The Best Unforgettable Restaurants

Feel like sitting down to an elegantly prepared seafood entree? Or is meat-and-potatoes comfort food more your style? No matter what you’re craving, you won’t go hungry in Ireland.

Brown’s Bar and Brasserie (Derry): How does honey-glazed lamb with mint jus and a tomato, mint, and mozzarella tart sound? This sleek, modern restaurant has a menu full of dishes like these imaginative creations that take advantage of local ingredients.

Cayenne (Antrim): There’s a reason that all those decked-out folks are crowded into the entranceway of this restaurant: The fusion cuisine here is daring and luscious, featuring bold dishes such as an appetizer of cinnamon quail with carrot, honey, and ginger salad.

Fishy Fishy Café (Cork): Come here for sparkling fresh fish prepared beautifully and served in a bright, sea- and sky-blue room.

Georgina’s Bakehouse & Tea Room: Yes, it’s “just” a tearoom, but you’ll understand why I include Georgina’s in the Best Of chapter once you meet some of its baked goods face to face.

L’Gueulton (Dublin): Come at some obscure time (Tues night at 6:17 p.m., say) to ensure yourself a seat at this casually elegant restaurant, where the friendly staff serves up perfectly prepared dishes made with excellent fresh ingredients.

Man Friday (Cork): There’s no fancy footwork at this seafood-andmeat restaurant, just excellent ingredients cooked in a way that allows their flavor to shine, such as the black sole cooked on the bone. The interior is warm, romantic, and cozy, lit by lantern-style lamps.