Buy a voucher or make plans to visit these amazing places to eat, as January may be a tough time for restaurants
We didn’t think we’d still be typing sentences like this after so long, but once again the hospitality industry is struggling with cancellations and restrictions. It’s easy to feel fed up and a bit helpless in this situation, but one thing we can do to help support our favourite places is to buy vouchers to use when everything calms down and restrictions ease once more.
Here are some of the most exciting restaurants in Ireland, and whether it’s a gift for you or a loved one, it will be appreciated by all involved.
New Order District, Offaly
This gorgeous café space in Syngefield has become the heart of the community, with a fun supper club and picture-perfect Sunday brunch menu. Avail of click and collect if you live near by, and you can also purchase vouchers for collection or to be delivered by post — which would be a lovely lift to receive in the New Year!
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Hara Restaurant, Hillsborough, Co Down
This restaurant really is something special. With its idyllic setting in the charming village of Hillsborough, and exceptional food prepared by chef/owners, Andy and Roz Turner, this is an exceptional yet understated restaurant. Try Hara at Home which is available at weekends and requires just a little unboxing and heating, or buy a gift voucher here.
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The Green Barn, Kildare
Come for the stunning decor and stay for the exceptional food. Aesthetically pleasing as it is delicious, the amazing restaurant focuses on seasonal produce. Whether you’re going for brunch or dinner, this place really is tough to beat. Buy gift vouchers here.
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Éan, Galway
Located on Druid Lane next to Druid Theatre Company, this gorgeous bakery, restaurant and wine bar celebrates the seasons in its menu. We love that the focus is on small and large sharing plates in the evening service, with grilled vegetables, meat and fish from local farmers and fishermen. Book vouchers here.
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Six by Nico
This new Dublin restaurant has an interesting concept, serving the same six-course tasting menu for six weeks before changing it up. The current offering, The Chipper, features stunning meals inspired by takeaway favourites. For example, the scampi dish includes crispy monkfish cheek, dill emulsion, gribiche, peas and beurre blanc. The tasting menu costs just €45, with matching wines costing €39. The Chipper menu runs until 9th January and appears to be booked out — so keep an eye out for its next iteration.
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The Mustard Seed, Limerick
This beautiful foodie destination is a true hidden gem. With a warm welcome, relaxed atmosphere and phenomenal food, a voucher for the Mustard Seed is a lovely idea for someone who deserves a break. Book vouchers here.
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Good Day Deli, Cork
This café is situated in the beautiful gardens at Nano Nagle place, so you feel surrounded by nature in the heart of Cork City. With an excellent brunch menu and delicious bakes, this is a lovely spot to catch up with a friend. You can purchase vouchers here.
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Volpe Nera, Blackrock, Dublin
Head chef Barry Sun serves contemprary fare that celebrates Irish produce with flair. Get lots of the bites to share, with flavourful oysters, homemade bread with cep mushroom butter and salted hake croquettes. Main dishes include a cote de boeuf for two or a suckling pig dish, and the beef dripping potatoes are a must. If it’s a special occasion, book the upstairs room for an intimate dinner. Vouchers can be booked here.
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The Old Couch Café, Waterford
This gorgeous restaurant opened in February 2020 but despite the pandemic, quickly gained a great reputation for ther six-course set menu. With exciting dishes, the best local ingredients and exceptional style, this is one not to miss. Currently, they are offering a more casual lunch and early dinner menu until 30 December — keep an eye on the Instagram page for updates and message to book. While they’re not currently running vouchers, they are hoping to return with a ten-course menu from February 2022.
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