Spring has sprung (mother effing finally) and we are beyond over the misery that was winter (including last week's springtime snow). With Easter falling in March this month along with Mother's Day and Paddy's Day, there are all too many reasons to get together and celebrate. We've rounded up a list the best places to eat over March, because lord knows you'll need them...
For the grand aul stretch in the evenings:
Bonobo, Dublin 7
Beer gardens are back baby! Well... very nearly. Enjoy the slightly longer evenings under the heaters on Bonobo's outdoor terrace with one of their killer cocktails (or a beer from their extensive list) while chowing down on some of the best pizza this doozy of a city has to offer.
For some national pride on Paddy's Day:
L. Mulligan. Grocer, Stoneybatter
You'll be hard pressed to find a traditional Irish restaurant that's a) not gimmicky af, b) frequented only by tourists, and c) actually decent. We love Mulligan's dedication to the cause, with an Irish leaning menu full of the best producers our little green teddy bear of a country has to offer. From their All Irish Negroni featuring Valentia Island Vermouth) to their black pudding arancini, Connemara moules-frites to bacon and cabbage the way it should be done, this eatery disguised as an old man pub is the perfect spot to celebrate our national holiday.
To help rejoice our lack of snakes:
The Winding Stair, Dublin 1
Another restaurant where you can embrace our nation's cuisine is the Winding Stair, who try to keep the produce on their menus as Irish as possible - and they do a darn good job of it. The menu features McCarthy's Black Pudding Croquettes, Irish charcuterie boards and Macroom Buffalo burrata, as well as Móinéir Irish Strawberry Wine, which you'll find on only a handful of wine lists in the capital. Grab a seat by the window and feel smug while watching the flocks of tourists crossing the Liffey to pay €10 for pints.
To support the ladies on International Women's day:
La Gordita, Dublin 2
Anna and Vanessa are slowly creating a Spanish empire in Dublin, and their second restaurant La Gordita was recently awarded a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide, which was no surprise to anyone. Go here, sit at the bar, order a bunch of small plates (do not skip the fried aubergine with honey) and champion the chicks of our city for International Women's Day on the 8th of March.
The Northside spot to bring your mammy for Mother's Day:
The Washerwoman, Glasnevin
A couple of minutes up the hill from the Botanic Gardens is the Washerwoman, brought to you by the same folks behind the The Winding Stair and The Legal Eagle. Head here with the woman who birthed you and treat her to brunch, with options like baked egg shakshuka, pancakes, The Washerwoman fry, and eggs Florentine. Added bonus of views of the beautiful Met Éireann spaceship/building across the road.
The Southside spot to bring your mammy for Mother's Day:
Orwell road, Rathgar
Another spot to be added to the Michelin Guide, Orwell road are pulling out all the stops this Mother's Day. This Rathgar restaurant are offering FREE MAIN COURSES for every mother that dines on the 10th of March. Hop to it, this one is bound to book out faster than your Ma used to raise a wooden spoon to your arse when you gave her cheek.
For an Easter celebration:
Eleven, Loughlinstown
No other weekend of the year screams Sunday roast more than the Easter bank holiday, so head to Eleven in Loughlinstown and avoid all of the washing up. There's no lamb on the regular Sunday roast menu, but we're hoping they'll rise to the occasion. In case they don't you can dive headfirst into beef, chicken or pork, with Yorkshire puds, duck fat roasties, gravy, stuffing, peas and carrots. Be sure to start with the tuna tostadas - there is no trip to Eleven without them. (P.s. for parents, their website says they only welcome children over 10 but they've told us all are welcome and they need to change that.)
