L'Ecrivain Dublin, Ireland

You'll find this restaurant as quintessentially Irish as they come. An airy yellow-painted room is decorated with the portraits of famous writers; James Joyce, Brendan Behan, Seamus Heaney and company line the walls. Technically a French restaurant, but with sufficient attention given to Irish ingredients and influences, L'Ecrivain is often overlooked as one of Dublin's truly special eateries. There's an ever-changing menu, with possibilities such as cured, marinated lamb with prune stuffing, while the table d'hote menu is perfect for those who want to try a variety of dishes.