An insider’s guide to the best places to eat in Dublin and surrounds, including the city’s top riverside pubs, Michelin-starred restaurants and atmospheric cafés. By Neil Hegarty, Telegraph Travel’s Dublin expert.

Dublin restaurants

Trocadero (1), Drury Buildings (2), Chapter One (3), Cavistons (4), The Hot Stove (5), The Winding Stair (6), Fallon & Byrne (7), Chez Max (8)

ely restaurants (9)
The trio of ely wine bars has set a certain standard for the city. Visit them for a copious, well-chosen wine list from all over the world – and an excellent selection of wines by the glass too, combined with an extensive food menu that emphasises local and organic produce.

The original branch on Ely Place promises subterranean comfort and discretion; the branch at Grand Canal Dock in Dublin’s south docklands offers large plate-glass windows and well-heeled chatter.

But my favourite of the three branches is housed in the spectacular CHQ building, a former tobacco store on the north bank of the River Liffey, where a glassed-in bar leads down to the old, brick-lined vaults of the building, now converted into a dramatic eating space.

Try a bowl of steamed mussels to begin, with the classic organic Burren beef burger to follow. In the evenings, early bird and flexible ‘bar bites’ are offered alongside the main menu; at any time, children are welcome, with a tailored ‘little people’ menu catering to their needs. Keep an eye out for regular tastings and other events.

Yamamori Noodles (10), The House (11), Farmer Browns (12), Neon (13), Coppinger Row (14), Wuff (15), Pizza e Porchetta (16), Queen of Tarts (17), The Fumbally (18), The Pepper Pot (19), Murphy’s Ice Cream (20)

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Neil Hegarty is a writer who lives in Dublin and the author of The Secret History of Our Streets; Dublin: A View from the Ground and The Story of Ireland. Follow Neil on Twitter @nphegarty