Elephant & Castle - Healthy Snacks
A great choice of bio-organic snacks. They are open from Brunch to dinner. Expect a great menu choice from interesting salads (Roast Duck or Mexican) or their famous Spicy Chicken Wings. Brunch is also very popular with many starting with a 'Kir Royale' before moving on the full Irish Breakfast. Reasonable prices, great atmosphere and always a special or two.
Open 7 days until 11.30pm
www.elephantandcastle.ie
18-19 Temple Bar, Dublin, 2 t: 01/679-3121
Talbot 101
Best value for money restaurant and full of Dubliners. Modern cooking, with a set menu of starters and main plus tea or coffee for €21.95. Choices of dishes like Soup of the day or Blue Cheese, leek and potato frittata followed by Slow Roast Beef or Chargrilled chicken and friend greens and of course roasted potatoes. Just good hearty meals. There's also a good choice of vegetarian meals
Open Tuesday-Saturday 5pm-11pm. Reservations recommended
www.101talbot.com
101 Talbot Street, 3 minutes from the Spire. t: 01 874 5011
Queen of Tarts
When it is time for afternoon tea, don't miss this little local treasure, homemade pies, scones and cakes. Situated in a quiet medieval area, this is also a good spot for breakfast but you will have to compete with the locals who also love the freshly baked scones.
4 Corkhill, Dublin, 2, Dame Street
Avoca Café
This top-floor café of the mini department store is so good, it has its own cookbook. Desserts are served on an elegant silver tray with a range of teas or coffee. Other highlights include glass of Proscecco with fresh raspberries accompanied by a superb wild mushroom bruschetta. Just make sure you shop before you lunch.
Open Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm, Sun 11am-5pm.Around €30
www.avoca.ie
11-13 Suffolk Street 00353 1 672 6019
Dunne & Crescenzi
The owners are originally from Rome so expect some tasty Italian dishes. Their antipasti and delicious salads are very popular as is their Tuscan bean stew. Blackboards special reveal the daily pasta specials - this classy Italian café/restaurant is a great option for a high-quality light lunch or evening meal. An excellent and interesting list of Italian wines.
Around €23
www.dunneandcrescenzi.com
14-16 South Frederick Street 00353 1 677 3815
Fancy French - L'Gueuleton
A buzzing bistro serving quality and authentic French dishes such as escargots, onion soup, foie gras, beef bourgignon and Toulouse Sausages. This is a very busy place so they don't take reservations so either get their early or be prepared to wait on the pub until your table is ready.
Open Monday-Sunday for lunch and dinner
From around €35
www.lgueuleton.com
1 Fade Street, 00353 1 675 3708
Chapter One
Book ahead to enjoy this fine Irish with a hint of French tones in this restaurant. Situated below the Dublin Writers' Museum its comfortable and cosy. Pre-theatre dinners are good value. Expect dishes like 'Cured organic salmon, pear puree and mustard essence' and 'Irish caught yellow fin tuna, fennel, squid braised in saffron, tomato and lime sauce.' Focus is on premium quality suppliers from Ireland.
Dinner from around €60 ; lunch and pre-theatre dinner menus €37.50
www.chapteronerestaurant.com
18-19 Parnell Square, 00353 1 873 2266