This won’t come as a shock to most of you, but I get to eat out for a living
Last year in 2016Â I would guess that I’ve eaten out over 400 times. And that’s just in Dublin.Â
With that much food, you come across the good, the bad and the downright ugly.
Today, though, I wanted to focus on the cream that rose to the top. The very best dishes I’ve eaten this year in Dublin – because there were plenty.Â
The important thing to remember is that this list, like all good food, is subjective.Â
You’ll have your own choices, I’m sure, but you could do worse than working your way through these incredible dishes in the next while.
1. Chicken Wings – Blue Bar, SkerriesÂ
The search for the best chicken wings in Dublin was finally complete when these were tasted out in Blue Bar.Â
Wonderful views, a fantastic place for a day trip and the best wings in town!
2. Seafood Platter – Super Miss Sue, Drury StreetÂ
Just before a rugby match with my best mate this was the perfect treat.Â
Huge portion, impressive centrepiece and wonderful, fresh produce – delicious to the last bite.Â
3. Baked Eggs with Chorizo – Two Boys Brew, Phibsborough
Probably the nicest breakfast/brunch I had all year.Â
The combination of the great food, the perfect coffee and the chilled space made me want to sit there all day.Â
I’ll be back.Â
4. The Burger – Featherblade, Dawson StreetÂ
Apparently they’d been working on this burger for 6 months in development kitchens.Â
As soon as I bit into it and tasted the warm BĂ©arnaise I could tell why.Â
5. Margherita Pizza with Prosciutto – Paulie’s Pizza, Grand Canal Street Upper
One of the very few annoying things about eating out for a living is that you are always looking for the hot new spot in town and you don’t get to go back to the classic spots.Â
I forgot just how good Paulie’s was, but remembered immediately after the very first bite.
6. Korean Pork Broth – Hailan, Dame Street
I can’t get enough of Korean food, and this is the best in the city.Â
A big steaming bowl packed full of goodness with veg, meat and all served piping hot.
7. Whole Lobster – Deep, Howth
A wonderful meal at the height of summer sitting on the edges of Howth Harbour with the sun beaming down.Â
The lobsters were absolutely huge and served simply with chips and melted butter.Â
An absolute treat.
8. Half Chicken with Hot Sauce – FowlPlayÂ
A meal after a big night out that brought me straight back to life.Â
Succulent BBQ chicken cooked in front of you, perfect chips and one of the best hot sauces you’ll ever taste.Â
Also, try the fried pickles.Â
9. Eggs with Green Veg and Yoghurt – Meet Me In The Morning
A simple room with great coffee and one of the best egg dishes in the entire country.Â
Yup, a total delight.Â
10. Any Pizza – Dublin Pizza CompanyÂ
A big call a couple of months ago but this was the best thing I’ve eaten in four years of writing reviews for Lovin.Â
Cooked in about two minutes, right in front of you and eaten on the street.Â
Amazing quality.Â
Disagree? Let us know in the comments where you had your best meal of 2016 and we’ll be sure to check it out.Â
READ NEXT:Â 5 Places To Get A Brilliant (And Last Minute) Manicure In Dublin This Christmas