"Past the long red awning on historic Aungier Street lies a spot that feels like a friendly neighborhood steakhouse—one that just so happens to serve some seriously gourmet eats. Brick walls, unadorned wood tables (no white tablecloths, here), and a small rust-colored banquette keep things simple but warm in the main dining room, with lit candles floating in little recessed alcoves come evening. And though it bills itself as a steakhouse—there are dry-aged ribeyes aplenty—Whitefriars is more Modern Irish, with lots of nods to international flavors: Think tandoori chicken, Shepherd’s pie with duck, and eggplant cannelloni for the veg friends, plus standout sides like cheesy cauliflower with tobacco-scented onions. Served on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays, the brunch—considered one of the best in town (with enough hashtags to prove it)—draws crowds with both its generous classics (crab cake Benedict, eggs with salmon and potato rosti) and the unexpected, like Huevos Rancheros and chicken parmigiana." - Sandra Ramani
