18. Deli 613
Rathmines Road Upper, more info here
Over the past few years, Rathmines has been no stranger to great food openers, but there's been a heightened sense of excitement surrounding the latest addition to the suburb. Standing proud as Dublin's first completely kosher deli in over 50 years, Deli 613 combines tradition with delicious, viral-worthy dishes (expect to see a lot of the XXL NY-size salt beef sandwich on your Instagram feed next year), and the passion that goes into every last pickle slice is clear.
The deli was opened by Rabbi Zalman and Rifky Lent, with an aim to provide familiar kosher food to Dublin's Jewish community and introduce the dishes to Dubliners en masse. Heading up the kitchen is chef Robbie Burns, who brings his own extensive knowledge of the Irish food scene to the business. Kosher cooking is a new venture for the chef, but he's risen to the challenge and was well up for a chat about the intricacies of the cuisine when we popped in a few months back.
Go for? The lunchtime chowdown
17. Fairmental
Grand Canal Street Upper more info here
A great alternative to your bog-standard avocado toast with poached eggs, this is an interesting café focused on good tum food that's been fermented and pickled. The team are also spreading the joy of fermentation and are running workshops and classes from the space. The friendly and knowledgeable team create comforting, dynamic and moreish dishes from their small but perfectly formed menu. Everything here is made with their heart and you can taste it. Their homemade hot sauces can be eaten by the glug-load, there's not a whiff of vinegar to 'em.
Go for? The experimental lunch
16. Mi Casa
Smithfield's Queen Street, more info here
This small but perfectly formed restaurant is an incredible addition to the Smithfield area, the perfect place to stop by for some dins before a trip to the Lighthouse cinema or some scoops in Frank Ryan's. Set where Vegan Sandwich Co used to be, the space is warm and cosy, perfect for the darker evenings in which it first opened up last month. They have a varied tapas menu with some real sparklers like the bloody mary oyster, pulled pork croquettes and the carne de res. The service there is genuinely second to none, and you could easily while away an afternoon grabbing wine by the glass and picking at small plates. The desserts are undoubtedly where they shine with their burnt basque cheesecake served on a base of salted caramel with some whipped mascarpone on the side.
Go for? A tiny table filled with delicious plates
15. Russell Street Bakery
Dublin 1's Russell Street, more info here
Inhabiting the space where the elusive The Lady From Shanghai Bakery used to be, Russell Street was opened back in February by the same people behind Tartine Organic Bakery. Though they stock nearly every cafe and restaurant in the city with their incredible organic loaves, this is incredibly their first retail outlet. The micro-bakery serves up all the hits, alongside some incredible bits like their lemon curd, New York rolls and Pan Swiss.
Go for? The sweet tooth suppressor
14. Mani Pizza
Drury Street more info here
Slipping into 2023 by the skin of their frittis, the team behind Mani have undoubtedly put the work in, doing the food truck circuit for the last few years. It's great to see these guys in some prime real estate on Drury Street (where Blazing Salads used to be). Mani's bubbly, 72-hour-fermented base has amassed a loyal following of fans who dream about those Romanesque, cloud-like bases on the regular. These are tipped to have some of the best slices in the whole of Dublin right now.
Go for? The carbonara slice stay for the fritti
Tudorel Ostache is in the kitchen, bringing his extensive experience in restaurants such as Mister S, and Pichet, as well as a short stint in Chapter One to his curated dishes. The bistro only has five mains, but they are varied, with jerk chicken thigh for BBQ lovers, and sea bass with smoked mussels for seafood aficionados. A fried aubergine flatbread is on offer for vegetarians, and you can get in touch with dietary requirements ahead of time.
Where Lottie's really shines is with their extensive drinks menu; where they're light on food, they're heavy on cocktails and mocktails. While they have all the classics (Cosmo, Pornstar, Old Fashioned) Lottie's shakes up their own signature bevs, including a salted caramel espresso martini that would work perfectly as a nightcap. Go for? A bite to eat with your evening tipple 9. Ian’s Kitchen Kimmage Road West, more info here Hatched by the mothercluckers who brought the wonderful Cluck Chicken into the world (the eponymous) Ian and Elaine, have done a bang-up job creating a true neighbourhood gem. It's hard to believe it only opened in March 2023, with its firm standing on everyone's 'to visit' list, the couple have absolutely put Kimmage on the foodie map. Known for their viral-y dishes of frothy pancakes and ornate hot chocolate, the team also have fresh takes on classic dishes, such as monkfish tacos, banana bread french toast, and poached salmon potato cakes, all of which make this place well worth a visit. It's a great little spot if you ever find yourself around the confluence between Dublin 6W and Dublin 12 and have a hankering for some refreshing lunch options and opulent beveraginos. It's currently walk-ins only so arrive early to avoid disappointment! Go for? The viral brunch 8. Kari Location: Inchicore, Dublin 8 Opened a couple of months back this great little neighbourhood Indian restaurant, run by Bala Nayak and Nidhi Joshi the husband and wife team who opened Konkan on Clanbrassil Street in 2004, and then a second branch in Dundrum in 2011. Mostly serving up Southern Indian dishes where Nayak is from, there's also some Northern influences and some classic Indian street food for good measure. Far from your run-of-the-mill Indian food, Kari has a refreshing menu that truly embraces Irish ingredients and Indian dishes (kale and samphire pakoras, hello). With a menu that will make you chop and change until the exact moment of ordering, and food that hits you over the head with quality and flair. The spot is named after the Tamil word for sauce and that is what they truly bring to the table, well-thought-out dishes delicately made, far removed from the rote-takeaway curries that many of us are familiar with. Head for some dishes you aren't likely to find on any other menu, and stay for the warm and relaxed atmosphere. Go for? A truly refreshing Indian-fusion menu 7. Hawksmoor Location: College Green Perhaps the most hyped opener of 2023 was the world-renowned and heavily awarded steakhouse Hawksmoor and we can't help but agree with the hysteria around it. The old Abercrombie & Fitch store has been given the mother of all facelifts, transforming it into a luxuriant space that Dublin didn't even realise how much it needed. Naturally, the emphasis here is on steak and any meat enthusiast knows that ordering a sirloin off a general dinner menu simply doesn’t hold a candle to an authentic steakhouse - the top-tier sides, the expert knowledge and advice from the servers when it comes to prime rib vs porterhouse, the ornate, mid-century modern interiors all come together to create a distinctly unique foodie experience. The steaks do indeed take centre stage with prime cuts coming from the likes of grass-obsessed farmer Ronan in County Meath, and Bronagh and Cathal whose Angus and Herefords roam the wilds of the Burren eating a diverse range of grasses and herbs. Impressive Chateaubriands and Porterhouses are priced per 100g and served up cast iron platters to share, with smaller cuts of sirloin, rib-eye and rump available too. If seafood is more your ting, Hawksmoor definitely makes the most of what's available on Irish shores with Kelly Gigas and Flaggy Shore oysters, Duncannon smoked salmon and native lobster baked with Micil Inverin whiskey. Everything on the menu has a story, and the servers are well-versed and ready to chat through the detailed background of each dish. Go for? That special menu
6. Matsukawa
Smithfield's Queen Street more info here
This spot on the corner of a busy Smithfield street has caused quite the stir since it opened in August. The small space which used to house Woke Up cafe is offering something completely unique in the city, Omakase. Roughly translated as "I'll leave it up to you" Omakase is a traditional way of serving sushi, which sees patrons sit at the bar while the chef serves them directly. The snug space has been completely transformed; high-ceilinged and compact, the space is dominated by a high table facing the all-important preparation area which fronts onto the communal bench where diners sit for their 18-course tasting menu.
Chef Takuma Tamaoki (formerly of Galway's Wa Sushi) is behind the counter delicately forming rice and slicing aged and preserved tidy sections of fish. A lot of thought has been placed into every shelf, countertop and table, everything is precise and well-considered. The tasting menu is made up of two starters, two types of sashimi, a warm dish, 12 courses of nigiri, followed by soup and then dessert. At €90pp it's probably an experience you'll be saving for a special occasion, but one we envisage Dublin foodies queueing up for nonetheless.
Go for? A sushi experience like no other in Dublin
5. The Seafood Bar
Location: Blessington Street, Dublin 7
The most recent opener on this list, The Seafood Bar has already made a splash with Dubliners. Occupying the space formerly belonging to Veginity, this corner of the city centre is no stranger to hospitality, and neither is the new owner. Local restauranteur Joe Oualadi also owns Wood Fire café on the same street, which specialises in pizza.
No matter the seafood you're into, you can bet this spot has it. There's Valencian paella with monkfish, my all-time favourite dish which is a seafood linguine packed with all the shellfish you could hope for, not to mention a whole Irish lobster drizzled in lush garlic butter - to quote Ken from the Barbie movie, "Sublime!". This is a small space with very limited seating, and no reservations system, so a visit to The Seafood Bar might involve a bit of a wait, but it's worth it for seafood of this calibre. In the sunshine, propped up on the barrel seats, a glass of wine in hand, and a paella to dig into, sure there'd be no need to hop on a Ryanair flight to Spain.
This small little corner spot is perfect for a selfish drop-in meal for one, the kinda place you walk past, whisper to yourself "feck it" turn heel and head into. Serving up quality affordable seafood served with some serious passion, you won't be disappointed.
Go for? Sensationally priced seafood
4. Row Wines
Coppinger Row, more info here
This swanky new spot on Coppinger Row is a lot more than its extensive wine list. If you spent your early to mid-twenties in Dublin, you’re probably well familiar with this part of town due to the unrivalled allure of Pygmalion’s 2-for-1 pygtails, twinkling alongside their trademark purple fairy lights.
However, if your tastes have changed over the years and you now yearn for biodynamic wines and the comforting crackle of a vinyl record, we recommend a jaunt over the road to the newly opened Row Wines. The small plates are truly vibrant and exciting and will have you genuinely ordering every single thing on the menu (just to try it). Launched by Dublin-based brothers Marc and Conor Bereen, Row Wines is a natural wine bar, small plates and vinyl listening experience in one of the most vibe-y parts of town.
Go for? Wine, small plates with a chance of boogie
3. Bar Pez
Kevin Street, more info here
It’s a sister spot to the ever-exquisite Fish Shop in Smithfield, and shares the same ethos that simplicity is key - flavours are long considered, with many dishes paired back to fewer than four ingredients. A simple menu that is chalked up every day on the blackboard, contains a line-up of dishes straight out of a Barcelonian bar, washed down with a very exciting wine list.
While Bar Pez is more bar than restaurant, this dreamy new wine spot does carry a vibrant menu of small plates with a seafood bent, which sees lobster toast rubbing shoulders with Santoña Anchovies. Dublin seems to be ever leaning into the small plate trend, and Bar Pez encapsulate this new kind of venue with focus and intention. The current kitchen menu is made up of the best of Irish seafood and produce; diners can expect the likes of whole roasted fish (the John Dory is calling our name), Kelly's oysters, red mullet, and mackerel and seasonal grilled veggies.
The team have put together an expansive traditional-leaning wine list, cleverly grouped based on the wines' terroir, by 'oceans' 'rivers' 'Mountains' and 'Hills & Plains'. You won't find any Pinot G or Cab Sav on the wine list, but you will find knowledgeable staff readily suggesting their favourites and politely enquiring about yours. A little slice of Spain to meet up with pals or partners after work, grab a wine by the glass and drip-feed yourself some small plates.
Go for? Decompressing with friends over a glass of vino
2. Fidelity
Smithfield's Queen Street, for more info click here
I'll admit I was pretty sad to see Dice Bar go (in a blaze of covid conspiracy theories) it was something of a dying breed in the city, a proper dive bar that could withstand even the messiest of nights. But when the owners of Big Romance (from over the way) and Whiplash Brewery announced that they would be collaborating on a new bar, I knew that the excellently placed spot on the corner of Queen Street would be in good hands. And indeed it is a dive bar no more, it has been absolutely revitalised, repainted and even the scaldy bathroom gutted. Fitted with mid-cench furniture, prints, the signature Big Romance-y surround sound speakers and a vinyl DJ booth, this spot is a mullet-wearers dream come true. The place is absolutely packed to the rafters on the weekends and by 7pm on the weekdays, but it really comes into its own for a great day beer (from one of the many rotating taps).
Go for? A crafty day beer
1. Space Jaru
My favourite opener of 2023 has to be Space Jaru on Meath Street, it's an incredible success story of endurance and a visual representation of hard work paying off. After tremendous success as Dublin's favourite kimchi purveyor, a venture onto the street vendor scene, and a thriving lockdown meal-kit delivery service, Gunmoo Kim's Jaru has finally found a permanent home in January. It's an incredible space, which pulls you right in and makes you wanna get steaming bowlfuls of Korean home cooking. From its signature kimchi, Korean fried chicken, and flavourful rice bowls with delicate meats and tingly seasonings and sauces are all on the menu, in addition to an impressive wine list and refreshing Korean fruit juices, but our personal fave has to be the beef bulgogi is sticky and lightly sweet, and will absolutely fill you up to the rafters if you can get through it all. Go for? Gold
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