The Elusive Epicurean: A Whirlwind Tour of the Irish Dining Scene This Spring
Ah, spring! The season that brings a fresh burst of flavors to our beloved Irish dining scene. Despite the unpredictable weather, our kitchens are celebrating the bounty of spring lamb, wild garlic, and luscious blood oranges. While we say goodbye to the comforting embrace of soup season, let’s take a delightful journey through the food happenings that captivated our hearts (and taste buds) across the Emerald Isle in recent weeks.
The Restaurant Scene: Celebrating New Beginnings and Bittersweet Farewells
Luigi Malones Bids Arrivederci
If your teenage escapades in Dublin’s Temple Bar involved gobbling down chicken wings and frozen daiquiris, it’s time to raise your glass to Luigi Malones. After an incredible 28 years, the Italian-American institution sadly closed its doors, marking the end of an era.
The culprit? Ongoing roadworks that effectively barricaded the restaurant, leading to a disheartening decline in foot traffic. It’s a stark reminder of the challenges facing our cherished dining establishments. As we bid farewell, let’s fondly recall the memories created at a restaurant that served pizza before it became a Dublin phenomenon.
Belfast, But Make It Bologna
On a brighter note, La Bottega, an Italian deli and restaurant nestled on Belfast’s Lisburn Road, has just secured the illustrious Ospitalità Italiana seal for 2025-2026—the only restaurant in Ireland to earn this accolade!
This honor, granted by the Italian Chamber of Commerce, is akin to a diplomatic passport for culinary authenticity. Owner Francesco Iaquinta, a Calabrian who has embraced Belfast as home, proudly serves authentic Italian cuisine with ingredients sourced from Italy—right down to the crockery and music that serenades diners.
Winning accolades like Best Wine Experience in Ulster and Best Italian Restaurant in Ireland, La Bottega stands as a testament to Northern Ireland’s burgeoning culinary scene.
Upcoming Events to Savor: Mark Your Calendars
A Culinary Retreat to Remember: HOMEGROWN
Scheduled for October 10-13, 2025, Richard Corrigan’s HOMEGROWN weekend at Virginia Park Lodge promises a synthesis of food, culture, and nature. Imagine dining on elegantly set long tables amidst wild meadows, indulging in Michelin-star feasts, and participating in artisan masterclasses—this is a food lover’s Nirvana.
From invigorating lough swims to daring whiskey tastings, mark these dates in your calendar and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
Wine Tasting on the Open Sea
For a unique twist, how about a mini wine tasting cruise aboard the W.B. Yeats from Dublin to Cherbourg? Offered by Irish Ferries, this package includes a cozy cabin, car space, and of course, a variety of wines to sip while cruising the seas—all for €389 for two. Dates to remember: April 10 and May 15, 2025. Dust off those Breton stripes and prepare to sip and swirl your way across the water.
The Waterford Festival of Food
A highlight on the culinary calendar, the Waterford Festival of Food will take place from April 25-27. With over 80 events designed to tantalize your taste buds—from themed dinners to live cooking demos—this festival showcases the best of Ireland’s food culture. Be sure to catch Chef Paul Flynn’s dedicated Spotify playlist, designed to enhance the culinary experience.
Awards Season: Celebrating Remarkable Talent
It’s that time of year again—the Irish Food Writing Awards are now officially accepting nominations for 2025! If there’s a food writer, photographer, or podcaster whose work has inspired you, now is your chance to celebrate their contributions to Ireland’s culinary narrative.
While we’re at it, don’t miss the announcement of the Dublin shortlist for the Irish Restaurant Awards, which recognizes the best of the city’s culinary talent. With fierce competition, being shortlisted signifies monumental success. The grand finale takes place on May 19th, and tickets are available here.
As we embrace the season of renewal, let’s celebrate the resilient spirit of the Irish dining scene—a community that persists and evolves with every delectable dish and culinary experience. Here’s to good food, great company, and the many enchanting moments yet to be shared around our beloved tables!
