Forget the old stereotypes about Irish food being bland and uninspiring. Ireland has gone through something of a culinary renaissance in the past few years, with local restaurants finding creative ways to inject new life into old recipes. Limerick has a great spread of eateries across the city, and dining is convenient and affordable. A few local restaurants have created quite a stir in recent years with innovative and award-winning dining menus.
As with the whole of the country, cuisine in Limerick is built around meats, with lamb and beef especially popular, but you will also find pork and an increasing selection of seafood on local menus. Dishes are hearty, and potatoes are a staple in local fare.
What to Eat, and Where
The difference between today's Irish food and the tastes of the past is tied up in the freshness of ingredients. Award-winning restaurants in Limerick source their vegetables, cheeses and meats from local farms, guaranteeing higher quality and more satisfied diners. Truth be told, Irish food isn't very heart-healthy, so expect to see plenty of deep-fried dishes. With that in mind, New Irish Cuisine in Limerick is promoting a more health-conscious diet.
Restaurants and pubs are sprinkled across the city centre, with Theatre Lane and Clancy's Strand both having plenty of options. The nicest restaurants have terraces with views of King John's Castle or the River Shannon. Hotel staff can recommend the best dining options in the area, but be sure to reserve a table early in the day.
For every inn and pub serving traditional Irish fare, there's an exotic eatery serving ethnic cuisine. Expect to find a selection of Indian, Chinese and Italian restaurants. Two of the finest local dining establishments are the Mustard Seed (at Echo Lodge) and the Wild Geese, both of which are outside Limerick city centre and serve international fare.
