Maldron Hotel Portlaoise

This long-standing restaurant is a living embodiment of the mantra that sometimes less is more. You won’t find anything superfluous on your plate here – just confidently cooked, skilfully balanced dishes, with exemplary plating, saucing and seasoning. Chef-Owner Garrett Bryne really knows his craft, resulting in richly flavoured, classical dishes like royale of Challans duck. His partner Brid Hannon runs the relaxed, friendly service with ease and the sleek décor includes curved banquettes and striking local artwork. Look out for the early evening menu as it's an absolute steal.

There’s an endearing quality to this characterful restaurant run by a young, friendly team and set inside a former garage and shop. The cooking champions the County Laois larder and other Irish produce, in satisfying dishes with tried-and-tested flavour combinations. At dinner, choose from the concise à la carte or sample the kitchen’s full range of talents with the 7 course tasting menu. Lunchtime is a slightly simpler affair and features daily specials.

There’s something charming about this personally run rural restaurant with a contemporary feel. Stay the night in one of their four rooms to make a proper occasion of your visit and dine either around the eight-seater communal table or at the small open kitchen island. The balanced tasting menu is quite an immersive experience, featuring a range of inventive, adventurous dishes using some prime Irish ingredients. Well-crafted artisan crockery, locally made leather items, fine cutlery and a well-chosen wine pairing all enhance the experience.

The village may seem appealingly sleepy, but this is an area renowned for the breeding and training of some top racehorses. The building sits on what was once part of the owner’s family dairy farm, with a lively locals’ bar on one side and a smart bistro on the other. The menu offers a mix of classical dishes and those displaying subtle international flavours, and there is a reassuring confidence to the service.

A pool of young but experienced talent came together to create this contemporary restaurant out of a former pub on the town's main street. The menu is so appealing you’ll have trouble choosing; all the dishes, which rely on superb produce, are comforting and satisfying, with some of the larger options designed for sharing. The bar upstairs offers a small plates menu as an alternative dining option. The service team are full of energy and really help to bring the room alive.