FRENCH RESTAURANTS
Carlotta Cutrale / May 6, 2022
If you’re looking for some of the best French restaurants in Dublin then look no further. Here is a list of some of the best French Cuisine restaurants in Ireland!
Shouk
This little haven of fresh vegetables, bright colours and cushions creates the warm and friendly ambiance that its name suggests. The word shouk, meaning market or market places in Hebrew, is the perfect place to graze on mezze, hummus, falafel or those intoxicatingly delicate blends of Middle Eastern spices that are hard to find here in Ireland. The owner, Alon Salman, who was born near Tel Aviv to an Irish mother and Israeli father, created this little haven with his own hands – and you can feel that love and devotion in every aspect of Shouk.
Location: 40 Drumcondra Rd Lower, Drumcondra
JERUSALEM
Jerusalem is a fusion of Palestinian and Lebanese food, owned by Palestinian born Basil Ziadeh, who is also the owner of the popular Middle Eastern restaurant, Damascus Gate. Everything in this Middle Eastern restaurant is made from scratch and with fresh ingredients. Try one of the house specialties, the manakessh bilzatar, which gives a nod to its Irish location with its pizza form, but is loaded with aromatic thyme and sesame seeds. The food may not be the most meticulously presented, but it truly is delicious.
Location: 77 Lower Camden Street
Rotana Cafe
This friendly Lebanese restaurant was opened by Mohammed Abuissa in 2008 and quickly became one of Dublin’s most popular Middle Eastern restaurants. Whilst it is well known for its mouth watering falafel and homemade baklava, Rotana has amazing reviews across all platforms. They even have a shisha lounge on the outside terrace, now how’s that for a taste of home?
UMI FALAFEL
Umi, the Arabic word for mother, may help you understand what Umi Falafel is all about. Fresh falafel is prepared every day with a loving mix of onion, garlic and rich spices. This cheap Middle Eastern eatery is perfect for some wholesome, filling and delicious flavours from home.
Location: Callaghan House 13 Dame Street, Dublin D02HX67, Ireland
Shakshuka, formerly known as Little Jerusalem
Shakshuka is another cosy Palestinian joint whose proclaimed aim “to preserve, maintain and promote the Palestinian culture through food, art and music”. This is reflected by the vibrant wall art, comfy cushions and twinkling light features. This Middle Eastern restaurant bases its look on Bedouin tent culture, and is deliciously comforting to be inside. The owners are also responsible for the successful Middle Eastern restaurant, The Silk Road Café, so you know that you’re in good hands food wise.
Location: 3 Wynnefield Rd, Rathmines, D06 F2Y2
The Cedar Tree
Sitting in this Lebanese restaurant, with its understated marble walls and mosaic floors, you feel like you could be chewing on dolmades anywhere in the Middle East. With its generous portions and its relaxed atmosphere, The Cedar Tree is a credit to family style Lebanese food well done. Lebanese wines are available at competitive prices and even has a little bit of bellydancing on Saturdays for entertainment.
THE DAMASCUS GATE
The warm welcome that awaits you and the fresh baklava decorating the counter is enough to create a great first impression when you walk through the doors of Damascus Gate. Known affectionately as the little sister (despite being an older establishment) to Jerusalem, this Middle Eastern restaurant beautifully captures the flavours of Syria. With their generous portions and a microphone on standby for Middle Eastern karaoke nights, this place is a can’t-miss.
Zaytoon
This Persian grab-and-go restaurant is perhaps one of the only places in Dublin, let alone Ireland, that can boast of Persian food. This Middle Eastern restaurant proudly uses fresh ingredients, Irish suppliers and never freeze or fry their food. Started by fellow Iranians and best friends, Jamshid Kamvar and Azad Shirazi, you can taste their synergy and passion in their creation. Leave your guilt at the door, they say. They are healthy and use eco friendly packaging. Noosh-e-jan!
Location: 14/15 Parliament Street | 44/45 Lower Camden Street
DO FALAFEl
Here is another grab-and-go Middle Eastern restaurant that definitely satisfies the quota for Middle Eastern comfort. It’s cheap, tasty and the people who run it are known for their hospitality and kindness. What’s not to like?
Location: 63 Richmond St South, Dublin 2
Keshk
Although Egyptian cuisine is more traditionally regarded as North African, this place claims to do a little bit of both, serving as a bridge between North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. While it may not be the cheapest, it definitely does not disappoint with its large portions, informal atmosphere and flavoursome dishes.
Location: 71 Mespil Road, Dublin, Ireland
This lovely small spot of Paris is located in the heart of Dublin, Temple Bar. With its round small tables and their coordinated white thatched chairs at the side of the road, it will welcome you to have a sit and try the very best French cuisine. A pleasant and informal atmosphere in a bistro, that will just teleport you in Montmartre with some french music on the background. Specialities of the chef will, of course, be Escargots de Bourgogne.
Location: 1 Palace St, Dublin 2
In Cork City is possible to find a delicious French-inspired restaurant. Jacques Restaurant opened for more than 36 years, is a backbone for the spreading of French cuisine in Ireland. Exploiting only Irish good ingredients, they rearrange them in some french tasty dishes such as the generous dish of hake main served with cabbage, new potatoes and capers.
Location: 23 Oliver Plunkett St, Centre, Cork
This small spot has been ranked as the fist and best bistro of Limerick. This family-run business has a charming variety of crepe fillings and a handy galettes takeaway options. If you maybe fancy something resembling more a main dish, you can’t not try the Coq au Vin, a chicken stew marinated in red French wine. Close your eyes, can you see now the Quai d’Orsay and its colourful street food stands, on a sunny spring morning? I thought so.
Location: 9 James’s Terrace, Malahide, Co. Dublin
With its all-exposed bricks and dark wood decor radiating more than a touch of industrial chic, this is a very corner of France in Ireland. From brunches to generous dinners, this joint brings the finest French Bistro food and wine with a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Highlights: for the Lunch menu, the highest quality cutting board goat Fromage variety and the Croque Monsieurs! For the Dinner Menu, the Hake Bonne Femme is a must.
Location: Fade St, Dublin
This welcoming and comfortable spot in Galway is a creperie. For every tastes and preference. Both savoury (galettes) and sweet crepes, as well as scrumptious homemade desserts, pastries and salads: if you are looking for a quick lunch or flavoursome bite, Java’s is here for you. It’s delicious, it’s open late, it’s a little bit romantic…if this is not France, what it is?
Location: 17 Upper Abbeygate Street, Galway City
If you’re dreaming about the fancy stereotypical French night of your life, maybe a meal at the Oak Room is what you need. This restaurant, carved in the stunning scenario of the Adare Manor in Limerick county, obtained its first Michelin Star, but it didn’t need that award to spread its great level of fine French Cuisine.
Location: 24 Bridge St, Abbeyland, Cavan
This Brasserie in Dublin will surprise with its avantgarde plats presentations and astonishing implementation of fresh and authentic ingredients. With its focus on innovative and well-presented dishes of modern French cuisine, this joint boast a significant amount of french wines, finely aged, and many food options. Try their excellent oysters and the pan-fried with the Foie Gras and last but not least the rhubarb and strawberry compote.
Location: 20 Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2
This multiple floor French-inspired café is a fantastic gem. The creperie on the ground floor, the first-floor restaurant where you can enjoy not only their duck à l’Orange but also, later in the afternoon, a relaxing tea treating yourself with a fine piece of the best Frech patisserie. Don’t forget the last third floor, the Al Fresco panoramic dining room where to enjoy the magic view of Belfast, just like on the third level of the Tour Eiffel.
Location: Cleaver House, 56 Donegall Pl, Belfast
This place’s fish dishes take inspiration from the far-away Brittany and Normandy culinary traditions. Armorica, this peaceful and iconic joint wants to offer a piece of french tradition to its clients. Normandy chowder with mussels, poached hake in aubergine caviar, and scallops with chargrilled scallions and celeriac purée are just a few of the delicious options you’ll find. For a relaxed and succulent meal or a getaway weekend.
Location: an tSráid Mhór, Oranmore, Galway
Regardless of its name deriving from a potential Woody Allen’s movie set in France, this joint was the result of a romantic love story. Run by Oliver and Deirdre, who met each other around the world, it’s one of the most reviewed and appreciated restaurants, capable of bringing a little taste of authentic France in Ireland. The seafood and the goat cheese boards with one of the superb bottles of wine are exactly what you were looking for.
Location: 1 Steamboat Quay, Dock Rd, Limerick
