The team shares the meals they haven’t been able to stop thinking about all year long. Recommendations abound, but be cautious, mouths may water while reading.
Lizzie Gore-Grimes, Editor-in-Chief
Best meal of the year? I don’t even have to think about it. A recent night out in November to Paradiso in Cork. Not only hands-down the best vegetarian restaurant in Ireland, but one of the best restaurants in Ireland, full stop. I am a dedicated carnivore, but there is no missing meat when you eat at Paradiso. The inventiveness of the cooking, the layering of flavours and textures and the sublime presentation make eating out here such a treat.
Since founding the restaurant in 1993, Denis Cotter was always the culinary visionary in the kitchen, but has recently handed the reins over to his protege Dave O’Mahony, who is doing a stellar job. Dishes with humble titles, such as “Leeks, mushrooms, potato, spice butter” belie exceptional cooking and exciting flavours.
But it’s not just the food; they have nailed the whole package at Paradiso. The room, painted in rich, dark hues is intimate and inviting, lighting is spot on, and subtle soundproofing means you can enjoy the hubbub while still hearing your own table perfectly. Clever design touches set the tone (the menu slides into a secret compartment in the table at each place setting) and wine from their concise and well-considered list is offered by the glass, quartino (250ml), mezzo (500ml) or full bottle – inspired! The (six course) set menu is priced at €68 and offers fantastic value for food at this level. But it is the memory of the exceptional service and staff that perhaps leaves the biggest impression; with an informed and friendly team making sure you feel looked after at every turn. You can tell when people love their job, and why wouldn’t they. If Carlsberg did restaurants… this is it.
Sarah Gill, Deputy Digital Editor
Looking back on my camera roll from the year, it would appear that 2025 was the year that I did nothing but eat tasty, tasty food. One complete and utter highlight was a meal in the Landline restaurant at Park Hotel Kenmare. The name comes from a Sean Scully piece, celebrating food from where the land meets the sea, and the seafood is genuinely off the charts. The roast scallop starter was a feast for the senses, paired with fennel, apple, Oscierta caviar and a seaweed butter sauce, the presentation alone was utter perfection. For mains, it was my first time having black sole, and I have been dreaming of it since. The setting itself is one to marvel at. With views out to the Caha Mountains and Kenmare Bay, the restaurant’s walls are decked out in some seriously impressive art from renowned artists. There’s so much to soak up before you’ve even picked up your fork, and the cocktail bar is ready and waiting if you’re partial to a liquid dessert.
Alannah Owens, Freelance Junior Marketing Account Executive
My best meal of the year was at Emiliano’s, my favorite Italian restaurant in Waterford city centre. It has been running for over 20 years and is truly incredible. The food is always phenomenal, and the amazing value makes it even better. While it can be hard to get a table because the locals know how good it is, I think it’s a true hidden gem that others should know about. It offers an authentic Italian experience with Italian owners and 10/10 service.
Ellen Ince, Event Manager
If you haven’t been to Boss Stop on Camden Street yet, you’re missing out. The beef dumplings make the perfect starter, and the black bean beef main is the kind of dish you’d dream about, so full of flavor and seriously addictive. What really makes the place special is its staff who are always so warm and welcoming, adding to the laid?back vibe. Boss Stop is absolutely a must-try spot!
Katie Brady, Marketing & Memberships Executive
The illusive Assassination Custard has been on my radar for years. This summer, I was finally able to tick it off my bucket list – and boy was it worth the wait. The charm of the cafe knows no bounds, from the interiors to the staff. I sampled the charred aubergine, the mussels (my favourite) and left armed with extra cake as, despite the small plates design, I was stuffed. I will definitely be visiting again.
Lauren Heskin, Editor, IMAGE Magazine
My best meal of the year came in one of those red, reusable plastic trays, wrapped in greaseproof paper with a simple side salad and it was divine. Courtesy of Inishwallah, the converted double-decker bus on the island of Inishbofin, the mutton was the definition of melt-in-the-mouth, lightly spiced without being overpowering, which is a twist given to most of owner-chef Kartika Menon’s Asian-inspired cuisine and the side salad was the side salad to end all side salads. Beautifully seasoned, not too much dressing. Just writing this is making me wish I was eating it right now.
Megan Burns, Editor, IMAGE Interiors; Managing Editor, IMAGE
I’ve had some excellent meals this year, but the best were enjoyed on a trip to Donegal in November for our minimoon. The first is the series of incredible breakfasts we had while staying at Breac House. Each breakfast feels like such a treat, not only is it delivered to your room via a hatch, so you can enjoy it from your room looking out at the incredible views, but it’s made by owners Cathrine and Niall each morning and included delights such as roast spiced plums with homemade granola, smoked Donegal mackerel with pickled rhubarb, and a selection of homemade breads and preserves – I would have taken home buckets of the loganberry jam if I could. Plus your choice of excellent loose leaf tea or coffee, I drank an enormous pot of tea each morning on my own – heaven. The other was lunch in Fisk, a tiny seafood bar where I had incredible oysters and mussels that I’m still dreaming about.
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