Stories and photos by Gail Clifford (unless otherwise indicated)
Gone are the days where the only food available in Dublin was fried fish and mushy peas. Those are certainly available if you want them. But award-winning restaurants and inventive, sustainable chefs abound.
The 5-Star Merrion Hotel
Art Tea at the 5-star Merrion Hotel is a sumptuous delight. From the sandwiches to the cakes and scones, the clotted cream, raspberry jam and yummy lemon curd, each was carefully balanced by our choice of teas from black and woodsy (the Pu Erh tastes like it’s good for you) to white with silver tips that “smells like a bride.”
Famous pastry chef Paul Kelley reaches new heights with his careful reproduction of art work featured within this hotel to his designs – from Brandenburg to macaron.
The Merrion fulfils their mission statement “Excellence in art of service” as assistant manager Zina truly embodies the excellent attention to detail and personal service we crave when we travel.
The piece de resistance? Reproductions in three parts of artwork chosen for the day. White chocolate and rose whose pillars remind one of Beauty and the Beast, Trinity Chocolate combines the best flavors and colors in one confection, and the green apple macaroon, with an edible no parking sign, show the humor infused in the desserts is almost as good as the infusion of tea that dances across the palate.
The Merrion provides access to a full service restaurant, Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, with two Michelin stars. It’s contemporary Irish cuisine with French inspiration combined with impeccable service creates an unforgettable experience. The menu changes seasonally based on the freshest produce and protein available. They take pride in sourcing from the very best farmers, growers and fishermen and are passionate about sourcing locally. It’s one of the things that makes Dublin a “smart city.”
address: Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2
The Ivy of Dawson Street
The Ivy of Dawson Street, located just north of St. Stephen’s Green, has a menu that covers everything from Irish classics to continental cuisine. Locally inspired dishes, like Dublin Bay prawns and Dungarvan oysters, remain popular with those who love shellfish, while meat-lovers find steak tartare with Dubliner whiskey, and chicken Milanese. Ideally situated to feast before or after a show, The Ivy’s art deco décor is sure to make you smile.
The Ivy of Dawson Street, located just north of St. Stephen’s Green, has a menu that covers everything from Irish classics to continental cuisine. Locally inspired dishes, like Dublin Bay prawns and Dungarvan oysters, remain popular with those who love shellfish, while meat-lovers find steak tartare with Dubliner whiskey, and chicken Milanese. Ideally situated to feast before or after a show, The Ivy’s art deco décor is sure to make you smile.
The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling vibrant art deco add to the glamour where casual chic to business dress is expected.
With so many menu options, I wasn’t certain if I’d care for a salad with chicken or a salmon dish. The server patiently weighed the merits of each with me. With his help, we found excellent dishes, from starts to dessert, that pleased our palates.
Some of our favorites include:
The truffle arancini, crisp little fried Arborio rice balls with a light taste of truffle and parmesan cheese. It’s a strong vegetarian dish.
Roast Salmon Fillet with smoked almonds and an herb sauce on the side with broccoli (I substituted green beans) grilled to my specifications, presented beautifully and utterly delicious.
The sweet potato Kerelan Curry, exactly the right consistency, spiced a little past medium, as requested, that tickled my daughter’s taste buds in exactly the right way.
The Chocolate Bombe, a well-known favorite (many guests make reservations solely for the pomp & circumstance of this chocolate covered honeycomb ice cream dessert’s ceremony). The server pours a hot salted caramel sauce over the hard-crusted chocolate bombe forcing a rapid melt, revealing a vanilla ice cream and honeycomb center (set your phones to video in advance). While honeycomb ice cream is not commonly found in the United States, it is quite popular in New Zealand and Australia.
At my daughter’s suggestion, I made a special trip to the ladies’ room. The stair art is impressive. The four private floral powder rooms off the lounge area including five tufted seats before three paneled mirrors create an ambiance of sumptuous elegance.
According to the general manager, Executive Chef Nick Lentini, works diligently to present a high-quality product and is “all about the quality and consistency” meeting with his suppliers weekly.
Address: 13-17 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
The River Bar
For excellent bar food, try The River Bar in Dublin 2, just south of the River Liffey. Ask your server for best picks or choose your own. Go for the burger or a Guinness pie, or the server favored club sandwich. Their crispy bacon potato skins are delicious, surpisingly served with a sweet chili sauce. The meringue dessert with cream goes really well with the chocolate brownie. You’re unlikely to go home hungry.
Address: 1 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2
Kilkenny Shop and Restaurant
Kilkenny Shop and Restaurant is a popular stop for all tourists their first time in Dublin. Shop, browse, then go upstairs, pick up a tray and move cafeteria style to pick up your protein, salad and veg. Reasonable prices for good food leave those extra funds to shop with.
Address: 6 Nassau Street, Dublin 2
Thai Orchid
Thai Orchid across from Trinity College offers good meals fast. The chicken and rice dish can be spiced to your specifications. The curry and rice combination, the perfect mid-day break to give you the energy to continue your exploration.
Address: 7 Westmoreland Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Café en Seine
This elegant art nouveau decorated restaurant spans three floors and contains multiple secluded areas for a quiet drink or a good read. For hungry travelers, you can’t go wrong with the burger, grilled to your specifications with fries beautifully presented in small copper tubs. Or try the butternut squash arancini.
All the beef used comes from Ireland. And the menu’s allergen code system allows easy identification of meals that fits your medical needs.
Address: 40 Dawson Steet
The Rolling Doughnut
Ready for a treat? Or the occasional breakfast? Stop at The Rolling Doughnut for a fresh baked treat and a great cup of coffee. We find it difficult to choose, so typically narrow it down to two options and ask the attendant’s advice. They’ve never steered us astray.
They have loyalty cards for the coffee only (we checked). They do serve vegan options, just ask.
Address: 55 King Street S, Dublin 2
The Oak Lounge, Bar and Restaurant
Across the street from Dublin Castle and Dublin City Hall, their live music Sunday thru Thursday causes locals and tourists alike to enjoy this self-described continental style café bar. The atmosphere is calm and soothing, when sports or live music aren’t in attendance. It’s the perfect respite from the busy Dublin streets.
Their Potato skins had a much more generous helping of cheddar cheese than expected. Take care to be specific when you order your drinks. Their experimentation may not be quite to your taste and they allow no refunds.
But when you find a dish to enjoy, like their gnocchi or fish and chips or beef and Guinness pie, sit back and enjoy the company.
Address: 1-3 Parliament Street, Dublin 2
Dolce Sicily
An easy favorite, this restaurant is a little hard to find and definitely worth the effort. Find the familiar taste of delicious Italian food above the dessert shop on the ground level. Walk up one flight or two to eat on site, or place a “take away” order. Their fresh ingredients and attention to local sourcing make this a sustainable part of your diet.
Address: 20 Anne St S, Dublin 2,
More excellent restaurants open in Dublin each year. They’re great options for locals out on the town or travelers in search of a new connection. Whether it’s during your time at the pub or the restaurant, greet fellow visitors and see what secrets of Dublin they’ll share.
