Best of Best - special places for a special occasion
There are so many great restaurants and dining experiences in Dublin. These, though, are what we consider to be the best of the best. Generally, a reservation is essential. It's best to book far in advance if possible but it's always worthwhile calling to check for something last minute - if you're flexible on the day and time, you'll generally get something at short notice.
1. CHAPTER ONE
WHERE: 19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, D01E1O2 | 21 min walk from the apartment | WHAT: Irish cuisine with a French twist | €€€€ | TIMES: Lunch (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays only) 12pm-2pm (last orders 1.30pm); Dinner (Tuesday-Saturday) 6.30pm-9.30pm. CLOSED on Sundays and Mondays | RESERVATIONS: Email info@chapteronerestaurant.com or call 01 873 2266 | WEBSITE: chapteronerestaurant.com
Perhaps the most exciting and creative dining experience in Ireland, this is the pinnacle of fine dining. Elegant, exclusive and sophisticated, but the real reason to visit Chapter One is the food. It's a culinary institution, known worldwide, with two Michelin stars to show for it. The most sophisticated French techniques applied to the very highest quality Irish ingredients produce a brilliantly creative and unique menu. It's certainly not cheap - although the three-course lunch menu is good value - but you're guaranteed a special, memorable experience and the highest standards and quality. Be sure to try the Irish coffee.
Tip: When on Parnell Square, be sure to also visit the Hugh Lane Gallery (hughlane.ie), a great but often overlooked art gallery that houses an eclectic collection of Irish and international art from the 19th century to today. Highlight is the unique Francis Bacon studio but there is also stained glass by Harry Clarke and a collection of Sean Scully paintings. Admission is FREE. It's open Tuesday-Wednesday, 9.45am to 6pm; Thursdays, 9.45am to 8.30pm; Fridays, 9.45am to 5pm; and Sundays, 11am to 5pm.
2. RESTAURANT PATRICK GUILBAUD
WHERE: 21 Upper Merrion St, Dublin 2, D02KF79 | 23 min walk from the apartment | WHAT: Modern Irish cuisine, French-style | €€€€ | TIMES: Lunch (Tuesday-Saturday only), 12.30pm-2.15pm; Dinner (Tuesday-Saturday only), 7pm-9.30pm. CLOSED on Sundays and Mondays | RESERVATIONS: Email info@restaurantpatrickguilbaud.ie or call 01 6764192 | WEBSITE: restaurantpatrickguilbaud.ie
Another veritable institution with the Irish restaurant scene - and another that boasts two Michelin stars - Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud is the epitome of elegance, guaranteeing exceptional, memorable fine dining. If you're looking to push the boat out, the Eight-Course Tasting Menu (€260 per person) has legendary status, while the Lunch Menu (€95 per person) is good value. There is also an A La Carte Menu. Not only is the food sublime but the setting is too - housed within a Georgian townhouse that is impressively elegant.
Tip: Across the street from the Merrion Hotel, you'll see the National Gallery of Ireland (nationalgallery.ie). It's open 7 days a week, staying open late on Thursdays until 8.30pm (closing at 5.30pm all other days).
3. GLOVERS ALLEY
WHERE: 128 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2, D02HE18 | 16 min walk from the apartment | WHAT: Contemporary European | €€€€ | TIMES: Lunch (Wednesday-Saturday only), 12.30pm-2pm; Dinner (Tuesday-Saturday only), 6pm-9pm. CLOSED on Sundays and Mondays | RESERVATIONS: Email on info@gloversalley.com | WEBSITE: gloversalley.com
Something of the new kid on the block when it comes to high-level, fine dining in Dublin, Glovers Alley is a more modern, maybe trendier version of the more classic and traditional Chapter One and Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud options. You'll find it on the 2nd floor of the 5-star Fitzwilliam Hotel. overlooking St Stephen's Green. It has a stylish, contemporary, Art Deco salon feel to it, but. of course, the real appeal is the food. It uses the very best Irish ingredients to create contemporary, unique dishes with big flavours. There is good value in the Tasting Menus (€75 per person for three-course lunch tasting menu and €155 for the dinner tasting menu or €255-€305 with wine pairing). Glovers Alley also has both vegetarian and vegan tasting menu options.
Tip: The restaurant overlooks St Stephen's Green, a Victorian public park dating back to 1880. It has been maintained in the original Victorian layout with 750 trees, extensive shrubs and spring and summer Victorian flowers. Be sure to take a walk through "The Green" either before or after dining.
