Address: Nomo Ramen, 4 Charlotte Way, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin, D02 VX20
Website: nomoramen.ie
Cavistons
This local institution, which also incorporates a fishmongers and food store next door, is something of a fixture of the seaside suburb of Glasthule on the south side of the city and has also just had a bougie new revamp. Irish seafood plays a starring role on the menu – there are oysters, house seafood chowder, pan-tossed crab claws from the coastal waters of County Clare, poached fish and surf and turf in the form of sirloin, crevettes and bearnaise sauce. Try and snag a table on the first floor, where you are also treated to panoramic views out to sea across Dublin Bay.
Address: Cavistons Food Emporium, 58/59 Glasthule Road, Glenageary, Glasthule, Co. Dublin, A96 FR63
Website: cavistons.com
Volpe NeraMelanie Mullan
Volpe Nera
You won’t regret the trip out to this hidden gem, which is worth the effort despite being tucked in one of south Dublin’s well-heeled neighbourhoods. The menu leans towards Italy, but chef Barry Sun’s Chinese heritage also shines through. Dishes and ingredients change with the seasons, but must-eats include the cep dumplings in a delicate Asian-style broth and sage and spelt gnocchi, which is rarely off the menu owing to their popularity with the restaurant’s many regulars.
Address: Volpe Nera, 22 Newtown Park, Newtownpark, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, A94 D780
Website: volpenera.ie
Liath
It might be a slightly unlikely spot for a two-star Michelin restaurant. Still, Australian-born chef-owner Damien Grey continues to wow diners at this tiny Dublin restaurant hidden in a covered market off Blackrock’s main street. Tasting menus that take up to three hours are an explosion of unexpected flavour combinations, all delivered with hyper-seasonal ingredients, some appearing on the menu for just a few days. For more spontaneous eats, some of Grey’s staff from Liath have also opened Bhonn Space, a counter beside the restaurant that operates a bar-style lunch spot and wine bar serving small plates ideal for lunch to linger over a few glasses of wine or takeaway to eat by the sea.
