New Dublin Expert – PlanetEye Traveler (Plus Top 10 Restaurants)

This week I started contributing to a fabulous blog – PlanetEye Traveler.

This website has local experts in a variety of cities across the globe – from Phoenix to Hawaii to Lisbon to Hong Kong. If you’re looking for an inside perspective when planning your next trip – check out what these local experts are saying about their hometowns.

My blog for PlanetEye is all about Dublin. My favorite restaurants, current festivals, holidays, daytrips, museums, and attractions will all be covered in detail on this blog. The site also has a great mapping function where you can actually see the places I’m talking about on maps that will help you to plan your trip to Dublin.

Thinking about what to write for my new blog made me realize its been a while since I wrote a BEST OF list for Dublin. So here one is, a TOP 10 LIST of my (current) favorite restaurants in Dublin.

1. Chez Max: This laid-back French restaurant skips the white tablecloths for a more relaxed atmosphere. I love the menu – items are interspersed with articles and ads in a historic French newspaper format – and from the French Onion soup to the Creme Brulee, everything is perfect.

2. Cafe Boulevard: One of my biggest complaints about Dublin is lack of a cafe life. Once 4pm in the afternoon rolls around, anywhere you would want to sit down with a coffee and the newspaper is getting ready to close. Not only does Cafe Boulevard offer great sandwiches and deliciously spicy potato wedges, they also serve great coffee into the late afternoon.

3. Juniors: This neighborhood favorite used to be a five-minute walk from my door – and whenever I didn’t feel like cooking – it was where I wanted to go. There’s only 8 tables at this restaurant – but the portions are generous and delicious – and the prices are right.

4. The Winding Stair: If you’re looking to make a reservation in advance of your trip to Dublin – book a table at The Winding Stair. Views over the River Liffey are amazing, the historic nature of the building provides great atmosphere, and the modern Irish cooking is top notch.

5. Rolys: I can’t get enough of Rolys. I love their cafe – with its beautiful pastries, ready-made sandwiches, and loafs of Irish soda bread. The upstairs bistro raises the bar for elegance, and the quality is outstanding. Try the Kerry Lamb pie for an Irish-inspired treat.

6. The Schoolhouse Pub: Some pubs in Dublin still serve dismal food – but this isn’t the case at The Schoolhouse. Try the spicy buffalo wings or the generous burger and chips. Take a seat by one of the burning fireplaces and warm up with a pint of Guinness.

7. Canal Bank Cafe: Whenever I get a craving for a hearty brunch – the place I think of is the Canal Bank Cafe. Located along a picturesque canal, the large windows of this restaurant let in lots of light. Comfy booths allow you to sit back over brunch – and people linger over a coffee to read the newspaper. Try the burger and chips topped with a free range egg – brunch perfection.

8. KC Peaches: Ok, this is less restaurant, more cafe – but I love the atmosphere. There’s something American about this cafe with free wireless internet and fresh baked goods. For the price of a delicious coffee, I could sit here for hours working on my computer. Weekend brunch is also popular.

9. Dax: Everything about Dax is luxurious. The wine cellar, downstairs location. The knowledgeable staff. The focused menu. A delicious wine list. Desserts that are to die for. Even the lighting is fantastic. A definite splurge, but one that is worth every penny.

10. Dunne & Crescenzi: Every now and again – a girl who was raised on Italian food just wants a bit of pasta. This restaurant gets everything just right – from the texture of the pasta to the flavorful sauces. Try Sicilian wines from their winelist – they’re great value for money. 

Bon Appétit!

Photo Credit: SXC