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Dublin Dublin Restaurants

Eating & Drinking in Dublin



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Restaurants in Dublin are surprisingly expensive, often even more so than in London or Paris. One cause may be the high taxes, but another is also the increased quality and sophistication in the city's restaurant scene over the past few years. That means you get what you pay for, but if you like to spend your money elsewhere, there are plenty of cheaper options at cafes and pubs.

Irish cuisine doesn't really have the best fine dining reputation, but modern chefs have started a gastronomic revolution. That's another plus when dining in Dublin, as you'll savor some pleasant surprises and likely have your expectations exceeded. These are the places where that's likely to happen:


Elephant and Castle
It seems that everyone in Dublin comes here for brunch. It serves American-style cooking throughout the day (in equally American-style big portions), with the specialty being the "elephant burger." The space is bright, modern, and welcoming, which is a good thing since you may have to stare at it for a while as you wait for a table - reservations are not accepted.

Bang Cafe
This trendy cafe presents innovative contemporary European cuisine, and whatever you order won't leave you disappointed. It's one of the most stylish dining spots in the city and therefore popular, so call to guarantee a table.

Cafe Bar Deli
This is a hotspot for a quick bite of Mediterranean cuisine (think salads, pastas, and pizzas) during day, as well as a popular destination in the evenings. It's a very informal and relaxed place, and ranked among the top 5 in a list of the city's best restaurants by Dubliner Magazine.

Fallon & Byrne
The upmarket Fallon & Byrne food hall showcases the best Irish produce, but its brasserie upstairs has become just as popular for light meals. If you just want to drink, the wine bar downstairs offers a wide selection of wine by the glass.

Cactus Jacks Restaurant, Dublin Cactus Jacks
This casual restaurant offers a taste of Mexico in the heart of Dublin. Steak and seafood dominate the menu, prepared in an authentic Mexican way, and served in a contemporary space. The service is friendly, further making this a good alternative option in the Irish capital.

Winding Stair
This Dublin institution closed a few years ago, but much to the joy of Dubliners, it reopened in 2006. The décor remains simple, but the Irish menu and wine list were improved further. It also has a bookshop (!), with a wide range of new and second-hand books.

The Lobster Pot
The catch of the day is presented on a tray and explained by the staff if you're interested. If you're not, order any of the other traditional seafood dishes, which although pricey are worth every penny if you're a seafood fan.

Aqua
Floor-to-ceiling glass enables with to have a sea view as you enjoy a simple but delicious fish or seafood meal. Although you'll be looking outside most of the time, the open kitchen allows you to see the cooking magic, and the smart contemporary décor is not bad to look at either.

Cavistons
Decades ago the Caviston family opened a modest fish shop that is now an upmarket deli and much later came this gourmet seafood restaurant where the fish is always as fresh as it gets. The daily specials are always a good choice, or go for something else in the imaginative menu.

Chapter One
This restaurant never seems to lose its reputation as one of Dublin's best. Located in an elegant Georgian house formerly owned by John Jameson (yes, of the whiskey), it serves a delightful menu of Irish dishes that is a favorite before or after going to the theater nearby.

Eden Restaurant
This Temple Bar restaurant has stood the test of time, remaining popular due to its good modern Irish dishes. They're served in a stylish interior, although if weather permits you should take advantage of the seating outside.

Patrick Guilbaud
This is not just Dublin's top restaurant, but also of all of Ireland. Its two Michelin stars are due to its modern interpretations of classic cuisine and fine French food, to be accompanied by one of the excellent wines on the list.

Trocadero
This atmospheric Art Deco restaurant attracts local artists, celebrities, and execs, who sit at the red velvet booths surrounded by glittering mirrors and portraits of artists on the walls. The service is always friendly, which perhaps explains why everyone stays for hours, making booking essential.

Peploes
Dublin diners love this sophisticated wine bar and restaurant for the excellent food and superb wine list that includes champagne vintages. The elegant space even features a grand piano, inviting you to stay longer and enjoy the convivial atmosphere.