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Food

What’s happening in food

From world-famous chefs to the culinary masterpieces from dozens of cultures, Dublin’s streets are alive with the sights, smells and tastes of foods from around the world.

Each year Dublin celebrates food and drink with the Taste of Dublin, a festival held each year at the Iveagh Gardens. From culinary demonstrations to samples from some of the city’s best restaurants, the festival features both national and international dishes.

The city centre is at the heart of Dublin’s food and drink scene, with family favourites, cutting edge restaurants and international. This is particularly true along Meath Street and Camden Street, two of the city’s most famous culinary hubs. Some of Ireland’s best restaurants are found in Dublin, including Thornton’s Restaurant. Head chef Kevin Thornton is one of the country’s most acclaimed culinary masters, and the first Irish chef to be awarded two Michelin stars. The city is also home to other Michelin star winners, including Dylan McGrath and Ross Lewis. Some of the most innovative and artful dishes can be found at Chapter One, Mulberry Garden, Pearl Brasserie, Restaurant Patrick Guibaud and One Pico. Along with Thornton’s, these restaurants have all been recognised as Dublin’s best by the 2012 Irish Restaurant Awards.

Dublin’s pubs continue to be the most authentic places to not only experience Irish dishes but also be embraced by the very best in Irish culture.

It is not uncommon to have a meal or pint accompanied by music from a local favourite or emerging artist. Story-telling and dance are also often found in Dublin’s pubs, with some establishments offering special programmes that combine local fairy tales and song with dinner. Pub crawls that bring Dublin’s rich literary history to life with the words of Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, Samuel Beckett and others also entertain audiences every night.

From world famous restaurants to bustling markets, Dublin has it all. The city’s farmers’ markets are quickly responding to changing tastes and attitudes towards food and drink. As Dubliners crave more organic foods, the city’s markets are increasingly offering natural produce and products. Some of Dublin’s most popular markets are the Temple Bar Farmers’ Market and the Dublin Food Co-op, where shoppers can find wildflowers, organic vegetables and wines, environmentally-friendly household products, and more.