KAI Cafe Restaurant

As it was foretold by so many food lovers, so it has come to pass: Jess Murphy was always going to be one of the major players, and that’s her status in 2019, a great modern chef who runs what is one of the most accoladed restaurants and one which is, more importantly, one of the best-loved places to eat in Ireland. People love Kai: the room; the service from David Murphy and the team, and the panache and funky attitude of Jess’s cooking. The menu has never strayed from its 5x5x5 tautness, and it delivers every time: Jean’s pressed ox tongue with gherkins; Roscommon lamb with beetroot picada; Rossaveal hake with burnt butter cauliflower; Hokkaido pumpkin pie. Kai food delivers lashing of flavour and lush textures, which is why it’s always packed, and why there is a queue for brunch at weekends.