9 Irish restaurants we’d eat at for the name alone
Words: Maggie Fagan
Every now and again publications will publish a similar round up of all the wittiest named places in Ireland and honestly, it’s impossible to get bored of reading this type of content. Ireland has never been shy about its love of wordplay. We’re gas. Naturally, the humour spills over into the food scene too. Across the country, restaurateurs are serving up more than just great dishes – they’re dishing out laughs before you even peep the menu.
Here’s a light-hearted tour of some of the punniest restaurant names in Ireland.
Blackrock, Co. Louth
There’s nothing like being able to laugh at yourself, and the lads in The Black Wok in Blackrock Co. Laois are funny fuckers. They serve a full blown what you’d expect Chinese takeaway menu along with a “Slimming Menu” which is an interesting take for this country joint. We can’t vouch for the food, but we love the name.
Portarlington, Co. Laois
Who know you could pun on Laois so hard? The name alone has us looking at excuses to try this kebab shop in Portarlington to see if the food is as good as the name. Their Doner & Tikka Pizza comes with Doner meat & chicken tikka, topped with fresh iceberg, onion, and tomatoes. We’re not sure how we feel about iceberg lettuce on a pizza, but we absolutely love the name.
Clifden, Co. Galway
Ran by Michael and Hannah Nagle in Clifton, this posh chipper is a little gem in Clifden. There are subtle nods to post offices dotted throughout the theme of the place, and the font on their storefront is giving. The food looks class here too, with fish locally sourced, they also use local suppliers where they can. The name drew us in, but we just might have to go.
Balbriggan
Star Wars fans, gather. Java the Hut in Balbriggan not only has a silly billy name, but has seriously good coffee. They combine speciality coffee with funky art with icons like Philo and Sinéad O’Connor, which honestly makes us want to visit for that reason alone. One for the nerds.
Delvin, Co. Westmeath
A delightful play on words using the Irish language, The Camán Inn is a cosy little pub in Delvin, Co. Westmeath ran by Ed & Patricia McMahon. They serve classic pub grub and offer the interesting option of half portion main courses (Ozmepic inspired?). We still love them even though if they forgot the fada on their sign.
Belfast, Co. Antrim
We were expecting a Mexican fusion spot, but instead Wok-A-Moely is just a straight up Chinese restaurant. They do a Doner kebab special though if you were looking for fusion. This restaurant doesn’t know what it is, making it all the more intriguing….
Grand Canal Dock, Dublin
Nestled in The Place Street Food market just down from the Storyteller Pub on Grand Canal Street is The Codfather. They do fish spice bags, along with the usual fish-n-chip fare, and if the food’s anywhere near as good as the name, you’d want to get yourself down there.
Belfast, Co. Antrim
The cars, their unhinged social media videos, the “Bad Boyz” license plate, Naan Doughs on Finaghy road in Belfast are pure trailblazers of the North. Their name is cheeky, it’s fun, and well within the copyright laws (right?). Their kebabs are made with homemade naan bread, which gets serious props in our books.
Belfast
Recently closed, we all want to express a big R.I.P to these legends. The Thai Tanic was one of the best that our country has seen and actually what inspired this list into it’s very existence. You’ll be missed.
