These romantic restaurants are so seductive you may just find yourself caught up in the moment, says Ciara McQuillan, so choose your dining companion wisely …
LOCK’S, DUBLIN 8
THE ROOM A cosy, tasteful ground floor dining room in a beguiling canalside setting, offering near perfect people, canine and swan-watching opportunities. Window tables are in high demand; book ahead to secure one. There are tables upstairs too and a sweet little bar for two. ON THE PLATE Cold-smoked Castelvetrano olives, Dooncastle oysters and barbecued lamb belly are just some of the pre-dinner nibbles to enjoy while inspecting the menu. Choosing between salt-aged beef tartare with smoked beef fat and pickled mustard seeds or grilled octopus with brown butter hollandaise is no easy task but be assured, whatever you choose will be very good. To finish, it’s a toss-up between the Basque cheesecake or five minutes alone with the cheese trolley. WHAT ELSE? It’s Dublin’s worst-kept secret that many chefs of note dine in Lock’s on a Sunday afternoon: you will be in good company.
Locks Restaurant, 1 Windsor Terrace, Dublin 8, 01 416 3655; www.locksrestaurant.ie.
RISTORANTE RINUCCINI, KILKENNY
THE ROOM On “Medieval Mile”, in the shadow of imposing Kilkenny Castle, Ristorante Rinuccini is a cosy space that exudes warmth and refinement. This classic Italian restaurant has been going strong since 1989 and has mastered the art of the perfect Italian meal experience. ON THE PLATE A starter of seared Kilmore Quay scallops with crispy prosciutto and green pea risotto and ravioli alla crema di gorgonzola. WHAT ELSE? Finish with a glass of Vin Santo from the impressive wine list (there is a whole list dedicated to Supertuscans) and a classical babà al rum Napoletano before floating on air, all the way home.
Ristorante Rinuccini, 1 The Parade, Kilkenny, 056 7761575; www.rinuccini.com.
ADRIFT AT DUNMORE HOUSE, CO CORK
THE ROOM On the ground floor of the family-owned Dunmore House Hotel with spellbinding views out over Clonakilty Bay, this restaurant is airy and inviting. ON THE PLATE The menu displays the proprietors’ commitment to using local West Cork ingredients from both land and sea. A starter of poached lobster with marinated fennel salad and tomato water is both light and indulgent while my black sole on the bone with chard, lemon and caper butter is flawless. WHAT ELSE? A postprandial moonlight stroll by Clonakilty Bay or a fireside nightcap. Whichever you choose, in this setting, could be risky, romantically.
Dunmore House, Clonakilty, West Cork, 023 883 3352; www.dunmorehousehotel.ie.
TROCADERO, DUBLIN 2
THE ROOM Dublin’s self-proclaimed theatre restaurant, Trocadero’s lilting jazz, vintage light fittings, plush red velvet and signed portraits of actors who have dined there add to its clublike allure. ON THE PLATE The nostalgic theme continues on the menu with retro favourites such as prawn cocktail, chicken liver pâté and deep-fried Brie to start followed by classics such as Barbary duck, rack of lamb and a choice of steaks. There are a couple of pasta-based vegetarian options too. WHAT ELSE? The Troc, as it is affectionately known, has garnered a fiercely loyal following among the theatre set in its 65 years. Past visitors include Ralph Fiennes, Charlize Theron, Mel Gibson and Johnny Depp.
Trocadero, 4, St Andrews Street, Dublin 2, 01 677 5545; www.trocadero.ie.
THE PULLMAN AT GLENLO ABBEY, CO GALWAY
THE ROOM Comprising two beautifully restored carriages from The Orient Express, the Pullman is a unique dining experience on the grounds of Glenlo Abbey, overlooking Lough Corrib. It’s a truly splendiferous setting, and one Agatha Christie fans will fall head over heels for. One of the carriages, Leona, dates from 1927 and was featured in the 1974 film adaptation of Agatha Christie’s, Murder on the Orient Express starring Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall and Sean Connery. ON THE PLATE Start proceedings with a Hemingway Daiquiri before choosing from dishes including Inishmore crab and beef fillet with brown butter pomme purée, lovage and bone marrow onions before finishing with a slice of gateau or perhaps a plateau de fromage. WHAT ELSE? Go full Poirot and end your memorable meal with a crème de menthe, frappé or not.
Glenlo Abbey Hotel, Bushypark Co Galway, 091 519 600; www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie.