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Who question of serves the best sushi in Dublin is the subject of fi erce debate, but Aya just about shade it, with fi sh so fresh you can almost hear the seagulls following in the trawler’s wake. They also score 10 out of 10 for meat dishes like sautéed pork & ginger cabbage, which highlight the city centre eatery’s deftness of touch. The brash Dr. No meets Blade Runner décor might not be to everybody’s liking, but for the real Oriental deal Aya is hard to beat.
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It may look rather dowdy from the outside, but step into Chapter One’s maze of rooms and you’ll be captivated by the grandiose décor, genuinely welcoming staff and delicious aromas emanating from owner-chef Ross Lewis’ kitchen. Dishes like quail salad, pickled girolles, pancetta & hazelnut dressing underline the ambition of his complex yet never overly fussy cooking. Their pre- and post- theatre menus are ideal for anyone taking in a show at the nearby Gate Theatre.
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Despite being surrounded by competition, it’s rare to find Diep Le Shaker with a table spare or a waiter who doesn’t look like they’re training for an Olympic endurance event. Busy as it is, dishes like marinated chicken stuffed with Thai herbs, turmeric, peppers & honey always match the ambition of the ingredients, and aren’t afraid to turn up the heat when necessary. There’s also been a lot of thought put into the longer-than-usual wine list, and wickedly decadent cocktail menu. No wonder then that the chi-chi media crowd flock to it in droves.
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The dining experience may be informal, but the food is spot on at this trattoria-style restaurant, which is down the road from Dublin’s premier seat of learning, Trinity College. Superb antipasti, daily primi piatti specials and a wine-list that runs to 20 pages mean that its tables are always in demand.
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Family mealtime arguments are a thing of the past with one communal seating area and 15 restaurant-standard stalls serving everything from bagels and fajitas to take-no-prisoner curries. Open daily from 10am to 6pm, it’s great value for money and has a play area to keep junior happy.
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