The Red Cow Inn

A large, open-plan kitchen takes centre stage at Vanderlyle, which blends shabby chic styling with designer comfort. The well-balanced tasting menu is all about showing off the power of vegetables with imagination and creativity, along with a passion for seasonal produce – all evident in dishes like roasted wild mushrooms with Roscoff onion and Bordelaise sauce. The friendly service team run the restaurant well and the wine or soft drinks pairings enhance the experience. It’s a popular spot, so book in plenty of time.

Located a stone's throw from Trinity College, this brightly decorated townhouse is home to a Spanish restaurant exuding a warm, buzzy vibe – whether you admire the open-flame cooking on the ground floor or sit in the quieter upstairs dining room. Northern Spain has the largest influence on the menu, with Galicia and the Basque Country featuring prominently among dishes built around proudly sourced produce of great quality, such as wonderfully marbled presa Ibérica. Save room to finish with the 'tarta de Santiago'.