Whether you fancy seafood, Thai or Middle Eastern delights, these five restaurants will deliver when you’ve had your fill of leftovers …
Cabin fever setting in? Forget the turkey and ham to venture out for a meal that will tantalise your tastebuds. Whether you’re craving Indian, Asian, Italian or something in between, these restaurants are waiting with open arms to welcome you back to the fold this Twixmas.
Wine Bar Vibes at Amy Austin, Dublin 2
Flying high after a Michelin Guide mention, Amy Austin is the perfect location for spontaneous small plates and wine on tap with a menu featuring dishes such as langoustine tail with saffron oil, cardamom, tomato marmalade and ikura sake. As the Michelin folk correctly observed, “friendly service and signature cocktails help to keep the good vibes flowing”. Never has car park adjacent dining felt so good. www.amyaustin.ie
Thai at Nightmarket, Dublin 6
There are few cuisines as fresh and vibrant as Thai. In Dublin, the place to eat authentic Thai food is at Ranelagh’s Nightmarket. Por Pia Sod (fresh rice paper rolls) with prawn, mango, sweet basil, cucumber, mint, baby spinach and nahm yum dip will eviscerate any lingering cobwebs and remind you that the holy trinity of garlic, citrus and chilli are one of the best combinations to eat. The healing power of soup is also well known and the tom kha gai with coconut milk, chicken, wild mushroom, lemongrass, galangal, shallots, kaffir lime, lime juice and chilli oil will heal absolutely anything that ails you this winter. www.nightmarket.ie.
Steaks and Seafood at The Dunmore, Rathmines, Dublin 6
Located in the former Bowery pub building in Rathmines, The Dunmore has a lot going for it with industry heavyweights at the helm, sleek interiors and a comprehensive cocktail list. The menu is a veritable feast of Irish produce; think Atlantic prawns, Duncannon mussels, Kilmore Quay crab claws, charcoal cooked meats and a 12oz Delmonico steak that is not for the faint hearted. Sunday sees a couple of roast options added to the mix and during the day there’s a lighter menu with a selection of snacks and more casual fare. Did I mention the cocktails? www.thedunmore.ie
Italian at Grano, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7
A weekend booking at Grano is a fanciful notion indeed, so expect tables at this time of year to be like hen’s teeth! You never know when the stars might align, so it’s always worth a try. After all, it worked for Stanley Tucci when he visited Dublin. The menu at Grano changes regularly, so you’re kept guessing regardless of how often you go. Watching the skilled chefs make the pasta in the open kitchen is as therapeutic as it is impressive. Ever changing wines by the glass also appear on the specials board, so menu fatigue is not an option and, happily, the prices are reasonable. Win win, or more appropriately, cin cin. www.grano.ie
Lebanese at Fayrouz, Dublin 8
Lebanese food is anything but boring and the folk at Fayrouz are serving all kinds of fare throughout the week. Don’t let the menu “full of traditional authentic Middle Eastern favourites with a modern twist” put you off. All the greatest hits make an appearance including falafel, kibbeh, halloumi, batata harra and arayes and homemade shawarma. Finish with an Arabic coffee before hitting the couch to sleep if off, the soundtrack of festive films serenading you. Again. www.fayrouzrestaurant.com.