Openings, relaunches and a fond farewell …
Entrecôte, Dublin 2
With all the ‘is it or isn’t it part of the famous brasserie group’ controversy surrounding the newly opened Entrecôte, some things are certainly true. Dublin’s iteration is less overtly Gallic than the French variety, but the €29.95 set menu will appeal to those who love a bargain. The menu includes Irish sourdough with butter and Achill Island seaweed salt, Tipperary beef steak with sauce (rumours about the sauce are rife), green salad and bottomless fries made with Irish potatoes. A selection of desserts are available to order at an extra charge and, of course, there’s wine. The restaurant operates on a walk-in only policy, so you may (or may not), have to factor in queuing. @entrecotedublin
Sole, Dublin 2
Luxe-loving seafood aficionados will welcome the news that Sole Seafood & Grill has relaunched following an expansion that doubles the size of its dining room. The revamp also introduces a new private dining space, with a fresh reimagining of the restaurant’s layout and offering. Sole now spans an impressive 11,000 sq ft, with a dedicated private dining entrance on Drury Street. The growth has also boosted the team, which has expanded from 55 to 75 members – all the better to keep those mammoth seafood platters coming. @soleseafoodandgrill
Díon, Dublin 2
After much anticipation, Dublin’s newest rooftop restaurant will open in November with chef Neil Mulholland leading the kitchen. Mulholland trained in Germany and has clocked time everywhere from Sydney’s Bondi Icebergs to Brown’s Brasserie, Peploe’s and House Dublin. Situated atop the former Central Bank on Dublin’s Dame Street, the venue is crowned by a striking steel-and-glass matrix that offers uninterrupted 360-degree views across the city. Inside, 1970s influences blend with Irish-inspired design. The space, which includes a rooftop restaurant, lounge and bar, was designed by the award-winning Henry J Lyons studio, responsible for Google’s flagship Dublin campus and the new LinkedIn headquarters at Wilton Park. This marks the first project in Ireland for international interior design firm iCrave, renowned for shaping some of the world’s most iconic hospitality destinations, including acclaimed restaurant and nightlife venues across the US and UAE such as The Grill NYC and SushiSamba Dubai, as well as the Sphere in Las Vegas. @dion.restaurant.dublin
Gloria Osteria, Dublin 2
Big Mamma Group will open Gloria in November, bringing Italian glamour to the heart of Dublin. Housed in the restored AIB building on Westmoreland Street, the restaurant aims for 1970s Milanese elegance, complete with a ten-metre marble bar, hand-carved Tuscan timber and scarlet chandeliers. Following launches in Milan in Italy and Barcelona in Spain, Dublin is the third new location, with head chef Davide Migallo serving a decadent Mediterranean menu. Expect truffle-spiked spaghettone, Guinness-braised ossobuco and their towering lemon pie. @gloriaosteria.dublin
Eat Drink Spain
Need a dose of sunshine to banish autumn blues? This festival has you covered with a flurry of food and wine events. Highlights include a Spanish wine dinner on October 16 at Anantara The Marker, where sommelier Sinead McCarthy will guide guests through a six-course menu. Olive oil sommelier Sarah Merrigan is also hosting two deliciously interactive events: an extra-virgin olive oil tasting and tapas supper in collaboration with vegan chef and content creator Ella Smyth at The Lovely Food Company on October 2, and a Fish Supper with Sebastian Skillings (aka The Hungry Fishmonger) at SC Grocer on October 10. Proceeds from both will support charities in Gaza, making both a meal that truly gives back. @eatdrinkwinspain
And finally, a fond farewell to Big Mike’s in Blackrock, which has taken its final bow. Seafood platter devotees (and frankly anyone who enjoys good food) are bereft. To the team: we raise a glass. Thanks for the memories.
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