505
Dykegate Street, Dingle, Co Kerry; 086-8331756, 505.ie
505 Dingle. Photograph: Instagram
The opening of the sleekly simple 505 has bought an entirely fresh vibe to the busy town of Dingle. Classically trained chef Damien Ring excels with seafood and local produce, while new restaurant manager Alice Wainright always has the perfect wine to hand. New dishes on the menu include west Cork asparagus with house stracciatella and pistachio miso. Joanne Cronin
Allta na Farraige
1 Three Locks Square, Dublin 2; 083-3265859, allta.ie
Allta na Farraige, Dublin. Photograph: Alan Betson
Since moving to Dublin’s Silicon Docks, Niall Davidson of Allta has tried out a few different concepts in the space beside his main diningroom. With Allta na Farraige, he just might have hit the bullseye. Get a seat at the bar to watch the chefs work the little Japanese grill, turning out barbecued scallop in the shell or monkfish with grilled rice. The cocktails are also on point, showcasing a range of foraged and fermented ingredients. JC
Bang
11 Merrion Row, Dublin 2; 01-4004229, bangrestaurant.com
Bang, Merrion Row, Dublin
Chef Eric Matthews has a deep love for Spanish food, so when he and business partner Richie Barrett had the opportunity to take over this long standing restaurant, it was natural to go Iberian. The downstairs diningroom is particularly stylish, a fiery backdrop to plates of mussels escabeche, Donegal squid a la plancha, and of course the fiercely garlicky tortilla “Cal Pep”. The 85 per cent chocolate mousse with Jamón Ibérico fat caramel is knockout, as is the well-curated Spanish wine list. JC
Bar Bann
The Marina, 66 Portstewart Road, Coleraine BT521EY; +44 78-28127739, lirseafood.com
Bar Bann, Coleraine. Photograph: Elyse Kennedy
Rebekah and Stevie McCarry don’t seem to sit still. Stevie is constantly pushing the edge at Lir with his fin-to-tail philosophy while Rebekah is a fishmonger during the day before taking over front of house in the evening. Now, they’ve opened Bar Bann, an oyster and wine bar overlooking the river Bann. Oysters come cold with classic mignonette, chimichurri or buttermilk and wild garlic oil. Or enjoy them hot Rockefeller or Thermidor style. A thoughtful menu of small plates and excellent cocktails round out this fun new spot. JC
China Hunan
121-123 Ranelagh (Unit 2), Dublin 6; 01-4060869, hunan.ie
China Hunan, Ranelagh. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien
Be sure to book the Peking duck at least two days in advance because it is spectacular. It arrives whole and lacquered, is carved tableside with the full ceremony and then is served over two courses. Four is the ideal number for ordering this, but big fans will happily manage it between two. This is one of Dublin’s top-end Chinese restaurants, and the menu covers Hunan, Sichuan and Cantonese cooking. The action continues next door at their more casual Chongqing Hotpot. Corinna Hardgrave
[ This brilliant new restaurant is set to become one of Ranelagh’s most popular Opens in new window ]
Díon
One Central Plaza, Dame Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2; 01-9125997, diondublin.ie
Díon, at the top of the former Central Bank building on Dame Street, Dublin. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
The view from this 10th-floor restaurant makes a visit here essential, not because it’s so high up – it isn’t – but for the bird’s eye view across College Green. And, of course, because it’s in one of Sam Stephenson’s most polarising buildings, the brutalist former Central Bank. The bistro food is priced accordingly, so stick to the fish and chips or the burger for damage limitation. There are also two cocktail bars, and a wonderful outdoor terrace that wraps around the building, so it’s the perfect place for sundowners. CH
Éla
11 Chelmsford Lane, Ranelagh, Dublin 6; 01-4062034, elamagic.ie
Ela, Ranelagh: Akash Kumar, son of owner/chef Lalit Kumar. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien
Crisp white linen tablecloths immediately have me worried about the possibility of soiling them with the deep green sauce that pools around the Malabar fish curry at Lalit Kumar’s cosy restaurant on a side street in Ranelagh. Fragrant with the aroma of fried curry leaf and coconut, it is one of the many regional dishes on this wide-ranging menu. The Malai kofta and garlic naan are standouts too. CH
Ernie’s at the Shackleton Experience
Town Hall Building, Emily Square, Athy, Co Kildare; 086-366 6932, shackletonexperience.ie/cafe
Ernie's at The Shackleton Experience, Athy
Fans of chef and baker Graham Herterich’s modern take on Irish food can now sit down and enjoy it at Ernie’s, his new cafe attached to the Shackleton Experience in Athy. A concise menu reimagines traditional favourites, like Mr Crisp, a take on the croque monsieur with Folláin chutney and Tayto. His famous retro bakes and bracks make an appearance too. Ali Dunworth
La Vespa
3 Castle Market, Dublin 2; 01-4417065, lavespa.ie
Paolo Orlando, head chef at La Vespa. Photograph: Bryan Meade
This may be one of the newest restaurants in to…
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