Tankardstown

We all need a little luxury in our lives and this beautiful restaurant in the heart of the impressive Carton House mansion ticks all the boxes. The breathtaking room features a high curved ceiling, Greek Corinthian columns, ornate plaster cornicing and sweeping banquettes, while the menu matches it for opulence with an abundance of first-rate produce, be it Union Hall crab or Achill lamb. The cooking is rooted in the chefs’ strong classical technique, but some wildcard flavour combinations work wonders thanks to their fine judgement.

Mickael Viljanen’s restaurant is a stylish, elegant spot decorated with eye-catching art, where superb service complements truly top-drawer cooking. Prime luxury ingredients – like Donegal lobster or Limousin sweetbreads – are the bedrock of the menu, prepared using classic French techniques combined with subtle modern touches. The chef’s creativity and personality shine through in perfectly balanced, immaculately executed dishes with sublime natural flavours and beautiful presentation. The 'Irish Coffee' is made in the dining room and is, like everything else, an experience to remember.

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.

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.

Transplanting the Italian osteria to the Irish capital, this former bank has no trouble filling its large space with an almighty buzz from the many happy diners feasting on its simply delicious cooking. The enticing menu ranges from sourdough pizzette to homemade pastas and a wood-fired section showcasing prime fish and meat. The generous, well-priced plates have an honest simplicity to them, with recognisable dishes cooked with skill and packing in plenty of flavour. For dessert, consider the polenta cake with seasonal fruit.

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.

After extending into the next-door premises, this sister restaurant to The Courthouse in Carrickmacross remains a very likeable modern bistro, with marble-topped tables and a convivial atmosphere. Start with one of their snacks – the fried corn ribs with sriracha sauce are lip-smackingly good – before sharing a few of the larger plates, all of which are carefully prepared and full of flavour. Irish producers are name-checked on the menu, but don't be surprised to find international influences in the flavours, such as in the Korean fried chicken.