3 Best Restaurants in The Southeast, Ireland

Cistín Eile

$ Fodor's choice

Proud of its modern Irishness, Cistín Eile takes the produce of local farmers and applies a simple but stunning brand of culinary magic. The menu changes depending on what's good in the local market. Favorites include black-and-white pudding with cabbage salad, apple, and mustard, or the creamed white rabbit and herb spaghetti. "Hunger makes a great sauce," reads the Irish-language motto on the wall, so arrive with your appetite fully intact. Little time is wasted on the decor, though the space has a homey, warm feel. How they offer dishes of this quality at such affordable prices is a Wexford miracle. And the name? It's pronounced "kishteen ella" and means "another kitchen" in Irish.

80 S. Main St., Wexford, Co. Wexford, Ireland
053-912–1616
Known For
  • inventive Irish cuisine
  • cozy atmosphere
  • seasonal menu
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner Mon. and Tues.

Dooks Fine Foods

$ Fodor's choice

Located about 20 minutes from Bansha in the unassuming market town of Fethard, this new deli restaurant has caused a stir with food lovers all over Ireland. Chef Richard Gleeson trained at Ballymaloe and with the revered Ottolenghi in London, and brings his precision and training to play at this bright and warm spot, with polished concrete floors, an open kitchen, and wood tables and chairs. Prices are surprisingly affordable for delights like pan-fried salmon with pickled shallots, rainbow chard, rooster potatoes, and horseradish cream. Sweet treats include the spiced carrot cake with candied pumpkin seeds. Best of all the deli means you can pick up some homemade goodness to go.

D'Lush Cafe

$

Locals swear this cute little joint at the back of the Arts Centre is the home of Wexford's best coffee. The interior is simple but cozy with creative touches like local artwork visible throughout. The creative touch extends to the menu where you will find options like the spiced chorizo and squash soup and smoked loin of bacon, Brie, and pear chutney sandwich. The chocolate, date, cranberry, and nut slice is a cake to die for.

Cornmarket, Wexford, Co. Wexford, Co. Wexford, Ireland
053-912–3795
Known For
  • quality snacks
  • delicious desserts
  • arty crowd
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No dinner.

Recommended Fodor's Video