Dublin’s food scene has grown into one of Europe’s most exciting, blending traditional Irish cooking with modern creativity. From cosy pubs serving timeless favourites to elegant dining rooms with global flair, the city offers something for every appetite.
This article is for dining inspiration only. Restaurant menus, prices, and quality may change over time, and individual experiences can differ.
1. Liath (Blackrock)
Tucked away in Blackrock Market, this tiny restaurant packs enormous flavour into every dish. It offers a theatrical dining experience with just 22 seats and an open kitchen format.
Securing a booking here requires planning months ahead. The tasting menu changes regularly, ensuring each visit brings new surprises and seasonal delights.
2. Bastible (Portobello)
A neighbourhood gem that punches well above its weight. Bastible's charm lies in its simplicity – unfussy decor, friendly service, and food that lets exceptional ingredients shine.
The wood-fired cooking adds depth to seasonal dishes. Their Sunday lunch is legendary among locals, featuring perfectly roasted meats and creative vegetable sides that change with the seasons.
3. Glovers Alley (St Stephen's Green)
Glamour meets gastronomy at this stunning restaurant overlooking St Stephen's Green. The pink and gold Art Deco interior provides a gorgeous backdrop for refined European cuisine.
Every plate arrives looking like a work of art. The precision and attention to detail extend beyond the food to impeccable service that strikes the perfect balance between formal and friendly.
4. D'Olier Street (Dublin 2)
Breathing new life into a historic building, D'Olier Street combines architectural splendour with culinary excellence. The soaring ceilings and original features create a dramatic setting for contemporary Irish cuisine.
The seafood here is particularly noteworthy. Their oyster selection showcases the best of Ireland's coastline.
5. Uno Mas (Aungier Street)
Spanish passion meets Irish hospitality at this buzzing Aungier Street hotspot. The name means 'one more' in Spanish – fitting, as you'll always want another bite of their exceptional tapas.
The tortilla is a masterclass in simplicity. Grab a seat at the counter to watch the chefs work their magic, transforming humble ingredients into dishes that transport you straight to San Sebastián.
6. Fish Shop (Benburb Street)
Seafood simplicity at its finest. This tiny spot focuses exclusively on the freshest catch from Irish waters, prepared with minimal intervention to let the quality shine through.
The menu changes daily based on what's landed. Their fish and chips might be the best in Dublin – light, crisp batter encasing pearly white fish, served with proper hand-cut chips and homemade tartare sauce.
7. WILDE (The Westbury Hotel)
Old-school glamour defines this stunning restaurant in The Westbury Hotel. The 1930s-inspired décor, complete with lush greenery and terrace views, creates a setting as impressive as the food.
Classic dishes receive modern updates while maintaining their soul. The steak selection is outstanding, featuring perfectly aged Irish beef cooked precisely to your preference on their Josper grill.
8. PHX Bistro (Smithfield)
Rising from the ashes of lockdown (hence the phoenix-inspired name), this Smithfield bistro delivers French classics with Irish heart. The compact menu changes regularly, focusing on seasonal ingredients and proper technique.
Value is exceptional for food of this quality. Their midweek prix fixe menu offers three courses of bistro perfection without breaking the bank.
9. Mister S (Camden Street)
Smoke and fire are the stars at this Camden Street hotspot where everything passes through the custom-built charcoal grill. The result is food with primal appeal – smoky, charred, and intensely flavourful.
The atmosphere matches the cooking style: vibrant and energetic. Their burnt end rendang buns have achieved cult status among Dublin foodies, often selling out before the evening service ends.
10. The Bank On College Green
Dining in a spectacular converted Victorian bank creates an experience before you've even tasted the food. The soaring ceilings, ornate details and stained glass are breathtaking backdrops for classic Irish cuisine.
The seafood platter showcases the best of Ireland's coastline. Perfect for special occasions or impressing visitors who want to experience Dublin's grandeur alongside solid, well-executed food.
