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Andy McFadden is one of Dublin's most exciting young chefs heading up elegant city restaurant, Glovers Alley, where he puts a French spin on the inspired menu.
He once boasted the title of the youngest Michelin starred chef in London at L'Autre Pied, and since returning back to his roots in the Irish capital he's never far from the spotlight - McFadden was recently named Best Chef in Ireland at the 2018 Food & Wine awards.
Meet 12 Irish Chefs Changing the Culinary Landscape
We asked the Irish chef to reveal his favourite addresses in Dublin, from brunch time to dinner and drinks. Here's what he said about the best places to eat and drink in Dublin.
Best Brunch in Dublin
Brother Hubbard, just north of the River Liffey is thriving with people looking to sample their delicious modern Middle Eastern Food including my favourite, Turkish eggs menemen.
The Dublin 8 neighbourhood, close to the city centre, is a hive of activity with new cafe and restaurants opening on a daily basis. This is where you’ll find ‘hipster’ hangout The Fumbally - 0ne of the city’s most thriving and talked about cafes. A vibrant, eclectic space, which is open for breakfast and lunch, serving healthy, wholesome food with a strong personality.
Meet Me In The morning, located just off Camden Street in the centre of town is where Chef Kevin Powell only puts a handful of dishes on the menu each day, with an emphasis on produce, simplistic beauty, and above all, taste. The coffee’s pretty amazing too!
Best Restaurants for Dinner in Dublin
There are so many options to choose from when it comes to dinner in Dublin. The hardest thing is just picking one.
Forest & Marcy is a small venue where the food is cooked by my good friend Ciaran Sweeney, one of the country’s most dynamic, forward-thinking chefs. He cooks the type of food that really excites me, like his signature fermented potato bread with bacon a cabbage - a modern twist on a traditional dish his granny cooked for him as a child.
Pickle on Camden Street is run by one of Ireland’s foremost Indian chefs, Sunil Ghai, and his North Indian cuisine delivers on flavour every single time. With a decade or awards behind him, Sunil certainly knows what he’s doing when it comes to spices. Sunil’s Lobster tail and Kofta curry is a dish that you’ll remember for a very long time.
Hang Dai is one of the new kids on the block and has to be Dublin’s coolest Chinese restaurant. It delivers a modern twist on traditional Chinese food with a contemporary approach and a vibrant music bar.
Barry Fitzgerald’s contemporary neighbourhood restaurant, Bastible, on Lennox Corner is the restaurant of choice for many a chef on their night off. The quality of Barry’s food was recognised last year with the award of a Bib Gourmand by the people at the Michelin Guide and with dishes likes lamb shoulder, smoked anchovy, polenta & turnips coming out of the kitchen it’s easy to see why.
Best Places for Fresh Seafood in Dublin
Niall Sabongi and the team at Klaw have a real passion for all things seafood. The idea is simple, super fresh seafood in a relaxed atmosphere where people can just get there Fish on. Enjoy oysters three-way; naked, dressed or torched. Get yourself down there for a pre-dinner treat with Oyster Happy Hour running from 5 pm to 6 pm every day. They also have a great selection of shellfish, crab mac’n’cheese, grilled prawns and their famous lobster roll.
Michael's in Mount Merrion is a neighbourhood restaurant that's fast becoming a destination for Dublin’s foodies. Chef Gaz Smith is all about fresh fish and seafood cooked simply and served with great charm. The menu changes daily according to what produce is available on any given day. Choose from local delicacies like Lambay Crab, Dublin Bay Prawns, lobster and wild Irish mussels.
Best Wine Bars in Dublin
Ely has two well established award-winning wine bars in Dublin; Ely Place and the IFSC. In my eyes, Ely is exactly what you want from a modern wine bar - one of the most well thought out wine menus in the city and great food. After a long day of sightseeing or shopping, a visit to the basement Wine Cellar at Fallon & Byrne is just what you need. They have an unrivaled selection of more than 600 wines, many served by the glass for you to sit and enjoy along with some tasty bar food. As well fabulous wines, Piglet in Temple Bar serves up delicious Tapas that’s big on flavour. Think octopus salad, duck gizzards with garlic butter, smoked eel on a white bean purée and pork cheeks topped with salsa verde.
Best Markets in Dublin
Temple Bar Food Market is well worth a visit if you’re in Dublin at the weekend. The market is held every Saturday from 10 am to 4.30pm at Meeting House Square in the heart of Dublin city centre. Buy seasonal and organic produce directly from some of the areas top food producers.
Smithfield Market Fair features an eclectic mix of stalls selling everything from vintage clothing, contemporary arts & crafts, vinyl records, jewelry, live music & DJ’s, underground cinema and food and drink offerings.
Best Pubs in Dublin
On a sunny day, you just can’t beat sitting outside Grogans with a pint and people watching. With delicious toasties and perfect pints of Guinness, you can’t go wrong! Kehoes is a popular choice for tourists and locals alike. Last year it was voted ‘the best pub in Dublin’ and it’s easy to see why. It first opened its doors in 1803 and its owners have kept all of that old rustic charm that gives this place such character. Grab a pint at the bar and then settle into one of their famous Victorian snugs for the night. Expect plenty of banter and laughter!
If it’s live music you’re looking for, head to O’Donoghue's on Merrion Row - a favourite haunt for Dubliners and tourists from every corner of the world, who come to enjoy the authentic character of one of Dublin's oldest bars and to admire the artistry of the local musicians who perform daily.
