Written by Abbe Baker 
Here’s where to eat on the Emerald Isle.
Don’t let any past reputation fool you—there are a great many places to eat in Ireland. Whether you’re looking for something in the capital city of Dublin, visiting the gorgeous coastal city Galway on the west coast or find yourself somewhere in between, stop at one of these spectacular restaurants. They’re the best of the best.
L’Ecrivain
Dublin
Designation: One Star
What Our Inspectors Say: “A well-regarded restaurant with an attractive terrace, a glitzy bar and a private dining room which screens live kitchen action. The refined, balanced menu has a classical foundation whilst also displaying touches of modernity; the ingredients used are superlative. Service is structured yet has personality.”
Patrick Guilbaud
Dublin
Designation: Two Stars
What Our Inspectors Say: “A truly sumptuous restaurant in an elegant Georgian house; the eponymous owner has run it for over 35 years. Accomplished, original cooking uses luxurious ingredients and mixes classical French cooking with modern techniques. Dishes are well-crafted and visually stunning with a superb balance of textures and flavors.”
Greenhouse
Dublin
Designation: One Star
What Our Inspectors Say: “Stylish restaurant with turquoise banquettes and smooth service. Menus include a good value set lunch, midweek set and tasting menus and a 5 course ‘Surprise’ on Friday and Saturday evenings. Accomplished, classically based cooking has stimulating flavor combinations and creative modern overtones.”
House
Ardmore
Designation: One Star
What Our Inspectors Say: “Full length windows give every table an impressive coastal view at this smart hotel restaurant. Concise menus showcase local and garden produce and cooking is complex—a host of ingredients are used for each course. Creative dishes combine a good range of flavors and textures and presentation is unique.”
Chapter One
Dublin
Designation: One Star
What Our Inspectors Say: “Good old-fashioned Irish hospitality meets with modern Irish cooking in this stylish basement restaurant beneath the Writers Museum. The series of interconnecting rooms have an understated elegance and striking bespoke art hangs on the walls. Boldly flavored dishes showcase produce from local artisan producers.”
Aniar
Galway
Designation: One Star
What Our Inspectors Say: “Both the room and the cooking have a back-to-nature ethos. Aniar means ‘From the West’ and this is where most of the produce comes from: the three set menus are only confirmed once all of the day’s ingredients have arrived. Contrasts in texture and temperature play their part in delicate, Scandic-style dishes.”
Loam
Galway
Designation: One Star
What Our Inspectors Say: “A large basement with industrial styling; the focus here is on the quality of the ingredients, which grow in the fertile local loam. The talented chef understands his craft and produces modern, understated dishes with pure flavors. Choose from the two- to three-course fixed price menu or the seven course tasting menu.”
Lady Helen
Thomastown
Designation: One Star
What Our Inspectors Say: “Sited within an impressive Georgian house is this grand, luxurious restaurant which looks out over the estate and the River Nore. Ambitious, visually impressive modern dishes are precisely prepared and ingredients come from the estate, the county and the coast; for the full experience go for the tasting menu.”
Campagne
Kilkenny
Designation: One Star
What Our Inspectors Say: “A chic, relaxed restaurant with smart booths and contemporary local art, hidden close to the railway arches away from the city center. Modern cooking has a classic base, and familiar combinations are delivered with an assured touch. The early bird menu is a steal and service is friendly and efficient.”
Wild Honey Inn
Lisdoonvarna
Designation: One Star
What Our Inspectors Say: “This personally run inn started life as an 1860s hotel, so it may not look much like a pub, but once inside it’s warm, cosy and full of pubby character. Two weekly changing fixed price menus have a classical French base and showcase the county’s produce in neat, confidently prepared dishes which are packed with flavor. Comfy bedrooms have a fittingly traditional feel.”
Mews
Baltimore
Designation: One Star
What Our Inspectors Say: “Two friends own this cozy, intimate restaurant. County Cork boasts a wealth of top quality produce and the chef uses it to full effect. Fish is from the adjacent harbor and meat from the surrounding area. The appealing modern tasting menu is well-balanced and local herbs and seaweeds are a feature.”
Chestnut
Ballydehob
Designation: One Star
What Our Inspectors Say: “Locally-born Rob and his partner Elaine have transformed this old pub into a sweet, intimate restaurant with an elegant style and a relaxed feel. He has a great understanding of textures and flavors and dishes are understated with a focus on pure, natural flavors and regional produce.”
Ichigo Ichie
Cork
Designation: One Star
What Our Inspectors Say: “This authentic restaurant has dark, moody décor and something of an industrial feel. The interesting monthly omakase menu cleverly mixes long-standing Japanese techniques with local ingredients and modern touches. A lucky few get seats at the counter to watch the Sushi Master’s deft preparation.”
