Ireland is quickly becoming a destination for discerning diners, offering a wealth of options for celebrating life’s special moments. From cozy cottages serving Michelin-starred cuisine to bustling bistros showcasing the best of Irish ingredients, the Emerald Isle has something to suit every palate. Several recent reports highlight the growing culinary scene, with a particular emphasis on locally sourced and seasonal produce.
Food and travel content creator Éadaoin Fitzmaurice recently shared a selection of her top choices for special occasion meals, and several publications have echoed her recommendations. Among the standouts is Homestead Cottage in County Clare. Described as a truly memorable experience, the cottage earned a Michelin star in 2024 and focuses on creating a homely yet adventurous tasting menu. One diner recounted receiving a congratulatory card signed by the entire staff on their seventh anniversary, a testament to the restaurant’s personalized touch.
For those seeking a more intimate setting, Variety Jones in Dublin 8 comes highly recommended. This smaller restaurant, ideal for an anniversary, showcases the best of Irish cuisine with a unique tasting menu where the chefs curate the entire experience. Diners won’t know what they’re getting until each course is presented, and the server explains the ingredients. The restaurant aims to provide a true taste of Ireland’s land and sea.
Seafood lovers will find paradise at Out Of The Blue in Dingle, County Kerry. The restaurant offers fresh catches overlooking Dingle harbour, with crab claws being a particular favorite. It’s worth noting that the restaurant typically closes for the winter season, reopening towards the end of February.
Moving north, Ox in Belfast offers a modern Michelin-star dining experience. The restaurant boasts a bright, spacious interior and a buzzing atmosphere, making it a popular choice for birthdays and other celebrations. The lunch tasting menu has been praised for its detailed and memorable courses.
For a unique experience, the Supper Club at Kilruddery Estate in County Wicklow provides a four-course set menu inspired by the farm and walled garden on site. The dishes are creative and utilize seasonal ingredients, offering a truly special dining experience. The Supper Club costs €79 per person.
In Kinsale, County Cork, St Francis Provisions specializes in eclectic and personal dishes. The cozy yet buzzing venue offers a unique experience with each visit, and is named after the patron saint of animals and the environment.
Host in Ranelagh, Dublin 6, is known for being difficult to get a reservation at, a testament to its popularity. The restaurant features a strong Italian influence and a menu designed for sharing, with small plates taking center stage. The chef’s menu, starting at €61 per person, offers a varied and interesting selection of dishes.
Note in Fenian Street, Dublin 2, combines an electric wine bar with a bistro, offering modern, high-quality cuisine with Irish influences. The small plates are rich in flavor and ideal for sharing, and the wine list features a constantly changing selection from small, natural winemakers.
In Galway City, Ruibín, meaning “little ruby,” is a gem in the Galway food scene. The bistro-style menu focuses on high-quality, seasonal ingredients, and the various nooks and crannies create an intimate dining experience.
Connollys in Kinvara, County Galway, offers two distinct dining experiences: a fine-dining restaurant upstairs and a gastro music bar downstairs. The restaurant emphasizes culinary excellence with modern and creative flavors, utilizing wild and foraged ingredients and locally sourced meats.
For a truly luxurious experience, The Oak Room at Adare Manor in County Limerick offers contemporary Irish cuisine in a deep oak-paneled room. Head chef Michael Tweedie sources ingredients from across Ireland, including oysters from West Cork and quail from Birdhill.
Linnane’s Lobster in New Quay, County Clare, is a must-visit for seafood lovers. The restaurant offers fresh lobster and fish caught daily by local fishing boats, providing a true taste of the sea.
Kai in Galway, nestled between a church and a gay bar, focuses on wild and organic produce sourced locally and cooked intelligently. The restaurant is known for its vibrant colors and sharp flavors, offering dishes that are hard to find elsewhere.
Kicky’s in George’s Street, Dublin 2, is a buzzing inner-city eatery led by chef Eric Matthews. The menu features meats cooked over fire with a Mediterranean flair, and the pasta dishes are particularly noteworthy. The restaurant is spacious and ideal for families.
Finally, Raspberry in Gorey, County Wexford, is perfect for larger groups, offering plenty of seating and a cocktail menu that rivals its food offerings. The restaurant also has a private dining room that seats up to 25 guests and offers a two-course set menu at €42.
With a growing emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and unique dining experiences, Ireland’s culinary scene is thriving. These restaurants, highlighted by Éadaoin Fitzmaurice and other publications, offer a diverse range of options for celebrating any special occasion.
