One of Dublin’s most historic areas, the Liberties area is now a center of commerce and enterprise. It was first occupied by the Cambro Normans in the 12th century, but many of the buildings date back to the 16th to 18th century. There are restaurants from all over the world in the Liberties area, and here are 10 of the very best.
Toscana City Centre Italian Restaurant
Having received the Good Food IrelandBest Farm to Table Restaurant Award in 2014, Toscana shows no signs of relinquishing its title as one of the top Italian restaurants in Dublin. Much of their produce is grown at the owners’ family farm in Co. Wicklow, such as organic eggs, seasonal organic fruit, vegetables, salads and herbs. You can always be sure the restaurant’s superb food is fresh and additive-free.
Dedicated to freshness and great service, Musashi is a laid-back Japanese restaurant where the sushi is made fresh to order and is replaced within the hour. The menu is in Japanese and English, so is sure to be of interest to anybody learning Japanese, or to make those who speak it feel at home. As well as sushi treats, the menu has a vast array of starters, mains and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for a more comprehensive meal.
Arlington Hotel Temple Bar
Hotel
Overlooking historic Dublin Castle which was first built as a defensive castle in 1204 on the orders of King John of England, Arlington Hotel Temple Bar is lushly decorated in reds and rich browns, providing a comfortable and fashionable setting for a wonderful dinner meal. It is also perfectly situated for all local concert venues and other attractions such as Trinity College, Christ Church Cathedral and the National Gallery of Ireland. There are live music events held in the hotel every night.
Voted one of the best restaurants in Dublin, Rustic Stone is a modern Irish diner with rustic features combined in an innovative way with bare, red brick walls and modern art pieces. Aiming to promote healthy eating with an Irish twist, Rustic Stone is a casual restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and an experimental approach to its cooking. They do not use butter or cream in their dishes, instead opting for healthier choices such as seasonal olive oil.
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Darwin’s
Restaurant, Steakhouse, European, Irish
Offering contemporary international cuisine, Darwin’s possesses an extensive menu to cater for all dietary requirements. Darwin’s is a family-run business, with all of the kindness and hospitality of dining in a family home. Priding themselves especially on their high-quality certified Irish Angus beef and locally sourced lamb and seafood, Darwin’s small 150 seat restaurant is sure to provide a comfortable and pleasant experience. The cream walls and seating perfectly compliment the wooden floors and tables to form a peaceful atmosphere.
Housed in an 18th-century building alongside a museum of Asian artefacts (The Chester Beatty Library), Silk Road Café is an open, bright and airy restaurant. The food here is based on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, reflecting some of the countries represented in the museum. There is a selection of twelve dishes that changes daily, all of which are served with a selection of vegetables and rice or two of twelve vegetarian salads.
777
A Mexican restaurant and tequila cocktail bar, 777 is the perfect place for those who are adventurous at heart. The bold, colorful interior creates an energetic and exciting atmosphere, portion sizes are very generous and service is fun, friendly and efficient. Menu favorites include Indigenas – corn pancakes, crispy hickory smoked bacon with jalapeno infused agave syrup, and Bush Pig – pork burger, piquillo pepper relish, smoked bacon, pickled red onion and secret sauce.
A Hare Krishna run restaurant, Govinda’s sells vegetarian European and Indian-inspired dishes such as Tagliatelle in cream sauce, Moussaka, Veg ‘au’ Gratin, or Gauranga Potatoes (golden potato bake), all served with salad, subji vegetable dishes or rice. Govinda’s Restaurant has a relaxing, peaceful and spiritually enlightening atmosphere. Deserts include various cakes, apple pie with cream, cheesecake or ‘sweets of the day’ like Laddhu, Gulabjamum, Bounty Balls or Millionaire’s Shortbread.
Dada Moroccan Restaurant
Restaurant, Moroccan
A Moroccan style restaurant, Dada is decorated in Spanish-Moorish style with many arched alcoves, marble tabletops and hanging lamps. The decor is rich in reds and fallow browns. Inspired by cuisine from cultures across Africa, Europe and the Middle East, Dada Restaurant provides a unique fusion of dishes from around the world. There is a plentiful selection of main meals, from salads to lamb or seafood dishes, couscous or vegetable tagines. There is also a great desert selection, including white chocolate and berry cheesecake, vanilla panna cotta and fig compote.
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