Columns - Irish Examiner

Joe McNamee

A former chef, Joe McNamee is Senior Food Writer at the Irish Examiner. Holding a BA in Culinary Arts, he writes about food and reviews restaurants for Weekend.

Teenage Girl Recording Video While Eating Sandwich in Kitchen

Joe McNamee: 'Wellness' sector is worth $1trn — but much on TikTok is downright dangerous

The internet is where science and facts can be distinctly second to clicks, likes, and followers.

Sat, 31 Jan, 2026

preparing vegan cabbage rolls on wooden kitchen board

Joe McNamee: After an exceedingly carnivorous Christmas, I found myself doing Veganuary

After an exceedingly carnivorous Christmas that left me feeling like a bear on the cusp of hibernation, I find myself craving the non-meat option

Sat, 24 Jan, 2026

'It will be hard to say goodbye': Owners to bid farewell to West Cork restaurant Poachers

Poachers opened in 2006 with a pronounced focus on delivering dishes using fresh Irish fish and seafood

Mon, 19 Jan, 2026

S Restaurant review: Sadler's in Tipperary falls far behind the rest of the pack

If this meal was a steed, the racecourse vet would be slipping behind a screen to put it out of its misery

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026

Unhealthy products. food bad for figure, skin, heart and teeth.

Joe McNamee: Where the US leads, we seem to follow

Big business in the US is now royally spooked

Sat, 17 Jan, 2026

Joe McNamee: 'Old Dublin pubs are one of the best things about our capital city'

The Guinness Irish Pub Concept became a thriving business that kicked off in the early 90s, designing and building interiors for five different pub styles

Sat, 10 Jan, 2026

S Restaurant review: This Cork favourite puts the Izz into Palestinian pizzazz

Izz Cafe is a truly special restaurant, with lovely staff serving great food.

Sun, 04 Jan, 2026

Joe McNamee: My preview of the year ahead in restaurants

Joe McNamee looks to the year ahead in the world of food

Sat, 03 Jan, 2026

Joe McNamee is back with part two of his annual food accolades

Part 2 of Joe McNamee's annual food accolades, The Munchies, in which he rounds up his food highlights of the year.

Sat, 27 Dec, 2025

Chef characters set. Cartoon chief cooking in restaurant. Cook with tray and different meals. Food industry. Vector illustration

The biggest dining trends of 2025, from pop-ups and chef collabs to traditional Irish produce

Shorter menus, comfort food, and a ‘vibe-cession’ are some of the factors influencing dining out

Fri, 26 Dec, 2025