Bangers and mash. Fish and chips. Hearty scones. Ireland’s not exactly renowned for its waist-friendly fare—but that’s all changing with a dynamic Dublin food scene that recognizes contemporary trends while honoring local producers and purveyors. Here are top Dublin restaurants serving healthy options this St. Patrick’s Day and beyond.
The Cellar Bar at the Merrion Hotel
Those are microgreens, not shamrocks, on top of Cellar Bar’s vegan salad. Ho-hum pub grub would be burgers and fries, but here, chef Ed Cooney whips up healthy (and often, hearty) fare using local ingredients. Check out the salad with chai and hemp seeds, squash, beets, avocado, broccoli, pomegranate with an almond lime and chile dressing. There’s also the skinny soup with a multigrain bread, as well as the fillet of turbot – all healthy pairings when washed back with a glass of wine or a pint. Make a reservation at The Cellar Bar at the Merrion Hotel.
Rustic Stone by Dylan McGrath
Seasonal ingredients sing and Michelin-starred McGrath lets their flavors shine without using much sugar and cream, with a menu that’s 90 percent gluten- and wheat-free, and 70 percent dairy-free. The results are vibrant colors, textures, and flavors, including the boisterous beetroot salad: Shaved fennel, baby gems, floppy lettuce, avocado, radicchio, chicory with pink grapefruit, pink radish, dill, beetroot, and caramel pine nut are dressed in its own beetroot juice split with heart-healthy olive oil. Make a reservation at Rustic Stone by Dylan McGrath.
Stir
It may feature bangers and potatoes, but the Dublin Coddle is the original food “recycling”—a savory casserole of leftovers meant so that nothing is wasted. Stir’s version is wonderfully browned and the spuds slices of heaven. The Coddle is a special addition to Stir’s menu for St. Patrick’s Day. Make a reservation at Stir.
Sova Food Vegan Butcher
A great fit for vegans and veggies — or those just celebrating meatless Mondays — Sova’s bites look as good as they are for you. Bloody-good seitan steak is served with truffled mashed potatoes, pepper sauce, and kale crisps. Or, try the roasted cauliflower soup with cucumber and cashew salsa, or potato gnocchi with mushrooms and saffron ragu, both available on the lunch and dinner menus. Make a reservation at Sova Food Vegan Butcher.