Ireland’s most romantic tables — 24 secret snugs and cosy corners to wine and dine your Valentine

French food and romance go hand in hand, and descending the steps to Dax on Dublin’s Pembroke Street always feels like a trip away without the hassle of air travel. Olivier Meisonnave clearly understands a thing or two about lurve, and if you ask nicely, he’ll seat you at either Table 35 or 40 — the former a round table, at which lovers sit side by side, whispering into each other’s ears and playing footsie; the latter allowing one to look into the room while the other looks longingly into their face. Olivier recommends a glass of champagne to start, “to bring the butterflies”, a glass of Chablis “to let the tongue settle” and a great bottle of pinot noir, “smooth, fruity, juicy, sexy”. Food-wise, you won’t go wrong with the classics — shellfish, red meat and chocolate. dax.ie