourite, lahmacun BBQ flat bread with aged beef and lamb mix, mint and Adana kebab, doesn’t inspire you to do the same – sorry – but we can’t be friends. @babade_baltimore

Ox, Belfast

I visited Ox some time ago and plan to prioritise another visit this year. There are so many reasons to treat yourself to a meal in Ox; the (obviously) excellent food, friendly staff, beautiful aesthetic and the opportunity to visit Belfast are just some. Take my advice, high tail it here for a memorable lunch featuring dishes such as John Dory with bisque, sprouting cauliflower and lemongrass, and caramelised apple with treacle, oats and fennel pollen. Don’t skip a tipple in Ox Cave should lunch linger on longer than expected. As it should … @oxbelfast

SEE MORE: 5 Reliable Restaurants To Visit In Dublin