The Michelin Guide has unveiled its pick of the best seafood restaurants in the Republic of Ireland, in a new guide perfectly timed for all your seaside day-tripping and staycations this summer.
The prestigious guide frequently shares round-ups of its favourite and most celebrated restaurants, as well as bestowing the coveted Michelin stars and Bib Gourmands – an accolade that highlights restaurants serving high quality food at a more accessible price.
Writing about the selection, the editors noted that "the Republic of Ireland is extremely proud of its bountiful larder fro the land and sea", adding that our cuisine is "particularly renowned for the superb quality of its seafood", whether it's our plump Dublin Bay prawns or our native oysters.
The list included six spots dotted along the coast and at a variety of price points.
Had the pleasure of eating @cushballycotton last night and I can honestly say it was some of the nicest food I've ever tasted 😋 Well worth a visit and super value for the earlybird at €40 👌 pic.twitter.com/TKg4kB92WL
— Karen Twomey (@comm_hub) April 1, 2023
East Cork's Cush, overlooking the dramatic Ballycotton Harbour, was among them, with editors celebrating the diverse plethora of seafood dishes on the menu.
They write: "Dishes like grilled fish of the day with wild garlic and smoked bacon chowder show off the kitchen's skills in allowing their top-notch ingredients to shine. Add a small bar and some cosy sea-view bedrooms into the picture, and you have the makings of your next 'happy place’."
Vaughan's Anchor Inn in Liscanoor, Co Clare, made the cut, nestled as it is close to the Cliffs of Moher and located in a small fishing village.
Described as a "stylish, modern bistro", the restaurant was praised for its local seafood, particularly the crab and chips – "steamed first and then fried in beef dripping".
What a pleasure to have this gent today for lunch @vaughansanchor @BobGeldofFans @geldof pic.twitter.com/AlevoMcTPr
— Vaughans Anchor Inn (@vaughansanchor) May 6, 2018
Continuing the coastal theme, Max's in Kinsale, Co Cork earned a spot thanks to its "unfussy, classical seafood menu" accented by international flavours, all served out of the charming and historical two-roomed bistro.
Adrift, in Dunmore, Co Cork, is another family-owned restaurant on the list. Located in the Dunmore House Hotel and overlooking Clonakilty Bay, it's particularly celebrated for its "unfussy" cuisine and bright, airy dining room.
Out of the Blue, in the seaside enclave of Dingle, Co Kerry, was praised for its focus on ingredients that come from the sea – and with its bright blue exterior, it's a hard spot to miss. The editors also highlighted its fresh menus that are decided on and written up every morning.
Finally, Goldie in Cork might be the only spot without a sea view but its menu spills over with fresh produce from the Cork coastline. Its modern dining room features an "open kitchen and pared-back décor", while its internationally-inspired menu makes the most of techniques like pickling and curing.
For more inspiration, read the full list of seafood restaurants here.
