After a seriously rocky start, what with all that sheet rain in July, August has semi-sorted itself out - it's still a roll of the dice every time you leave the house but we'll take what meager pickings we're thrown. As our gift to you, we've rounded up a culinary blueprint of places that are popping off this month, from new openings to pop ups, outdoor dining to burgers on the beach...
To welcome back an old friend:
Coppinger, Dublin 2
We were devo when Coppinger Row got turfed out of their buzzy little namesake lane just off South William Street back in 2021. Sure, we were able to bide our time with Row (which we big-time dig), but finally the balance has been restored with the original back in action. Giant prawns washed down with the best Bloody Mary's at a circular tables are once again some of the best fun you can have in this town - read our once over here.
To soak up the last of the summer sun:
Library Street, Setanta Place
August is for cramming in all the summer stuff you have yet to tick off your list, and if you've been sleeping on your small plates and wine in the sun box, use this as an excuse to make some plans. Library Street has some of the best food in the city that can be enjoyed outdoors and their wine list is right up there too. They open from 15:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, and it would be a crime against summer not to park yourself outside for a few heady hours.
For the penultimate summer garden party:
The Salt Project @ Roe and Co, Dublin 8
If you haven't had a chance to head into one of four Roe and Co's summer garden parties, we would enlist you in the "seriously missing out" camp, and this month, nomadic Irish food trailer The Salt Project is holding court. Led by Caomhán Di Bri, (ex chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin starred Maze), they'll be serving up Blaisíní - their version of small plates, all coupled with Roe & Co cocktails created especially for the menu. It runs from Thursday - Saturday from the 1st to the 24th of August, and you can book here. (Socafro Kitchen move in for the last residency in September)
For a one off summer tasting menu:
Margadh RHA, Dublin 2
Margadh are smart cookies. They change their tasting menu every six weeks or so (almost as frequently as the Scottish scallywags off Dawson Street), and throw in guest chefs who want to make their mark. Their latest Late Summer Tasting Menu features French trained guest chef Louis Wishart, and whatever a Parmesan bonbon and lovage shot is, we want it - ditto for the cherry & white chocolate ‘Margnum’. If it's half as good as that play on their name we're sold.
For brand new flavours in the 'burbs
Daruma, Malahide
Daruma has arrived to the seaside, ready to fill the much needed Japanese hole in Malahide. Unlike their sister restaurant/pub in Temple Bar, they describe themselves as "up casual" (we have no idea what that means), and menu additions include foie gras and eel maki; miso pork chops; and wagyu croquettes. There's also a BBQ grill option (only available outdoors) for €100 with A5 Omi Wagyu and all the bits. Definitely one to try with a group.
For burgers by the beach:
Puck Burger, Portmarnock
The next worthy beach day we get, you'll find us out in Portmarnock, where Puck serve some of the best burgers and fries on the northside. They're open Wednesday - Friday from 16:00, and Saturday and Sunday from 13:00, and there's brunch in the form of breakfast brioche at the weekend too. With beef, chicken, veggie, vegan, and gluten free options, you can go with literally anyone - schedule a drive by and get yourself to Portmarnock beach before those skin on fries lose their legendary crispiness.
For the biggest BBQ event of the year
Big Grill, Ballsbridge
Also known as Europe’s Largest BBQ Festival, Big Grill is having a great 2024 already, with their first overseas adventure to London in June a smash hit, AND it's their 10 year anniversary. You'll find loads of your favourites there like Hang Dai, Crudo, and Bahay, as well as private dining tasting menus as part of their Offside experiences. Cancel all plans between the 22nd and 25th of August and get a ticket that covers multiple days.
For when everyone's on holliers and you can finally get a reso
Uno Mas, Aungier Street
Sure you can go to Bambino or The Gravediggers whenever you want, but getting a weekend reservation at Uno Mas is not an easy feat. August is one of those golden months where everyone in your city is in a different city, partaking in an activity they like to call "holidays", and often forget about the reservations they made months earlier, cancelling them once that reminder email comes in. Cue the foodies, sweeping in to hoover up all the good tables at the last minute. If ever there was a month to pick up the phone and try your luck, August is the one.
