Restaurants in Dublin

In the last ten years or so, in tandem with the growing economy, and the influx of immigrants to Dublin, a more sophisticated and cosmopolitan food culture has emerged in the city. Whereas the traditional Irish dish used to involve bacon and cabbage, Irish stew, coddle or even a 'one and one' (fish & chips), there is now a diverse and exciting choice of foods from around the globe on offer from Italian to Chinese, Thai to Lebanese, all pallets - and indeed wallets - can be catered for.

Perhaps the most renowned restaurant in the city is Patrick Guilbauds at The Merrion Hotel at 21 Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2. This is a top-notch restaurant and is not inexpensive but the food is wonderful as you would expect from a restaurant boasting two Michelin stars. There is a comprehensive wine list which would be hard to match anywhere in the city. Patrick Guilbauds is a fairly formal restaurant and neat dress is essential.

The Pearl Brasserie at 20 Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2 was a finalist in the Jameson 'Best Restaurant in Dublin' awards, and attained similar acclaim in the Michelin Guide. According to chef Sebastien Masi, The Pearl Brasserie endeavours to provide good, traditional French cuisine in a modern, informal environment. Gentle music can be heard from the Oyster Bar upstairs, and a great peat fire gives the restaurant a warm homely feel. Opening hours at the Pearl Brasserie are 1200-1530hrs from Tuesday to Friday and 1800-2200hrs from Saturday to Monday. The restaurant can be contacted at +353 1 661 3572 or at www.pearlbrasserie.com

For more traditional Irish cuisine, visitors could check out Gallaghers Boxty House in Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Its central location makes Gallaghers a convenient restaurant for a meal at the end of a long day in town. The menu includes Irish Stew, boxty pancakes cooked on a griddle and with a range of fillings available, oak smoked salmon and seafood. Vegetarian options are also offered. Gallaghers Boxty House is decorated in a traditional, old-fashioned manner and Irish music plays to add to the authentic, homely dining experience. For more information, phone +353 1 677 2762.

For those visitors who are more comfortable on familiar ground, the usual array of fast-food and chain cafes can be found around Dublin from Pizza Hut to McDonalds & KFC.