Make a Date For Dinner at Dundrum

FOR THE HAPPY GRAZER

PORT HOUSE IBERICOS is a supremely atmospheric and cosy restaurant with flickering candles and exposed brick walls. The rear terrace is perfect for summer dining and the menu is all-encompassing in its range of tapas and pintxos. The selection of wine and port, with or without tonic, is second to none and a choice of dedicated group menus make this the ideal spot for gatherings of all kinds. MUST TRY Puntillas, a dish of ethereally light baby squid dusted with seasoned flour, fried and served with aioli and sea salt, sublime in its simplicity. The Port House Ibericos, 01 216 6133; www.porthouse.ie. 

FOR THE THEATRE SET

Think glamorous restaurant meets theatre venue meets bustling bar. THE FLYING DUCK at Harvey Nichols manages to be both vibrant and cosy at the same time, with an eclectic menu. The glass box dining space is exciting and there is a small stage to accommodate performances of every type. MUST TRY Chicken Milanese, topped with a fried egg, served with asparagus, is the brunch, lunch or dinner of dreams. The Flying Duck, 01 296 4659; www.theflyingduck.ie. 

FOR THE CONTEMPORARY COHORT

With its Scandi-inspired decor, the first floor LOFT RESTAURANT AT DONNYBROOK FAIR is an exercise in understated elegance. The menu is thoughtfully devised, with all the classic boxes ticked. No surprise, given that executive head chef Chris Allen has worked in some of London’s most exclusive restaurants including The Ivy, Le Caprice and Harrods. MUST TRY The house-made beef burger uses Dexter Irish beef, a rare breed lauded for its unique flavour and generous marbling, which results in a top quality burger. And the fresh juices, squeezed at the in-house juice bar. Loft at Donnybrook Fair, 01 524 1819; www.donnybrookfair.ie/store/dundrum. 

FOR THE SPICE GIRL (OR GUY)

A longstanding favourite among those who enjoy the aromatic flavours of Thai cuisine, SIAM THAI is a delight for the senses. This is a restaurant that offers it all, from delicious food in the main dining space with views over Town Square below, to indulgent after-dinner cocktails in the aptly named Candlelight Bar on the mezzanine level. The atmosphere is warm and enticing with a subtle smattering of the exotic. MUST TRY The Siam to Go cocktail with bird’s eye chilli-infused Olmeca Blanco, lemongrass syrup, coconut puree, fresh basil, fresh lime juice and ginger beer finished with a basil smoke. Siam Thai, 01 296 4500; www.siamthai.ie. 

FOR THE FAMILY

A stalwart of the Dundrum dining scene, JAMIE’S ITALIAN has been tempting diners with its “refined rustic” Italian cooking for over ten years. The restaurant has a real neighbourhood feel with a team who execute the dishes with finesse. It’s the quintessential family restaurant that will keep every age group happy, while also being the perfect spot for a tranquil dinner à deux. MUST TRY The prawn linguine with garlicky prawns, tomatoes, fennel, fresh chilli and rocket. Jamie’s Italian, 01 298 0600; www.jamiesitalian.ie. 

FOR THE FINE DINING AFICIONADO

Serving some of the best Indian food in Ireland, ANANDA has garnered a fiercely loyal following (along with a Michelin mention) since it opened in 2008. The restaurant is stylish and welcoming and the staff utterly professional, but it’s the quality of the dishes that elevates Ananda to its well-deserved status. The flavours are unique and exciting – even the most jaded palate will find something unexpected on the innovative menu. MUST TRY The Parsi Pork Vindaloo with 24-hour marinated Irish pork chop, fiery Goan vindaloo sauce, coconut rice and caramelised apples, a spicy and sophisticated taste sensation. Ananda, 01 296 0099; www.anandarestaurant.ie. 

FOR THE ITALOPHILE

Authentic Italian food in a waterside setting? Sounds good to us. Of course, there is indoor seating available too but if the weather allows, sipping a chilled glass of something cold on the terrace at L’OFFICINA DUNNE & CRESCENZI is one of life’s great pleasures. The dishes are simple, straightforward and delicious, and the entire experience offers a slice of la dolce vita in Dundrum. MUST TRY From the latteria mozzarella bar, the buffalo mozzarella with Tuscan prosciutto and house pesto is dreamy, followed by tiramisu with barrel-aged Tuscan vin santo. The golden rule: always say yes to the tiramisu. L’Officina Dunne & Crescenzi, 01 216 6764; www.dunneandcrescenzi.com. 

For more information on Dundrum Town Centre’s stores, services and opening hours, please visit www.dundrum.ie or follow on social @dundrumtc.