Dublin #1: restaurants & pubs

I went to Dublin for the first time 10 years ago. It was cold, grim, and grey and I don't remember eating or drinking anything decent there apart from a black beverage made of barley. Mind you, I was a student and didn't have the money to eat anywhere outside cheap burger places anyway. I'd also been told that Ireland wasn't famous for its food at that time anyway.

I've had the fantastic opportunity to travel a few times to Dublin for work this year and as I rediscovered the city, I totally fell in love with it. And its food. I thought I would share a few places I've discovered (with the help of lovely locals) and enjoyed. 

Restaurants: 

• Coppinger Raw: absolutely delicious food made with seasonal local ingredients. Modern mediteranen, not too expensive and very well executed. And their desserts are really good (the bread and butter pudding is incredible). 

• The Winding Stair: the former book shop turned into a restaurant is a little pricey but well worth the money. With a view over the river, they serve a modern Irish and seasonal food in enormous portions. The service is friendly, the wine not too expensive, Their mixed smoked fish sharing starter plate is totally big enough for two people and it’s to die for. If you do make it to dessert, it won't disappoint either

• Yamamori: simply the best value for money sushi I've ever had so far in my life. So fresh and full of flavour. I always get the rainbow norimaki. It's a pure delight.

Pubs

• To have a "Real Dubliner Experience", head to O'Donoghue or to Kohe's

•  At The Temple Bar (in the Temple bar area), you can enjoy live music pretty much all day, everyday. And I don't care if only tourists go to Temple Bar, because this place really is great! 

•  With its cosy little booths, great atmosphere, craft beers and delicious pub food, P. Mac's is a perfect pub for a date or an after-work.

In the next post, I'll move onto Dublin's cafés, shops and markets.