Worth The Splurge
in Dublin

My take: Wine bar inside the Drury Street Car Park, which sounds odd but the moment you walk in it's a different world. Around 30 seats, counter spots facing the open kitchen, 16 wines on tap. Small plates with a global twist, and the Iberico pork with gooseberry, ajo blanco and salsa macha is the move. The wine list runs deep, we drank well here. Mondays and Tuesdays the wine is 25% off. Loose Canon is a few doors down on Drury Street if you want to keep going, the tiny wine and cheese spot with stools and barrels out front.

My take: One Michelin star on South Circular Road in Portobello, near Leonard's Corner. Small calm room, open kitchen, tasting menu built around seasonal Irish ingredients. 100% get the sourdough with cultured butter. The Grand Canal is right there for a walk after, it runs through Portobello and is quiet at night.

My take: One Michelin star in the city centre, inside the Victorian D'Olier Chambers on College Green. The 13-course surprise tasting menu leans creative with French and Asian influences. We did the wine pairing, which is the way to do it. The foie gras custard with English muffins and the seeded pretzel with smoked Gubbeen butter are the standouts. Mulligan's is a few minutes away if you want a quiet pint after, the 1782 pub where Joyce used to drink and the Guinness pour is famous.

My take: One Michelin star inside The Fitzwilliam Hotel, second floor overlooking St Stephen's Green. The room has soft lighting, plush seating, and a real vibe to it. Chef Andy McFadden builds the tasting menu around Irish produce. We also did the wine pairing that was well worth it. After dinner, you're right on St Stephen's Green and a few minutes from Grafton Street if you want to walk it off.

My take: Sixth floor of The Mayson on North Wall Quay, window booths and an open kitchen with views over the River Liffey. We went for the rooftop views and top tier steaks. The Irish steaks come off a charcoal grill, get one of the sharing cuts, add chimichurri, and order a signature cocktail. Walk along the river after, the docklands light up nicely at night.

My take: Inside The Westbury Hotel on Harry Street, just off Grafton. 1930s-inspired room with a covered garden terrace full of plants and natural light. We had the steak, oysters, and signature gin and tonics which were delicious. Grafton Street is right outside if you want to walk after.