Tastes of delight

RIBA

Excellent modern-Italian food in a cool, contemporary setting. Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Price: €6.50-€25 Try: Pan-fried sea bass, gnocchi, spinach, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, speck, €23 Drinks: Wine, lots by the glass. 4 Lower Kilmacud Road, Stillorgan, Co Dublin Tel: (01) 288-1999 ribarestaurant.ie

MIMOSA

Buckets of atmosphere in this great bar de tapas, which has quadrupled in size since starting as a 30-seater 10 years ago. Price: €6-€9 Try: Seafood paella with mussels, squid and prawns, €7 Drinks: Great cocktails College Street, Carlow, Co Carlow Tel: (059) 917-0888 mimosawinebar.com

BOEUF

In this romantic city spot, it’s all about the “boeuf by Hugh Heifer”, with sauces and steak toppings (priced separately), including foie gras and melted Camembert. Price: €6.95-€40 Try: Boeuf tasting plate for two: a cut from rump, striploin, rib-eye, filet mignon, €40 Drinks: Well-priced bubbles 63 South William Street, Dublin 2 Tel: (01) 677-1546 boeuf.ie