5 Best Looking Things To Eat In Dublin This Week: 20/03/23

Words: Shamim de Brún
Images: Instagram

After a long, hard weekend on the lash, I think we can all agree that we deserve a little something good to eat this week. And let me tell you, my friends, there’s nothing better for soothing the soul than a hearty, comforting, good-looking meal.

Whether you’re craving a big bowl of mussels, a steaming plate of Arrzo, or a juicy sambo with all the fixings, give yourself permission to indulge a little this week. You’ve earned it. Food is one of life’s great pleasures. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to something delicious and satisfying every once in a while.

So go ahead and splurge on that meal. You deserve it.

As someone who has spent a great deal of time eating, I can confidently say that few dishes can rival the simple, satisfying pleasure of a pot of mussels. There’s something truly magical about these plump, briny bivalves nestled in a fragrant broth of white wine, garlic, and herbs. The rich, savoury flavours of the broth combine with the tender, juicy mussels to create a symphony of tastes and textures that is simply irresistible. Now add in a buttery slice of Irish brown soda bread, and you have yourself a meal. So this week, be sure to seek out this bowl of these delectable shellfish. Prepare to be transported to seafood nirvana.

Listen, we’ve all seen the rise of mac and cheese in Ireland. But there’s something about truffle mac and cheese that just hits different. It’s the kind of dish you take one look at, and you know it will be incredible. The creamy, gooey mac and cheese is already a classic comfort food. But when you add in those earthy, decadent truffle shavings, it takes it to a whole new level. There’s just something so indulgent and luxurious about it. It’s the perfect dish to treat yourself to after a long week. So go ahead and grab this side of truffle mac and cheese from Pala Pizza, and savour every rich, cheesy bite. It’s the ultimate comfort food for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Especially after the wild weekend, we’ve all had.

If you want something to indulge in this week, treat yourself to some beef tataki with mustard cress, shiso leaf, daikon, and ponzu from Daruma. Beef tataki; It’s one of those dishes that looks almost too beautiful to eat. The seared slices of beef, arranged artfully on the plate, are a work of art in and of themselves. But when you add in the vibrant green of the mustard cress and shiso leaf, the crisp crunch of the daikon, and the tangy punch of the ponzu sauce, it becomes something truly extraordinary. This is the kind of dish you order when you’re feeling a little booji. When you want to treat yourself to something truly special. Plus, it’s fresh and light. After the heavy weekend, we all had, this is the kind of little treat we need to perk ourselves up.

When you get a sandwich from Juniors, you know you’re in good hands. That is the kind of security you deserve in your lunch choices this week. This week’s special, The São Paulo, is the kind of sandwich that stops you in your tracks. The shaved mortadella, rocket, and tomato are stacked high on a soft, pillowy roll, then topped with gooey provolone cheese and a generous drizzle of thousand island dressing.

It’s a sandwich that’s both hearty and light, savoury and tangy, with just the right amount of crunch. But it’s not just the taste that makes this sandwich a standout – it’s the presentation. The colours and textures of the ingredients are perfectly balanced, making it a feast for the eyes and the stomach. It’s the kind of sandwich you can’t help but Instagram before taking a big, satisfying bite. It is sandwich of the week, hands down.

The ultimate lunch move for two people this week is this Arzo from La Gordita. Dublin 8’s new hot spot is teaming with all sorts of Spanish delicacies. This is the one that most caught my eye this week. This Spanish rice dish is packed with all sorts of amazing seafood goodness. We’re talking about tender, juicy pulpo (that’s octopus, for those who don’t speak Spanish), plump carabinero, and fresh, succulent prawns, all nestled in a bed of fluffy, fragrant Spanish rice.

This dish is designed for sharing, so grab a friend and dig in. The combination of flavours and textures is unreal. You’ve got the briny, savoury seafood, the aromatic rice, and a little kick of spice that’ll wake up your taste buds. It’s the perfect lunch for when you’re feeling a little fancy, a little adventurous, and a lot hungry. So head on over to La Gordita to give it a wack.

Elsewhere on CHAR: What the Hell is a Little Treat Girlie?