Dining in Dublin is as varied as in any other European city with great restaurants available serving modern Irish, European, French, Indian, Mediterranean, Italian and Asian food and every other cuisine you can think of.

The city centre is littered with great restaurants, the majority of which will need a booking from Wed - Sun at most times of the year.

The main problem with eating in Dublin is knowing what to expect in the mid-price restaurants.  If you go to McDonalds you know what to expect in terms of price and quality;  if you go the more expensive places, you are reasonably assured of good food and wine, and you know you will be paying through the nose for it.  However, if you pick one of the many mid-price restaurants (such as the  ever-increasing Italian places) you could get a great meal today and a rubbish one tomorrow; there is no consistency.  It's a bit of a lottery.

Many city centre restaurants offer Early Bird menus which are quite reasonable (for Dublin!) but be warned! If you don't specifically ask for the Early Bird menu many establishments will not offer it to you.  Be specific when ordering from the Early Bird menu.

Chapter One, 18-19 Parnell Square D1 Tel 01 8732266

A pre theatre (The Gate Theatre) favourite, Chapter One is modern Irish cuisine at its best. Many peoples favourite restaurant in Dublin, despite its location on the less trendy northside of the city . It is housed in the basement of a  Georgian house,  a former Jameson Whiskey family home. Chapter One has recently received its first Michelin star

The Trocadero, 3 St Andrew Street, Dublin 2 Tel 01.6775545

The Trocadero is an Irish institution. Popular with theater circles and performing artists it serves good wholesome Irish food at reasonable prices. The best though is the exuberant atmosphere and personal service. Very recommended.

The Mermaid Cafe, 69/70 Dame Street. Tel 01 6708236

Modern Irish food, with a mid Atlantic lean, served right in the city centre in a friendly and informal restaurant. Located two doors away from the Olympia Theatre.

One Pico, 5-9 Molesworth Place, School House Lane, Dublin 2. Tel 01 6760300

Highly acclaimed modern Irish restaurant in the south city centre and a very consistent restaurant.

Gallaghers Boxty House, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: 353-1-677 2762 Fax: 353-1-677 9723

Award winning traditional Irish Restaurant. Gets very busy so reserve a table!

     The Pork Special, Irish Stew starter, a boxty.

Town Bar & Grill, 21 Kildare Street. Tel 01 6624724 (newly opened)

A stylish modern European/Italian restaurant in the basement of a Georgian building on Kildare Street. Food is really good, setting lovely and worth a visit.

Shanahans on the Green, 119 St Stephens Green. Tel 01 4070939

The steakhouse to visit in Dublin but bring a credit card and be prepared to spend, spend, spend. Only restaurant in Dublin serving certified Irish Angus steaks which are fantastic. The Oval Office Bar features JFK's rocking chair.  

Spaco's on South Anne Street, off Grafton St, D2 is always good.

Tanta Zoe in Temple Bar do wonderful starters but the main courses are just average.

Furama is one of the best Chinese restaurants you'll find in Dublin - indeed, in Ireland. In Donnybrook, Dublin 4, opposite OLD WESLEY rugby grounds, this place has been serving superb food for many, many years.  

Siam Thai is another favorite, with a number of restaurants in various parts of the city. Most central is the one in Andrew Street, very near the main Tourist Office. As the name suggests, they serve excellent oriental dishes. Not the cheapest, but very good value for money, and the staff are pleasant and efficient.  

FIRE on Dawson adjacent to The Mansion House is newly redecorated and has a lovely atmosphere on a Saturday night.  A group of us went  and were well impressed.  The food is great ... fillet steak on the bone was a first...  www.mansionhouse.ie

  Michelin starred restaurants in Dublin

Restaurant Patrick Guillbaud**

Thornton's*

L'Ecrivain*

Chapter One*