5 of The Most Heavenly Spots to Feast on Fabulous Fish Suppers
Words: Hannah Lemass
Easter brings with it a few classic food traditions: chocolate eggs delivered by a giant anthropomorphic bunny, spring lamb on Sunday if you’re lucky, and, of course, no meat on Good Friday.
Not everyone sticks to the more religious customs these days, but the Good Friday fish supper remains one of the most enduring.
Basically, Good Friday is traditionally a solemn day, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In observance, many Christians choose to pray, fast, and avoid indulgences as a form of reflection and sacrifice. One of the customs still observed by many Catholics is avoiding meat on Good Friday. Fish, however, is not classified as meat by the Church, due to it being cold-blooded, so it gets a pass.
So whether you’re religious or just in it for the food, here are some of the best places in Dublin to enjoy a proper fish supper on Good Friday and all day every day.
Benburb St
This feels like a classic fish and chips meal but way posher. Fish Shop is an elegant and intimate spot serving incredibly fresh, beautifully prepared dishes. Pair your fish fry with a delicate pét-nat and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.
East Pier, Howth
Few things beat indulging in seafood by the sea. King Sitric is a siren call for anyone in or near Howth. The draw of expertly prepared, fresh seafood alongside a creamy pint is irresistible when you catch a whiff of that salty sea air. It’s the epitome of coastal dining with charm, and it even has the Anthony Bourdain seal of approval. Once you arrive, you won’t want to leave which is handy, since they also run a nautically themed guesthouse so you can stay all night.
Fownes St
Niall Sabongi is the man when it comes to seafood in Dublin. He’s dedicated to sourcing only the highest quality ingredients through sustainable fishing practices and somehow that just makes everything taste even better. The restaurant strikes the perfect balance between casual and elevated, with a bit of a bougie edge. It’s a brilliant choice for a relaxed meal with friends. Anyone who thinks there are no decent restaurants in Temple Bar clearly hasn’t been here.
Blackrock Shopping Centre
The surf and turf at Big Mike’s might just change your life. If you’re sticking to the no-meat rule on Good Friday, skip the turf and save it for your next visit. Tucking into fresh seafood in the sunshine is glorious. Although we might not have summer weather just yet, the flavours are enough to give you that “ahhhh this is the life” feeling.
South William St
SOLE is the kind of place everyone in Dublin knows even if you haven’t eaten there, you’ve probably walked past it a hundred times. Located right on South William Street, one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares, it’s a calm oasis once you step inside. The less-flashy sister restaurant of FIRE, it blends traditional motifs with a luxe touch. From towering seafood platters to classic fish and chips, it has something for everyone and is the ideal spot for a celebration meal.
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