WHERE TO eat
PI A relative newcomer, PI had punters proclaiming it the best pizza in the city from the get-go. Chef Reggie White trained at the renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School and, along with co-owner John Savage, is a selfproclaimed wood-fired pizza fundamentalist. The pared-back menu of eight pizzas allows their focus to remain on their passionate pursuit of the perfect pie. Only top-quality ingredients see the inside of the hand-built oven, from imported Italian flour to the best mozzarella and chorizo sourced from Cork. pipizzas.ie
THE FUMBALLY This is the top spot for breakfast or lunch when en route to or from some of the tourist attractions in the area – such as the Teeling Whiskey Distillery, Christ Church and St Patrick’s Cathedrals and the Guinness Storehouse. The Fumbally serves up great coffee and simple, seasonal food, which is also local, organic and ethically and sustainably sourced where possible. The non-alcoholic drinks are made in-house, as is the fermented kimchi and hot sauce you can use to add zing to your dish. Even the vinegars are made from the leftover pulp from juicing. thefumbally.ie
RUSTIC STONE Michelin-starred chef Dylan Mcgrath has owned a number of Dublin eateries in his time but Rustic Stone has had the most longevity so far. The ethos here is to provide nutritious meals without sacrificing flavour and is realised in an extensive menu offering top-quality cuts of meat served on sizzling hotplates, superfood salads, a raw lunch menu, a large vegetarian selection and sugar-free cocktails and desserts. There’s nothing pious or mean about the food or the lively-yet-laidback atmosphere though – you’d never know that the indulgently rich-tasting Braised Beef Shin with Truffle Tagliatelle was low in saturated fat. rusticstone.ie THE WOOLLEN MILLS The Woollen Mills’ mission is to be “quintessentially Irish, local and of its locale”. And its locale doesn’t get much better – on the quays along the River Liffey overlooking one of Dublin’s iconic landmarks, the Ha’penny Bridge. This ‘Eating House’ can feed you at any time of day, whether you’re after freshly baked goods from the onsite bakery for breakfast, a takeaway lunch from the deli counter or a place to linger over a few courses while taking in the Dublin cityscape. Most of the dishes on the menu – from classic grilled options, diner classics and a good plant-based and vege selection – name-check the local produce they are built around. thewoollenmills.com
AVALON Owner Sheerin Wilde is a stalwart of the Dublin hospitality scene and his background shows in a seamless dining experience you’ll want to take your time over. Wilde is a sommelier with extensive knowledge and can confidently suggest the perfect wines to match the contemporary Irish dishes with Asian-style flavours. The Slow-roasted Pork Belly in Master Stock is a standout. avalonrestaurant.ie BUNSEN Bunsen aren’t lying with their tagline ‘straight-up burgers’ – their menu, small enough to fit on a business card, comprises two types of burgers and three types of fries. But the confidence required to present such a small offering is well placed and the cooked-to-order burgers – with patties made from three cuts of local beef and hand-made buns – are possibly the best you’ll ever try. bunsen.ie
CLEAVER EAST Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Oliver Dunne, Cleaver East is right in the heart of Temple Bar, one of Dublin’s buzzy cultural centres. As the name might suggest, there’s a focus on signature beef cuts, but for the less carnivorous there are plenty of local seafood options. Or if the whole table is game, you can try the five-course surprise tasting menu. It’s also a great spot for a weekend brunch or for a later supper on Fridays and Saturdays. cleavereast.ie
EATYARD This permanent street food market showcases a rotating selection of food trucks every Thursday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. It’s a great place to sample some of the more international elements that are becoming an important part of the Irish food scene. The founders regularly host food-centred and music festivals – check the website for what’s on while you’re in town. the-eatyard.com