Central & Snug 1BD House - Portobello

This restaurant is temporarily closed for eight weeks, beginning on 17th May.Set in a prime spot on the second floor of The Fitzwilliam Hotel, overlooking St Stephen’s Green, is this chic, elegant restaurant with subtle 1930s overtones. Pink and green hues and pretty flower arrangements bring a certain softness to the surroundings; in contrast, the cooking is characterised by boldness – both in its flavours and textures – and his experience shines through in skilfully prepared, artfully presented dishes that put subtle creative twists on the classics.

This iconic restaurant has been thriving since 1981, thanks to both the eponymous chef and the exceptional team he has around him. It sits hidden away within a Georgian townhouse and oozes sumptuousness and sophistication thanks to features such as a gilt barrel ceiling and hand-crafted marquetry. The accomplished cooking isn’t to be upstaged, however: it is French at heart yet has a restrained modernity and showcases some bold yet superbly balanced flavours. The Irish ingredients are certainly luxurious and the baba flambé with your choice of rum provides an inviting, classical way to finish.

You’ll find charming chef-owner Keelan Higgs working calmly in the open kitchen of this inviting corner restaurant. Terracotta tones, exposed brickwork and warm lighting add cosiness, while the relaxed atmosphere is helped along by brother Aaron and the laid-back service team. Highly original yet unfussy dishes burst with freshness and flavour, and many are cooked over the open fire; Keelan loves this concept, as no two dishes will ever be exactly the same. The "Chef’s Choice" menu is designed for sharing and the monthly changing, mostly organic wine list is passionately compiled.

Close to the canal in the Dublin suburbs sits this airy, glass-fronted restaurant run by husband-and-wife team John and Sandy Wyer. There's a minimalist, casual elegance to the place, with the cosiest tables those in front of the open kitchen. Go for the full tasting menu to experience as much of John's mature, controlled cooking as possible. Dishes are free of overcomplication and put the emphasis firmly on the superb ingredients, such as glisteningly fresh cod with an original celeriac beurre blanc. The efficient service comes from a friendly team.

The high ceilings and original plasterwork of this restored landmark building contribute to the appeal of the contemporary restaurant within. The well-travelled, Australian-born chef constructs a surprise menu powered by top-notch ingredients, incorporating multiple global techniques and flavours into his immensely detailed dishes prepared with a high level of skill and craft. There are seats at the counter for those wanting to see how the beautifully plated dishes are created, and the wine pairings are a great way to go.

In a historic area of the capital, you'll find this fittingly traditional-looking Irish pub, where the charming staff offer a friendly welcome. It's an understandably popular spot, with drinkers welcome in the bar, but most people come here for the food. Go for a table on the ground floor near the open kitchen if you want a bit of buzz, while the upstairs has a more traditional feel with its wood parquet floor and panelled ceiling. The cooking mixes traditional dishes like 'cock-a-leekie' pie with more modern touches.

Despite its discreet exterior, you'll be able to spot this charmingly run neighbourhood gem thanks to the warm glow of its red neon sign. Inside, the restaurant has an intimate, relaxing feel, with the exposed brick walls and red leather banquettes bathed in soft light, while smooth jazz plays in the background. To feel the buzz of the kitchen, sit downstairs, while the first floor is ideal for larger groups. The seasonally changing menu offers boldly flavoured dishes showcasing some interesting flavour combinations, like wild sea bass with prawn Bourguignon, bisque and capers.