Contrary to what you can see out the window, it is in fact the middle of summer, and just because the weather hasn't realised it, doesn't mean you shouldn't go out and act like you're living your best summer life. From revolutionary menu changes to summer snacks, and exciting new openers you need to get to stat, this is where we recommend getting your butts to this July.
For the glow up no one was expecting:
Lotus Eaters, Dublin 2
The ever reliable Pig's Ear is going through a serious rebrand. Last month Toast popped up downstairs in Silk Purse with these Grade A sambos, and now upstairs where The Pig's Ear was they've done a complete reset with Lotus Eaters - a Japanese inspired charcoal grill restaurant with a very interesting sounding menu. Their specialty is a wagyu hamburger with additions like bone marrow, truffle, and caviar (swit swoo), as well as crab omelettes and grilled scallops with pig's head. They open Tuesday - Saturday from 17:30-21:00, with a lunch service on Saturdays.
For the glitziest new opening in town:
Floritz, St. Stephen's Green
Flortiz opened up just above Cellar 22 in June with an Asian-inspired menu (that seems to have markedly decreased in size since we visited last month). The luxe dining room is akin to an opulent indoor jungle, inspired by adventurer Thomas Lighton - a former tenant of the building - and it's not often a glitzy setting like this delivers the same premium standard when it comes to what's on the plates. Led by chef Matt Fuller, former owner of Boqueria in Stoneybatter (RIP), it's up there with the most exciting new opening of the year so far. Read our once over here.
For the groundbreaking new menu addition:
Bunsen, various locations
When Bunsen announced their earth shatteringly big reveal, we honestly could not contain the anticipation. Was it finally a burger for the veggies? A crazy collab? Chicken nuggets?? So boy were we surprised when it was literally just a slice of bacon. Jokes aside, Bunsen have long made one of the best burgers in the city, so this is just another excuse for a visit to remind yourself of that.
For the ultimate summer snack
Rolls, Howth
Summer pop up Rolls has popped up outside Nicky's Plaice on the West Pier in Howth, courtesy of the A1 team at Mamó. Serving summery lobster rolls with a crunchy celery salad on toasted brioche, along with smoked monkfish bánh mís, they're open from 11:00 - 16:00, Wednesday to Sunday, and have been selling out so don't delay in joining the queue. See yas on the DART.
To ring in Bastille Day on the 14th:
Piglet, Cow's Lane
Alliance Française call Bastille Day the largest French event in Ireland - and it would be rude not to celebrate with the Frenchies of Dublin on their national independence day in none other than Piglet on Cow's Lane. We love their truffle devilled eggs, beef tartare, and tonka bean crème brûlée, not to mention their wine list, which is très intéressant.
For getting a shout out in the New York Times:
Grano, Stoneybatter
Last week the New York Times published a piece on how to spend 36 hours in Dublin, and if you ask us they got it pretty spot on. Pasta bastions Grano were one of the places getting a well deserved shout out, described as "drawing inspiration from Dublin's shifting international identity". It's always hard to get a table here and this article will not help our struggle, but we're prepared to slip in whenever we can grab an opening, and you should be too.
For fire-filled Thai flavours:
Achara, Dublin 2
We recently welcomed another charcoal-grill restaurant from the folks behind Happy’s and Crudo. Achara is all about Thai flavours booked over a charcoal grill (custom made by Smokin' Soul in Wexford), using premium Irish produce like Salter's free-range pork and Glenmar seafood. Our ATF Insiders got first access to their soft launch last weekend which was a smoking success, and now it's open to all. Book here.
For Filipino summer feels:
Bahay, Hen's Teeth
This summer, Hen's Teeth have teamed up with the brilliant Bahay to feed all of their events as well as hosting pop up dinners each weekend. Usually paired with a DJ night, you can party on down in Blackpitts with banging beats and banging eats, Filipino style. At least you'll have one decent memory from summer 2024. Check their website for upcoming dinner dates.
