There’s a great story behind this tiny and hugely popular restaurant in Temple Bar. While living in Venezuela as a young man, the owner was struck by the pride his fellow workers took in simple, traditional home cooking. He came home and founded a restaurant to preserve and update some Irish traditions in his own style. Boxty—a paper-thin potato pancake (see box p. ###)—is the house signature dish, served with a variety of delicious meat and fish fillings. Also on the menu are thick steaks, seafood chowders, and Irish stews. The atmosphere buzzes as crowds form outside the door, waiting for their chance at one of the tables. Reservations are recommended on weekends, but even on busy nights they can usually squeeze you in (squeeze being the operative word, as tables are packed tightly together). The food is fresh and delicious; service is friendly and fast. One of our favorite Dublin places.