Ditch dinner at home for a first-rate meal out with the help of our ultimate Ireland restaurant guide, including places across Belfast, Dublin, Cork and more. We've rounded up some of the best eateries all bringing something exciting to the table (literally), from quirky menu themes to spins on traditional plates and interiors that you wouldn't expect from a fine dining destination.
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Romance your partner with a trip to Pacino's in Dublin. This date night restaurant champions all the best qualities of Italian dining, from the lively yet sophisticated atmosphere to the unbeatable dishes. Real-deal pizzas and pasta plates that will transport you straight to Rome? They've got plenty of those.
Dublin wouldn't be the same without the Odeon taking pride of place in its city centre. The fact it's set in a beautiful grade A-listed building makes it one of the most unique restaurants in Ireland, as well as its exciting cocktail bar takeovers. And on the food front? Think amped-up bar bites and small plates.
One of the best Michelin restaurants in Ireland has to be Dublin's Chapter One; this classic French eatery with a modern twist offers a rare dining experience that can't be missed. Everything about this place is a work of art, from the interiors to the carefully constructed dishes. It's ideal for turning a special ocassion into a night to remember.
Try not to fall too deeply in love with a dish at Dublin's Uno Mas, as it could disappear at any moment with their daily changing Spanish menu. Plates consist of pre-starter nibbles from cured meats to olives and croquettes, followed by mains such as a salt aged steak and creamy ricotta pasta.
Asian cuisine with an Irish twist? Yügo City have made it happen. Explore the exciting dishes dreamt up by this fabulous contemporary fusion restaurant, ranging from sushi to dumplings and unbeatable bao. Whatever you choose, make sure you pair it with a cocktail.
As an eatery that boasts such a laid-back feel, it's a surprise to discover that every component of this award-winning hotspot in Belfast has been so carefully curated by the masterminds behind it. The thoughtful seasonal menu, top-notch wine selection and riverside setting make OX one of the best Northern Ireland restaurants.
The Muddler's Club is bringing the cool factor to fine dining with its trendy Belfast outpost. The industrial-style interiors and substantial yet picture-perfect plates (including great veggie options) make it one of the most original Michelin star restaurants in Ireland.
With 13 sites across the UK and a quirky concept that gets people talking, Six by Nico has to be one of the most famous restaurants in Ireland. This spot is renowned for its affordable, themed six-course menus that change every six weeks. Past foodie creations have been inspired by everything from circuses to the Mad Hatter's tea party.
Known for being one of the best French restaurants in Dublin, Ireland, Pichet is a bistro with a lot to prove. Luckily it's hard to disappoint when your dishes are made from top-quality local ingredients and you have a Michelin Bib Gourmand award under your belt. The selective menu changes with the seasons and is always as impressive as the last.
The team behind Mr Fox are experts in casual fine dining. This Dublin gem fronts adventurous dishes that are surprisingly budget-friendly. The seasonal set menu is guaranteed to impress, with uncommon cuts of meat and experimental flavours to boot.
EDO is the go-to for Spanish small plates in Belfast, especially if you're wanting to pair them with some quirky cocktails. Picture sipping on chocolate old fashioneds and apricot mai tais while scoffing all your favourite tapas dishes in a slick setting.
One of the best restaurants in Cork, Ireland? Michelin-starred Japanese outpost Ichigo Ichie always makes the cut. The contemporary space has tucked-away tables or bar seating for diners who want to watch the magic happen in the kitchen. Observe them whipping up sushi, scallops, miso tofu and even their smoked cheesecake.
