10 Best Restaurants with outdoor seating in Dublin

10 Best Restaurants with outdoor seating in Dublin

Dublin is the capital and largest city of Ireland. It is situated on a bay on the East Coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey.

The city of Dublin may not have the weather for guaranteed year-round outdoor dining, but thanks to technological advances such as outdoor heating it has become a possibility. Today Dublin’s footpaths have been colonized, terraces commandeered and awnings hung.

Below are the 10 best restaurants with outdoor seating in Dublin;

1. Wallace’s Asti

Wallace’s Asti – Flickr

Wallace’s Asti is a Sardinian-inspired restaurant located in Drumcondra, just off the North Circular Road near Croke Park.

The restaurant’s spacious outdoor terrace seating was set up from repurposed wood pallets that the owner had imported wine with from Italy.

While dinning at Wallace’s Asti you can take your paper menu home with you and on your return, if you still have it, you’ll get 10 per cent taken off your bill. You also get a free pizza with the purchase of a bottle of wine.

Wallace’s Asti is known to provide an authentic Italian dining experience, serving the best pizza and paster in the region.

While at the restaurant we highly recommend charcoal crust pizza or a bowl of thick hearty Bolognese.

2. Volpe Nera

Volpe Nera – Volpenera.ie

Volpe Nera is a casual, cozy neighborhood restaurant with an exquisite outdoor dining area that is located between Blackrock and Foxrock.

Enjoy Volpe Nera’s heated outdoor seating area that has plenty of space and can accommodate up to 15 dinners. However, the outdoor dining experience is limited to those who book in advance.

The restaurant’s Head Chef Barry Sun dishes up contemporary Mediterranean flavors with a twist that are a must-try when in Dublin. The carefully curated menu allows for classic Mediterranean influences to shine with modernity like no other.

While at Volpe Nera enjoy their mushroom dumplings, with aged soya, fennel and herb oil.

3. Shelbourne

Shelbourne – Flickr

Shelbourne is an iconic luxury 5-Star Dublin City Hotel hidden away on the mezzanine, just off the 1824 Bar, overlooking the glorious St. Stephen’s Green.

The newly expanded Terrace at The Shelbourne is spacious and designed in a delightful mix of quintessential Irish charm and timeless luxury.

Shelbourne is known for its fine dining, elegant Afternoon Tea and splendid surroundings. Its menu is full of classic favorites that have been developed to perfection over generations.

The restaurant is known for serving the best seafood in town; thus, we highly recommend trying any of the seafood options on the menu.

4. 777 Afuera

777 Afuera – Flickr

777 Afuera is Ireland’s only contemporary Mexican restaurant, according to its website. It is a heated outdoor dinning area located in Unit 7 Castle House in South Great George’s St, Dublin 2.

The newly built outdoor space was first hinted in compliance with the government rules for spacious outdoors dining area to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread. 

The outdoor dining area is vibrant and an exciting colorful heaven where you can enjoy treats like tostadas, empanadas and taquitos.

777 Afuera has long been renowned for its tasty tacos and zingy margaritas. While at the restaurant, try the basura and el gringo.

5. Sfuso Gastronomia Italiana

SFUSO Gastronomia Italiana – Sfuso

The restaurant was originally known as Enoteca delle Langhe and it specializes in Italian cuisine. It is located in Dublin’s Italian Quarter.

Sfuso Gastronomia Italiana is a wine bar and deli that imports cured meats and cheeses from small producers in Italy. They serve a lot of pasta dishes, grilled meats and vegetables, and side ordersthat you can enjoy on their terrace.

Everything is sold by weight, even the cooked dishes, thus you purchase only want you need and this reduces food wastage.

While at the restaurant, assemble a regional Italian salumi and cheese platter and when feeling a little adventurous, include a portion of ragù Bolognese.

6. Saba Secret Garden

Saba Secret Garden – Twitter

Saba Secret Garden is an award-winning Thai and Vietnamese restaurant located 22 Upper Baggot Street, Dublin 4.

The funky outdoor space seats 40 guests. Its décor is a blend of traditional church pews, festoon lighting and stunning graffiti artwork by Subset. Saba Secret Garden is known for their fiery street food and ferociously good cocktails.

A must-try while in Saba; ‘Sundried Pork’ marinated with palm sugar, soy sauce and white sesame seeds on a spicy papaya salad and Saba’s cocktail favourites like ‘Life’s a Beach’ with vodka, fresh fruits in season, ginger liqueur, lime juice, guava syrup topped with aloe vera.

7. Hotel7

CourtYard, Hotel 7 – Facebook

Hotel7 is a new stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of City, just a short walk from O’Connell’s street. The historic Georgian terraced building has been lovingly restored to return it to its original glory.

The CourtYard is the hotel’s new outdoor dining terrace, a hidden haven perfect for al fresco dining and drinks thanks to its outdoor heating.

Their gourmet menu offers modern cuisine that are freshly prepared using high quality and locally sourced ingredients. It also carters to those on a plant-based or vegan diet and provide gluten and lactose free options.

While at the restaurant, try the brilliant Bijana and Kacey.

8. The Church

The Church Restaurant – Flickr

The Church is a restored 17th century former Church steeped in history. Today, the Church welcomes guests from all over the world & locals alike to experience the very best of Irish Hospitality in one of the World’s most unique settings.

It is located at Junction of Mary St & Jervis St, Dublin 1.  The café offers a range of services including a Café, Night Club and a Barbeque area on the terrace.

The restaurant offers a regular menu, which we recommend ordering the classic fish and chips. It also offers a separate coeliac menu which we recommend trying the chicken supreme.

9. RIBA

RIBA – TripAdvisor

RIBA is a neighbourhood Italian restaurant located in the Stillorgan Village Shopping Centre that offers the best of local Irish produce and the finest Italian goods.

The restaurant is warm and buzzing, with comfortable booth seating in the main dining room and a spacious outdoor heated terrace.

RIBA is committed to bringing to the plate the best hand-rolled pastas, the freshest seafood, and dry-aged steaks. Their signature dishes are created using the finest local ingredients, resulting in good, honest dishes.

While at the restaurant, try their delicious Lobster fresh off the boats at Bullock Harbour, Dalkey.

10. Woolen Mills

Woolen Mills – Flickr

Woolen Mills is one of the most iconic buildings and businesses in Dublin for over one hundred years. The building is over four floors with double aspect windows and a roof terrace onto the ultimate Dublin cityscape.

The restaurant is described as a house of food, a place to grab a serious coffee and, a plate of Irish charcuterie, an Irish Porterhouse or a long ray & chips on its website.

Woolen Mills’ menu focuses on Irish and European cuisines. It also incorporates vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options and Gluten Free Options.

A must-try while at the restaurant is the Korean Chicken, a glass of Rioja and the local fish and chips.