It’s time to break up with the turkey and get out of the house. Here’s where to dine out this week …
Cabin fever setting in? Forget the leftover turkey, ham and stuffing and venture out for a meal that will tantalise your tastebuds in a way that turkey never could. Whether you are craving Indian, Asian or Italian cuisine, or something in between, these five restaurants are waiting with open arms to welcome us back to the fold this twixmas.
Oliveto, Dun Laoghaire
One of most memorable dishes of 2022 was a squid ink linguine with Amalfi lemon and fresh crab at Oliveto and for that reason alone, you should go. Other reasons include the osso bucco Milanese with meltingly tender, slow cooked veal shin and the excellent tiramisu. The Parlour Bar is a divine place to wind down before or after dinner with staff serving up some of the best cocktails in Dublin. www.haddingtonhouse.ie/oliveto-22
Nightmarket, Ranelagh, Dublin 6
There are few cuisines as fresh and vibrant as Thai, and in Dublin, the place to eat authentic Thai food is 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 is 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. www.nightmarket.ie
China Sichuan, Sandyford, Dublin 18
China Sichuan in Sandyford has built up a loyal following over the years, so if you are dreaming about bon bon chicken, wasabi prawns or golden fried soft shell crab with toasted almonds and chilli flakes then we suggest you make a booking. The dry fried long beans with Sichuan radish is one of the best things you will ever eat and the Irish coffee is up there as one of the best I have had in a Dublin restaurant too. www.china-sichuan.ie
Fayrouz, Dublin 8
Lebanese food is anything but boring and in Dublin, the folk at Fayrouz will be open and serving all kinds of Lebanese 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 Home Alone serenading you. Again. www.fayrouzrestaurant.vouchitorders.com
Doolally, Dublin 8
Turkey is great, and turkey sandwiches even better but when you eventually call time on it, what could be better than a feast of Indian food. The naan bread at Doolally is pillowy deliciousness and the paneer and corn sag will banish any lingering thoughts of dried out turkey. The décor and the atmosphere in this Dublin 8 spot are both fun and inviting and the cocktails won’t disappoint either. Try the red hot sour with tequila, Cointreau, lime, sugar, egg whites, and tabasco. www.doolally.ie
