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Craft Bistro Harolds Cross Dublin Suburban Restaurants
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Neighbourhood Gems – 12 Dublin Suburban Restaurants to Tempt You Outside the City Limits

Dublin’s title as a culinary destination is being heralded both at home and abroad, as Irish and international press pick on the capital’s status as a hub for food lovers that has picked up pace in recent years. Though the city’s varied and diverse culinary offerings are more plentiful than many visitors, and even locals, might even realise.

With restaurant margins notoriously tight it makes sense that shrewd restaurateurs and talented chefs are seeking out more affordable premises in order to sustain viable businesses.

Venture outside the city centre, and you’ll discover these unassuming suburban spots that sometimes get lost in the furore, but are in fact first rate eateries that would stand out anywhere.

Already treasured dining destinations of savvy suburban diners and in the know city slickers, we’re sharing 12 suburban restaurants in Dublin worth getting acquainted with – it’s time to veer off your usual inner-city circuit.

The Pigeon House – Clontarf

The Pigeon House Clontarf

Recognised by Michelin with a Bib Gourmand again this year, the Pigeon House by restaurateurs Paul Foley and chef Brian Walsh is a distinctive neighbourhood restaurant that puts a modern twist on the best local and Irish produce. Not just the preserve of ‘Clontarfians’, residents of Wicklow also delight in the presence their sister restaurant of the same in the heart of Delgany village.

Nightmarket – Ranelagh

Nightmarket

Just beyond the fringes of the city, the urban village of Ranelagh has a well populated dining scene of its own, which was made all the better by the addition of Nightmarket last year. Opening earlier this summer, the authentic eatery, created partners Conor Sexton, formerly of Koh restaurant, and Thai native Jutarat Suwankeeree, who was brought up in Thailand, is already a strong contender for the best Thai food in Dublin.

Read TheTaste’s Review HERE.

Craft – Harold’s Cross

Craft Harolds Cross Dublin

A hop, skip and a jump from the city is Harold’s Cross, the the bustling south Dublin hub where in 2016 chef patron Philip Yeung took a leap of faith opening Craft. Not alone has the community embraced having this highly-skilled chef on their doorstep, but Michelin inspectors too have been relishing the plates of modern Irish food Philip crafts with his signature lightness of touch, awarding Craft a Michelin Bib in 2018.

Read TheTaste’s Review HERE.

Fishbone – Clontarf

Fishbone

There is a lot to tempt you beyond the city boundaries to the seaside suburb of Clontarf, from a stroll along the promenade or a dip in the new Seawater Baths. Taking advantage of the hunger pang inducing effect of all that sea air, Fishbone has been luring in flocks of people with its striking bright yellow facade, promise of fresh, flavoursome seafood at affordable prices and cool cocktail bar, and has them hooked when they deliver on all fronts.

Read TheTaste’s Review HERE.

Old Street – Malahide

Old Street Restaurant

A striking addition to the Malahide, from a humble cottage in the village husband and wife Mark and Adriana Fitzpatrick raised an impressive two-story restaurant, bar and wine cellar. Opening in April this year on a street of the same name, backed by a strong team including restaurant manager Denise McBrien and chefs Fergus Caffrey and Chris Fullam,Old Street this new addition is already on its way to becoming a modern culinary classic.

Read TheTaste’s Review HERE.

McHughs Wine & Dine – Raheny/Portmarnock

Involved in the off license business for over 50 years, the McHugh family made their first foray into the restaurant industry opening McHughs Wine & Dine in Raheny. Staying on the Northside last year they replicated their winning format in Portmarnock, a family style bistro serving simple but accomplished cooking and, of course, an impressive wine list. Housed in a purpose built retail unit, don’t let the industrial feel put you off, they’ve done a superb job of designing a warm and comfortable space.

Read TheTaste’s Review HERE.

Lobstar – Monkstown

Given its moniker, and the prominent illustration of the crustacean in lipstick red on the white tiled dining room wall, the superstar of Lobstar‘s menu is little wonder. Celebrating Ireland’s most spectacular shellfish the Monkstown restaurant offers lobster five ways, but chef and co-owner Zsolt Zakar takes just as much care with the fish and steak served in this slick suburban spot.

Read TheTaste’s Review HERE.

Michael’s – Mount Merrion

Michaels Mount Merrion

Sticking to a strategy of buying great Irish produce and preparing it as simply as possible, the quality of the ingredients used at Michael’s shines through on the Italian inspired plates created by chef Gaz Smith. In a generous display of their values, the restaurant introduced Kids Seafood September, an initiative which encouraged reluctant young diners to try seafood with free fishy dinners for the entire month – offering complementary dessert as a sweetener.

Read TheTaste’s Review HERE.

The 1780 – Portmarnock

1780 Portmarnock Best New Restaurants in Dublin TheTaste.ie

As part of the €5 million refurbishment of Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links, The 1780 Restaurant got a serious upgrade. With chef Tom Walsh already established in the kitchen, and superb service from Derek Yu, former front of house at Michelin starred Chapter One, the stylish redesign was the final piece of the puzzle to complete what is now a dazzling, 2 AA Rosette awarded, dining experience.

Read TheTaste’s Review HERE.

Le Plancha – Monkstown

This family owned restaurant, run by husband and wife Andrew Lawlor and Eimear Brannelly, popped up on Monkstown’s ‘Golden Mile’ of restaurants last year, after they had already captured the hearts of the people of Blackrock, where they first opened five years ago. With a signature Mediterranean style of cooking, Le Plancha has held their own on this competitive dining scene attracting locals and visitors with their spectrum of seafood dishes and specials cooked a la plancha.

Read TheTaste’s Review HERE.

Wildeside – Cabinteely

Not too far from the seaside suburban town of Dún Laoghaire, you’ll find Wildeside, an unassuming, intimate neighbourhood in Cabinteely. With just a handful of tables, guests are invited into this cosy nook by brothers Alan and Robert O’Reilly, who previously ran Dun Laoghaire’s Alexis restaurant, and looked after with warm service by Robert and royally rich cooking by Alan behind the stove.

Read TheTaste’s Review HERE.

China Sichuan – Sandyford

China Sichuan Dish

Run by Kevin Hui, China Sichuan is a long standing family owned restaurant has garnered many awards over the years, and highly regarded as one of Ireland’s Chinese restaurants. Don’t let the humble exterior fool you, the enticing aromas and authenticu Sichuan dishes will have you hotfooting out to South County Dublin on a regular basis for your Chinese fix – you won’t be able to go back to paltry takeaways again.

Read TheTaste’s Review HERE.

FEATURE BY ERICA BRACKEN

erica-brackenErica grew up with a baker and confectioner for a father and a mother with an instinct and love for good food. It is little wonder then that, after completing a law degree, she went on to do a Masters in Food Business at UCC. With a consuming passion for all things food, nutrition and wellness, working with TheTaste is a perfect fit for Erica; allowing her to learn and experience every aspect of the food world meeting its characters and influencers along the way.

Erica Bracken  Erica Bracken

 

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