Five IMAGE staffers on the stand-out foodie experience they can’t stop thinking about

It’s safe to say that February was a very good month for food in the lives of the IMAGE staffers.

If you’ve been on the prowl for new restaurant recommendations, or are seeking some inspiration for an upcoming date night, here are five foodie experiences that team IMAGE haven’t stopped thinking about since…

Cavistons have recently opened a larger, modern and always buzzing restaurant a few doors up from their much loved food emporium. We love the little sharing plates. We have worked our way through the menu with one of the biggest surprises being the cabbage with caesar, anchovies and parmesan – who would have thought cabbage can taste so good! We also love the prawns with ginger and chilli, the smoked salmon and crispy trout pâté … so many, too many … my mouth is watering just thinking about it … there is also the oysters and the scallops and the crab claws… YUM!

— Marlene Wessels, Art Director, IMAGE Magazine

The folks at Rúibín — located by the docks in Galway city — have brought back a much loved weekly highlight in the form of their very special Tuesday suppers. Whipping up a different dish (and vegan/veggie alternative) each week, this installment was an absolutely mouth-watering short rib and nduja lasagne. I enjoyed it over a glass of red as my dear friend Meghan and I caught up after a much-too-long couple of months apart. Mains are a tenner and wine’s a fiver — it’s got all the glamour of a long-awaited date night with the added appeal of top notch value.

—Sarah Gill, Staff Writer, IMAGE.ie

It only opened at the end of last year, but my boyfriend and I have already been back to Nóinín in Kilkenny for lunch twice. Considering we live about an hour away from Kilkenny, this should tell you all you need to know. The menu has been different on every visit, and we have been blown away by everything we’ve tried. The fish finger sambo was a personal highlight, but I equally could recommend every other thing we’ve had. The staff are so friendly and welcoming, and the space itself is small, and pleasantly relaxed – it’s my new favourite place to eat.

— Megan Burns, Deputy Editor, IMAGE, IMAGE Interiors

I turned 27 last month which seemed occasion enough for a trip out to Michael’s to celebrate. As one of those people who always reads the menu before going somewhere, I knew what I wanted well in advance and the sharing seafood platter was nothing short of heavenly – it’s designed for two so grab a fellow foodie and make a beeline for Mount Merrion.

— Sarah Finnan, Acting Deputy Digital Editor, IMAGE.ie

A friend of mine recently brought me to the Team Room in Dublin city centre and it was such a relaxing experience. There are small alcoves tucked away upstairs, where we sat on cushions and sipped on hot tea served in gorgeous clay teapots. Their tea menu is miles long, so you can choose a few new ones to try each time you go – if you like something sweet, I recommend the Masala or Irish Cream Tea. They also serve fresh hummus, pita bread and nibbles to pick at. It was the perfect place to meet up with old friends and chat the day away. Oh and there’s a little shop where you can buy loose tea to bring home with you!

— Shayna Sappington, Senior Branded Content Writer, IMAGE.ie