Saba is a contemporary Thai and Vietnamese restaurant in the heart of Dublin 2, close to the upmarket shopping area, Grafton Street. Known for its lively atmosphere, Saba means “happy meeting place” in Thai.

Saba uses fresh fair trade co-op sourced herbs, vegetables and fruit that arrives weekly from Bangkok. The tea, coffee and sugar is also organic and fair trade and all the beef, chicken and seafood are sourced locally in Ireland. Recommended dishes include the Massaman Curry, Roast Pig Belly, Black Pepper Squid and the Pad Thai with prawns, peanuts and chicken. Also try their coffee or for something stronger, try their popular Flirtini.

The downside of the lively atmosphere means that it is hard to get a table and if you are late, you will be seated at the bar so ensure you are not pushed for time or go for an early leisurely midweek lunch and you will get the most out of it. Overall it is reasonably priced but the wine is too expensive. While Saba certainly caters for kids, this place is best for a long Saturday lunch or a girls’ night out.

Saba, 26-28 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2.