Blackrock B&B

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.

When you browse a menu and see words like ‘pâté’, ‘rillettes’, ‘vin jaune’ and ‘au poivre’, you know you’re in for a thoroughly French treat. The surprise at Forêt is that these Francophone delights are found above the M. O’Brien’s pub – which couldn’t sound more Irish if it tried. Nevertheless, thanks to the team behind Forest Avenue next door, here you have a delicious slice of France, with every authentic dish combining top-quality produce and skilled execution to flavour-packed effect. The tomato tart with piperade is a prime example, simply bursting with umami.

Nestled away in a small parade, the ‘Black Fox’ takes its name from its position midway between the suburbs of Blackrock and Foxrock. Split over two floors, the upstairs has a slightly plusher feel, while the atmosphere is livelier downstairs, in part thanks to the open kitchen. The menu evolves with the seasons, mixing Mediterranean influences like ossocollo with East Asian elements like shiitake dumplings, across modern, flavoursome dishes. Service comes from a friendly and knowledgeable team, while a carefully curated wine list completes the experience.

This cosy first-floor restaurant is hidden above the French Paradox wine shop, which not only gives it an appealingly secretive feel but also makes opting for one of the interesting wine pairings a wise move. The tasting menu begins with delicate snacks and fine daily-made sourdough, before offering a choice of main course and dessert. In game season, you'd be foolish to miss the exquisitely cooked sika deer and the tarte Tatin is Chef-Owner Gráinne's crowd-pleasing signature. The chefs show not just skill but generosity, so you'll leave feeling full and satisfied.

Its name means ‘bliss’ and this smart Indian restaurant certainly feels like a haven from the bustling shopping centre in which it sits. Accessed via a narrow entrance, it's a sizeable place inside with a swish cocktail bar – and is stylishly decorated with attractive fretwork and vibrant art. The combination of accomplished, original cooking and assured, attentive service makes for a great all-round package. The ‘Railway Journey’ tasting menu is encouraged and is certainly the way to go if you want to sample as much of the cooking as possible.

This long-standing pub ticks all the boxes: traditional, immensely satisfying food; a buzzing atmosphere; and some of the friendliest, most genuine service around. Enjoy a drink in the cosy bar or take your seat in one of two spacious dining rooms, all of which boast plenty of character thanks to exposed brickwork, old engravings and patinated wooden furniture. The cooking includes the ever-popular likes of rib-eye steak and chips, while the desserts are a real highlight, especially if you get to try the excellently crafted bread and butter pudding.

A modern, simply-furnished neighbourhood restaurant with a buzzing atmosphere and a super-friendly team. Ingredient-led, Italian-influenced cooking means an abundance of natural flavours; the concise, daily changing menu features prime meats, homemade pasta and dishes designed for sharing.