Top 10 ethnic restaurants in Dublin city

Dublin is an increasingly multicultural city and the food on offer reflects this. Ten of my favourite places to sample these fine flavours are listed below in no particular order.

1. Mongolian BBQ – This family run restaurant provides an interactive cooking experience where you select from a buffet what you want on your plate and they BBQ it for you to perfection.

2. Zaytoon (Persian) – Mouthwatering kebabs are served up with fresh baked bread from the clay oven. This is very popular place during the day and even busier at night as an after pub treat.

3. El Bahia (Moroccan) – Experience a little bit of Morocco with lavish traditional surroundings and authentic music  to accompany your fragrant tangines and cous cous dishes. Belly dancing on occasion.

4. Cedar Tree (Lebonese) – This charming spot will not disappoint. The set mezza menu is a feast of flavours served in a multitude of dishes to share. The friendly staff are attentive yet not overbearing.

5. Alilang (Korean) – This restaurant offers great value for money. Located on multicultural Parnell Street, this spot is lively and has a great selection of dishes to tingle your taste buds. To wash it all down try a Hite Beer imported from Korea.

6. Chameleon (Indonesian) – This restaurant specialises in Rijst Tafel, which a main course as several individual small dishes. The Chameleon is perfect for either large groups or couples to enjoy a romantic meal together.

7. Layla (Turkish) – Enjoy great tasting Turkish specialities such as dolmas, meze and kebab dishes made with really fresh ingredients. Layla’s brightly painted walls and attentive staff add to the warm and friendly atmosphere.

8. Buenos Aires Grill (Argentinian) – This is meat lovers delight with grilled steak dominating the menu. As well as an a la carte dinner menu they also offer a more affordable lunch and pre-theatre menu.

9. Acapulco (Mexican) – Indulge in sizzling fajitas, home made nachos and finished it off with deep fried ice cream. This lively restaurant is a firm favourite with many Dubliners. If you like your food fiery and cocktails served in pitchers this is the spot for you.

10. Epicurean Food Hall (International) – This is not technically a restaurant, it is more like a food court with various international foods available situated around a large communal seating area in the centre. Enjoy stir-fry noodles washed down with a strong Italian coffee and baklava for dessert.

Image courtesy of Tom Raferty