Big city dining

BANG

At the dining epicentre of Dublin’s ‘Golden Mile’, Bang is inevitably abuzz with abouttowners, and always delivers on classy food. Price: €12-€29 Try: Challans free-range duck breast, black pudding, honey & mustard seed, €29 Drinks: The works 11 Merrion Row, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 400-4229 bangrestaurant.com

PEARL BRASSERIE

Sebastien Masi and Kirsten Batt’s superb French restaurant, which is set in a romantic Georgian basement, is celebrating its 17th birthday this year. Price: €14-€35 Try: Squab pigeon Rossini, pomme puree, foie gras & truffle, €33 Drinks: A wine list to be reckoned with 20 Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 661-3572 pearl-brasserie.com

SHANAHAN’S ON THE GREEN

This plush American-style steak house has long been a wow with the big hitters and captains of industry. Price: Menus, €69/€95 Try: 12oz filet mignon with carmelised onion and a steak jus, €48.90 Drinks: Extensive wine list 119 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 407-0939 shanahans.ie