This month's foodie find isn't hiding down a cobbled laneway or behind an unmarked door. It's hiding in a car park. Specifically, the entrance to the Drury Street car park in Dublin 2, where a former cash booth has been quietly turned into one of the city's most talked-about small plates spots: Amy Austin.
We'll admit, the first time we walked past, we assumed it was a mistake. With its exposed concrete ceiling, sliver of a room wedged between the barrier arm and the street, and no grand signage, it looks as though it's there by mistake.
But the food is where Amy Austin really earns the detour.
Alongside an apple-filled waffle topped with jamón Ibérico and caviar, we had silky tuna crudo dressed in tiger's milk, all bright citrus and gentle heat, followed by butternut squash with pumpkin seeds and Parmesan. The ingredients themselves might sound simple, but every dish had enough texture, contrast and flavour to make each bite feel considered.
Grab a stool at the counter that wraps around the room, order a glass from the wine-on-tap list; they also have an interesting cocktail list, worth giving a try. I had a Godello, which worked beautifully with the small plates, and watched the open kitchen at work.
It's loud, it's cramped, and if you're over six feet you may want to bring knee pads. But that's part of the theatre.
You're not here for quiet. You're here for clever food, good wine, and the pleasure of finding somewhere unexpected.
Amy Austin takes one of Dublin's least glamorous locations and turns it into exactly the kind of place we love discovering: small, unassuming and completely memorable.
Visit amyaustin.ie for more details or see last month's foodie recommendation here.
Posted on 21 Aug 2026.
