By Manon Gustave
“Oh Come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, come ye, oh co-o-o-me ye to… Dublin.” It is most definitely Christmas time, there is time to enjoy fun, family, snow ( for the lucky ones), presents … And especially food! The youngsters are looking forward to the Christmas morning with gifts under the Christmas tree. Us big kids are relishing the opportunity to relax with loved ones and gorge on a hearty meal accompanied by several warming wines. If you really can’t wait for the family gathering, going out for Christmas Dinner beforehand might suit your Seasonal excitement. Here is our guide to the Top 10 places to eat during Christmas, to satisfy the tastes of Tiny Tim to Scrooge.
For a ‘Fancy’ Christmas: Tavern @ Dylan Hotel
Photograph by Manon Gustave.
Tavern is part of the 5 stars boutique Dylan Hotel, located is the very pleasant Ballsbridge. In reverence to the beautiful building the interior in a surprisingly cozy space. The warm light and friendly faces are a welcoming presence in a unique dining setting. The masterpieces on each dish have exotic influences from the Orient with a finesse for fresh Irish produce. Make no mistake, the man behind the dishes is a real Dubliner! The result is a perfect mix between flavours of the sea and from the earth. A fantastic way to dine with the family for a luxurious Christmas.
For an ‘All-night’ Christmas: Opium
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Now a well known addition to Wexford Street, this Thai restaurant has all the specialties to surprise any aficionado of Thai cuisine. The Christmas promises to be particularly tasty: Green Curry Samosa, Cardamom Yoghurt, Vietnamese Rice Paper Roll, Smoked Trout, Gari… In addition, The Opium is also a nightclub. Have a stop at the restaurant with it’s lively atmosphere before dancing all night!
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For a ‘Beer lovers’ Christmas: Against the Grain
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No doubt the regulars of Whelans have already made a stop or at least glanced across to Against the Grain. This bar and restaurant located on Wexford Street is a must for beer lovers who are not afraid to discover new flavours. The staff are qualified and willing to give good advice. If downstairs is too casual there is a nice room upstairs with a view of the kitchen and a pool table! The food is great, and if you are looking for something more festive, share the love with a Snack board!
For a ‘Sure value’ Christmas: Brasserie 66
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Those who roam the streets of Dublin looking for new restaurants are certainly aware that Brasserie sixty6 is top of the list regarding the price/ quality ratio, service and location. The food is delicious, in quantity and always surprising. From the Bestseller ‘Chicken wings’ to the perfectly cooked ‘Slow Roast Lamb Shank’, the restaurant makes a clear round . If you want to make sure to spend an evening without caveats, here is the place.
For a ‘Spicy’ Christmas: Cactus Jacks
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There is nothing better then enjoying a bit of summer spice during the winter. What could make the heart warmer. Cactus Jacks is in the middle of the Italian quarter and aims please with Mexican specialties. The staff are friendly, making the atmosphere more balmy. For a Spicy Christmas, have a stop at Cactus Jacks!
For an ‘Unpredictable’ Christmas: The Chameleon
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The Chameleon is an ‘unpredictable’ place of many talents. How extraordinary it is to find such an intimate place in the heart of Temple bar! It serves tasty Indonesian specialities, savoured under the light of candles in an irresistible Balinese style. The Chameleon portrays a relaxing environment with cheerful staff and an almost mystical charm. The Cuisine is perfect if you want to combine ‘adventure’ and ‘flavour’.
For an ‘Jolly’ Christmas: San Lorenzo
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“Excellent… eye-rollingly good… an honest-to-goodness approach, no frills, just good food.” This is how Catherine Cleary from The Irish Times describes this Italian restaurant of George street. Mainly known for its amazing brunch, San Lorenzo’s is also very comfortable in catering casual and creative cuisine. It would be a shame to say it is only Italian food as the combination is complex and draws its inspiration from everywhere. For a cozy, tasty diner, with a jolly seasoning!
For a ‘Frenchie’ Christmas: Le Bon Crubeen
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As for the Italian one, this top needed for sure a French restaurant. Our choice stopped on Le Bon Crubeen, renowned in all the Irish capital. If you don’t know it, it is time to book a table. The service is wonderful, so is the food! In addition, the restaurant enjoys a wine list which may please the most demanding wine lovers. The framework is equally suitable for a romantic dinner as for output to 10! So? Convinced?
For a ‘Seafood’ Christmas: Nautilus
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After closing for a few months, one of the best restaurants in Malahide reopened for our pleasure and just before Christmas! Nautilus prevails to offer fresh sea dishes from locally sourced suppliers in a beautiful setting (the ocean view is clearly a plus). Dishes are of a surprising variety and it is far from simple seafood restaurant. The team unveils new Nautilus and with it an increasingly tantalizing menu. For a Christmas full of fresh fish!
For an ‘Explosive’ Christmas: Chai yo Teppanyaki
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Finally, the most spectacular and entertaining restaurant in the city. The food is delicious, for sure! However, what makes it even better is the Chef performs feats of pyrotechnics and acrobatics to create this zesty meal. As the entertainment continues you can witness juggling flames as your meal is created before your eyes. A real fun loving way to experience a Christmas meal.
