What makes Dublin a foodie’s dream destination?

When people think of Irish food, they think of hearty cooked Irish breakfasts, soda breads, and stews. While all of these traditional offerings can be found in abundance in Dublin, the secret’s out: the capital of the Irish Republic has undergone an international culinary revolution in recent times, and visitors now are as likely to find authentic Spanish tapas as a plate of stew and the inevitable pint of Guinness. For really up to the minute recommendations, award winning blogger French Foodie in Dublin always has the inside track.

The Gravediggers

This gem of a traditional Irish pub is famous among locals, but less visited by tourists- pop in if you’ve been to the nearby Botanic Gardens, or the historic Glasnevin cemetery. It’s also worth the trip from the centre of town just for the delectable coddle here- and we have to mention that the Guinness poured here happens to be the city’s best.

Murphy’s Ice Cream

Thanks to the emphasis on quality, organic local ingredients, the ice cream at Murphy’s is easily the best in Ireland. Made with milk produced by rare Kerry cows, and an emphasis on truly Irish flavours (such as toasted oats), the shop is owned and run by the two delightful Dingle-based Murphy brothers on Wicklow Street.

Luna

New kid on the block Luna isn’t your everyday kind of place- think red velvet curtains, and attentive local staff in burgundy suits, and Prosecco on tap. It’s a kitschy, showy Italian restaurant with a vintage theme and a lot of heart – as with the seasonal menu, there’s a real attention to detail here that won’t pass unnoticed.

Chapter One

If what you’ve read so far isn’t enough to convince you, perhaps the Michelin-starred Chapter One will do the trick. Appropriately situated in the basement of the Dublin Writers’ Museum, the cooking here emphasises Irish ideas and ingredients. In fact, Chapter One has been delighting Irish foodies with its proudly national offerings for over 20 years, and has become something of an institution.

Port House Pintxo

This authentic little Spanish place (pintxos are Basque, actually…) serves up slices of sunshine from the Iberian peninsula in a cosy, intimate setting. Miniature booths ensure diners’ privacy, while the emphasis here is squarely on good wine and quality dishes. From jamon serrano to croquetas, head down to Eustace Street for gourmet Spanish treats.

If this is enough to tickle your tastebuds, the next step is finding quality accommodation for your gourmet tour. A hotel in Dublin may be easy to find, but not all accommodation options are created equal, so make sure to go with a trusted provider.