Takeaway time
We may not be able to dine out in style right now, but that’s no reason to be missing out on delicious upscale fare, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, who has compiled her picks for the 11 best takeaways for high-end home dining
CAMILE THAI
Specialising in fresh, authentic Thai food, Camile has a wide selection of outlets countrywide, including 17 locations in Dublin, two in Kildare and Meath, and additional spots in Cork, Limerick and Wicklow. Think great fresh dishes like Mekong duck stir fry, Massaman curries or Pad Thai noodles. If a spice bag or some chicken wings are more your speed, don’t worry, they’ve got you covered. camile.ie
CREPERIE CHEZ LOUIS
A new French creperie on the Main
Street in Bray, Co Wicklow, Creperie Chez Louis is doing a huge range of classic Breton-style galettes, ranging from savoury to sweet. My dining companion and I loved The Savoyarde, which consisted of potatoes, Reblochon cheese, smoked ham and cream, followed by the Orange Flambee — bitter-orange marmalade, butter, sugar and Grand Marnier. Delivery service to your door. Tel: (01) 443-2965 or see chezlouis.ie
FELLINI’S
In Deansgrange, Co Dublin, Fellini’s, pictured, is an authentic gem. It does great pizza, ranging from a Margherita to a Montanara Bianca with Italian buffalo mozzarella, speck, porcini mushroom and Gorgonzola cheese. As for pastas, there’s an excellent selection, including spaghetti bolognese; home-made lasagne; fresh tortellini filled with beef and pork; or penne pasta with smoked salmon and courgettes in a tomato and cream sauce. Open for takeaway/delivery. fellinisdublin.com
MAMO
On the seafront of the popular seaside village of Howth, Co Dublin, the superb Mamo restaurant has a menu that runs the gamut from tasty snacks like soused herrings with candied lemon to main dishes like Comeragh lamb. The tiny restaurant, however, has now transformed into The Hatch@Mamo. They are doing lunch and dinner, which can be preordered with payment by phone. And yes, their signature Cod Chip dish is available. Tel: (01) 839-7096, or see mamorestaurant.ie/thehatch
MASALA
With branches at Killiney Shopping Centre and Blanchardstown, Masala has been serving terrific Indian food for the past four years, all cooked by high-end restaurant chefs. I’m rather partial to their prawn biryani and a side of pan-sauteed asparagus with mustard, onion, and shredded coconut. They are also serving small and large portions of chilled food, should you wish to freeze it. You can order over the phone or online, and they will bring the food to your car, or make a contactless delivery. Tel: (01) 235-0099 (Killiney) or (01) 441-1130 (Blanchardstown) or see masala.ie
NIGHTMARKET
Named for the nightmarkets of Chiang Mai, this super authentic, high-end Thai restaurant in Ranelagh, Dublin 6, does fantastic food. Its Phad Thai Goong of noodles, prawns, dried shrimps, egg and crispy tofu with tamarind sauce is to die for. It’s now offering a prepaid drive-by and pick-up service, and a delivery service within 5km. For take-out or collection, call or text: (087) 806-7215; for delivery, tel: (01) 538-5200, or see nightmarket.ie
PIZZA YARD
Another hugely popular pizza place in the capital is the much-loved Pizza Yard in Ranelagh, which is, for the moment, open for contactless delivery only. All of its pizzas come in 12-inch squares, and the menu includes great selections like the Diablo with spicy nduja, pepperoni, fresh chilli and sweet red onion; as well as a Chilli Gambari with prawns, garlic and fresh chilli and sprinkled with sea salt. It does great pasta dishes and other mains, ranging from burgers to risotto as well. pizzayard.ie
LILY’S ON CHURCH STREET
Lily’s on Church Street is a super restaurant in Wicklow Town offering contactless takeaways and delivery. Think, maybe, pork belly and black pudding ravioli in a cider cream sauce; Wicklow lamb burger with mint raita; and home-made doughnuts with soy caramel and vanilla mascarpone. Tel: (089) 427-9279, or use Facebook Messenger, or see lilysonchurchstreet.com
ROLY’S BISTRO
Kerry lamb pie has been on the menu since the legendary Roly’s opened in Ballsbridge over 25 years ago. You can now take it home with you from their cafe shop, along with other favourites such as coq au vin and beef stroganoff. You can order and pay through their website. rolysbistro.ie
THE CINNAMON GARDEN
This excellent experienced Indian restaurant in Ashbourne, Co Meath, which has had a long-standing takeaway service, is now doing a contactless pre-paid service. Try the Cinnamon Garden platter for two and follow up with duck vindaloo (if you like the heat) and a luscious prawn jalfrezi. cinnamongarden.ie
TIFFIN BY SUNIL
Sunil and Leena Ghai’s fabulous Tiffin in Greystones, Co Wicklow, is a treasure trove of great flavour and truly authentic Indian cuisine. Open for collection and delivery to your doorstep from Thursday to Sunday, Sunil’s award-winning cooking is not to be missed. They do everything from great biryanis, kormas and masalas to superb vegetarian and vegan selections. For high-end Indian food at home, Tiffin would be very tough to top.
Tel: (01) 287-6924 or (01) 287-6525, or see tiffin.ie
Please note: All restaurants were operating as described at time of going to press lucindaosullivan.com