You want to eat out and eat well but you don’t want it to be too formal or fancy – where do you go? We’ve found 15 places around the country that are sure to fit the bill, from a bakery in Kilkenny to cafes in Down and Mayo and a Ukrainian restaurant in Dublin.
Blackrock Market continues to be a Dublin gastronomic mecca, home to two-Michelin-starred Liath and, around the corner, the ever popular 3 Leaves, where diners flock for gutsy spices and slow-cooked sauces as much as for Milli Mathew’s hospitality. Chef Santhosh Thomas combines Kerala home cooking with contemporary restaurant styles for delicious dinners, great value thali lunches and street food favourites. AD
On one side of Barrack Street sits Arán bakery, turning out excellent sourdough breads, buns and seasonal Danishes. Across the street, its sister bistro buzzes for all‑day brunch with a rotating, creative menu full of cheerful plates of food such as the eye-catching ube French toast, Carlow nettle cheese toastie and the great Korean chicken wrap. AD
Serving breakfast and lunch during the week, chef and co-owner Dave Rowley dips into bistro life on Fridays and Saturdays with a three-course menu offering dishes such as cod and crab croquettes, monkfish with langoustine bisque, duck breast and hand-rolled gnocchi. It’s an atmospheric room and a great place for settling in with a few pals. CH
Jamie Budd taps into 30 years of cooking experience and travel to bring tastes of the world to west Cork. This daytime spot is perennially popular with both locals and visitors for its healthy and tasty food. Think masala dosa served with chutneys, vegetarian Madras curry packed with spinach and sweet potato or a hearty beef burger with Toonsbridge scamorza. Or grab a coffee and a sweet treat to enjoy outside. JC
Last year, owners Aran and Colleen McMahon said goodbye to Ann, their mother and the founder of Cafe Rua more than 30 years ago. Her legacy lives on in the warm welcome and hearty, delicious food that is served daily from the cafe’s two locations. Enjoy Andarl Farm roast pork with Caesar salad and buttermilk dressing, hake mornay with Cratloe cheese or the weekly sandwich special. Click and collect is available for those who might like to picnic by the sea. JC
This food truck‑turned‑restaurant continues to excel with chef Melissa McCabe’s inventive take on Irish cooking. Drop in by day for the famous Bricfeasta and unfussy, flavour-packed lunches, Sundays for a proper roast, and now the evening service on Friday and Saturday with a newly curated drinks list. A dining experience that will make you smile. AD
Grálinn is the kind of cafe that should exist in every town in Ireland. During the day, it serves dishes such as French toast with blood orange and clotted cream, golden toasties with pastrami and Gubbeen cheese, or burnt honey and caramelised white chocolate doughnuts, made at its Lumi bakery. With a recent kitchen redesign and new coffee bar, summer will see the return of evening dining. JC
Izz Alkarajeh and Eman Aburabi’s cafe began at Mahon Point farmers’ market, guided by Darina Allen, as a way to stay connected to home, family and culture. The result is now a Cork city favourite and a true taste of Palestinian hospitality. Expect bright, tasty dishes such as mana’eesh flatbreads, hummus, falafel and home-made cakes. A welcoming community cafe where every dish tells a story. AD
The delicious smell of grilling is the first thing you’ll notice at King Skewer, the se…