Dublin, today, is recognised worldwide as a top dining destination by tourists and discerning foodies alike. In recent years, the City on the Liffey has certainly earned its culinary stripes; its reputation as a trendy, gourmet capital is now well established.

For sheer quality and ambience, the Dublin restaurants, gastro-pubs and local eateries take a lot of beating. Whatever type of food takes your fancy, from fine dining to no frills fodder, you’re sure to find a restaurant that exactly fits the bill.

Top Nosh with an Irish Twist

What really sets the Dublin restaurants scene apart from other upmarket city centre eateries, around the world? The answer is simple.

Restaurateurs have embraced all that is inspirational and innovative about modern, international cuisine, while refusing to abandon the best aspects of traditional Irish cooking. The result is a tantalising blend of global and regional dishes, using only the finest of locally sourced ingredients and produce.

Add to the mix, the world famous Irish welcome and it’s easy to see why dining out in Dublin’s highly rated restaurants is such a popular activity with tourists, as well enthusiastic locals!

Dublin Restaurants to Whet the Appetite

The following are just a few of the many superb Dublin restaurants in and around the capital that come highly recommended:

 Beaufield Mews, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin: ; Dublin's oldest restaurant; picturesque setting; European cuisine; extensive wine list;

 Becketts Hotel & Restaurant, Cooldrinagh House, Leixlip, Dublin: fine dining in stylish, elegant surroundings; international, Irish cuisine;

 Chapter One, 18/19 Parnell Square, Dublin: sophisticated, elegant relaxed; superlative international modern cuisine with French influences; uses locally grown produce; aficionados rate it as the number one ‘fine-dining experience in Dublin’;

 Fire Restaurant @ Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2:
fine dining, cosmopolitan; contemporary, European, with a focus on Irish and Italian cuisine;

 Gallagher’s Boxty House, 20 Temple Bar, Dublin 2: Known locally as ‘GBH’; superb ambience; friendly service; traditional Irish dishes, e.g. boxty, coddles and Irish stew, plus excellent global cuisine;

 In, Coliemore Road, Dalkey, Dublin: popular pub/restaurant; fresh food cooked to order; Irish dishes with continental flair; great value;

 Luigi Malones, 5/6 Cecilia Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2: trendy, cosmopolitan buzz and ambience; dramatic décor; global cuisine, superb Italian and Irish signature dishes;

 Nancy Hands Bar & Restaurant, 30/32 Parkgate Street, Dublin 8:
award winning bar and restaurant; authentic Victorian bar; local memorabilia; wining and dining at its very best;

 Pearl Brasserie, 20 Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2: Food & Wine Restaurant of the Year 2008 award winner; traditional French cuisine, extensive wine list; attentive service, relaxed surroundings;

 The Farm, 3 Dawson Street, Dublin 2: locals’ gourmet dining hot-spot; unfussy menu using, traditional homemade signature dishes; local organic produce; friendly feel; kids welcome;

 The Schoolhouse, 2/8 Northumberland Rd, Dublin:
a favourite Dublin gastro-pub; relaxed atmosphere; wide-ranging menu; popular bar; impressive interior décor.