9. Fish Shop
For one of Dublin’s more elevated fish-and-chip experiences, perch on a stool at the diminutive spot Fish Shop in Smithfield, which has been serving happy regulars for 10 years. There’s a handful of small plates to start – oysters, prawn croquettes or mussels from County Cork – and the main event is a selection of sustainably sourced species from Irish coastal waters such as hake, haddock and plaice, which can be served without the crisp beer batter if that’s your preference, and hand-cut chunky chips. Accompany it all with a glass of something from the highly selective wine list, which gives a shout-out to the expat Irish winemakers turning out brilliant bottles in vineyards from Slovenia to the South Downs. There’s a side of salad for a crunch of green and a zingy lemon posset for dessert. Also, try its sister wine bar on the other side of the river, Bar Pez, on Kevin Street.
Address: Fish Shop, 76 Benburb Street, Smithfield, Dublin, D07 X3PN
Website: fish-shop.ie
10. Note
Most evenings, Note thrums with a pleasing bustle as people drop in for an after-work Negroni at the bar and snacks of lamb kofte topped with Aleppo pepper, or something more substantial from the succinct bistro-style menu served in the wedge-shaped dining room. It might include Connemara oysters with pickled garlic scapes followed by beautifully plated dishes such as smoked beetroot, with milk curd, cherries and dillisk. The wine list features a cherry-picked roster of natural and low-intervention wines and grower Champagnes from small producers, as well as a tight line-up of 10 classic cocktails, including two non-alcoholic options (try the Connemara Sour with peated whiskey). Despite being pretty much in the centre of the city, it still manages to retain a casual neighbourhood feel. It’s also one of the best restaurants in Dublin that opens for dinner on Mondays – worth noting if you are in town for a long weekend.