Ranelagh in Dublin 6 has long been known as something of a goldmine for foodies – the main drag through the village is chock-a-block with cool restaurants and bars offering a wide variety of culinary delights.
And while it’s not in the city centre, Ranelagh isn’t too far out, plus it’s well served by buses and the Luas Green Line's Ranelagh and Beechwood stops.
In other words, it’s the perfect destination for a relaxing night out in the city.
Er Buchetto Caffè Italiano, 55 Ranelagh
This cute little place recently made a temporary move down the street from 71 to 55 to merge with its sister café Scoff, so that they can bring their beloved ‘Purple Place’ up to standard for the era of social distancing.
Although the address may have changed for a while, though, the coffee hasn’t. You can expect to find authentic Italian caffè just the way you like it, along with a range of snacks and light meals.
MIMA Coffee Company, 1 Dunville Avenue
Conveniently situated next to the Beechwood Luas stop, you can watch the trams come and go as you tuck into a tasty and filling breakfast in this cool neighbourhood joint.
Even better, they launched a take-away service in May, so you can enjoy delights like smashed avocado with poached eggs and a hint of chilli on sourdough bread, or French toast with mascarpone, mixed berries and flaked almonds from the comfort of your own home.
Peperina Garden Bistro, 25 Dunville Avenue
Just down the street from MIMA is Peperina, opened in 2012 by Argentinian chef Diego Cabrera, and named after a varety of wild mint native to Cordoba, Argentina.
The brunch menu is a sight to behold, full of delicious dishes including pancakes with fresh berries, banana, yoghurt and maple syrup; eggs benedict with prosciutto ham or baby spinach and crispy potatoes; steak and eggs and more.
And if you’re really being good to yourself, you can wash it all down with a decadent strawberry mimosa.
Kinara Kitchen, 17 Ranelagh
With three restaurants around the city, Kinara is a byword for quality when it comes to Pakistani and Indian cuisine.
On the lunch menu you’ll find a range of the usual favourites like creamy korma, rich bhuna and spicy tikka chicken, as well the Pakistani classic and Kinara’s signature dish, biryani – a rice dish packed full of herbs and spices.
There’s also a delicious saffron soup or the great value Thali Lunch at €12.95 – the traditional Pakistani way of serving lunch with one main dish, a side dish, rice and nan bread.
GiGi, 53 Ranelagh
An authentic Italian restaurant with the kind of starters you wish would go on forever.
How about the Bresaola Rucola e Formaggio – thin-sliced Alpine air-cured beef with rocket, salt, pepper, lemon juice and shaved cheese; Il Tagliere di Gigi - a selection of cured meats sliced to order; or perhaps the Arancini di Riso alla Milanese – homemade saffron rice balls stuffed with mozzarella cheese and served with aioli – is more to your taste?
The Wild Goose Grill, 1 Sandford Road
In a part of the city well served by Italian and other specialist cuisines, here’s a refined, fine dining establishment serving some of the best Irish food around.
Given the name of the place, the duo of goose (€29) immediately draws the eye – “crispy confit of leg and slices of breast, wild mushrooms, goose fat potatoes, green beans with garlic, served with a star anise and Cointreau sauce”.
Elsewhere, you can opt for parcels of spinach, wild mushroom and ricotta wrapped in feuilles de brick pastry with tomato ragu, roast almonds and basil aioli; pan-seared fillet of hake with a sesame crust, served with scallop potatoes, roasted fennel, basil aioli and a lemon, garlic and white wine sauce; or perhaps char-grilled côte de boeuf of irish beef for two, with all the trimmings.
Scoop, 22 Sandford Road
“Gelato – Crêpes – Coffee – Milkshakes” reads the mural on Scoop’s outer wall, and that’s just what they deliver.
Sumptuous Italian ice cream is the star here, in a huge range of varieties and combinations. If you’re really going all-out, you can build your own sundae with three scoops of your choice, a sauce, two toppings and fresh cream on top.
TriBeCa, 65 Ranelagh
Named after the hip area of New York, TriBeCa is an American-style diner with a strong reputation for its cocktails and an extensive wine list - and the perfect spot to round off your tasty tour of Ranelagh.
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