10 of the Best Restaurants in Dublin

Temple Bar Dublin – By Trevah – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6422735

Maybe you are headed to Ireland to check out the flocks of sheep that are grazing the green countryside. Perhaps you have heard about Irish ‘craic’ and want to see for yourself what it’s all about — it’s a good time, and we are guaranteed you will have one!

When in Ireland, Dublin is typically the tourist hot spot. With beautiful buildings, bustling pubs, ever-flowing pints, great food, friendly people, and tons to do during either a weekend stopover or two-week vacay, it is the ideal spot to start your holiday. 

If you are feeling a bit famished after your cross-country — or cross-the-world flight — then check out one of these top restaurants in Dublin to feed your hunger pangs and wet your whistle. 

The Greenhouse

Antipasto platter – By Alpha from Melbourne, Australia – Antipasto Platter – Yarra Glen Cafe and Store aka Cheesefreaks, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2227778

Located in the city center, The Greenhouse is a place to head if you enjoy fine dining, beautiful plating, and ingrained food that you have NEVER used in your home for cooking Sunday night dinner. For those who enjoy tasting menus and just going with the flow when it comes to chef recommendations, head here to experience the genius that is Eamonn O’Reilly. 

Although it is definitely 5-star, Michelin-level dining, it is not yet exorbitantly expensive – meaning you can splurge here one night during your Dublin holiday and not feel too guilty. Instead of ordering off the a la carte menu, try the tasting menu to get the full experience.

Dax

Tapas Barcelona – By Elemaki – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8626836

Another city center restaurant is Dax, nestled off Leeson Street. With a two-floor interior dining plan, you can choose the living room upstairs vibe or the more fine dining vibe of the downstairs level. The basement provides trained Irish cuisine with a modern twist, whereas the upstairs cafe bar offers Spanish tapas, Italian charcuterie, and the best wine and cheese pairing in the city! 

The Pig’s Ear

Food in Ireland uses traditional ingredients – By Zackgallagher – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=81276636

We love it here. Seriously. Located off Grafton Street, The Pig’s Ear is the best place to head for a hearty and filling Irish meal that combines the old staples with a modern twist. If you are tired of having bangers and mash, fish and chips, and Guinness stew over and over, why not try this gem? 

The contemporary spins on the country’s classics will have you going back for more night after night. Plus, the cheesecake is to die for. 

Chapter One

Semifreddo all ananas e coco – By Jun Seita – Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28120365

When you hear fine dining in Dublin, chances are someone was talking about Chapter One. Located in Temple Bar, the busiest tourist area in the city, Chapter One may be overlooked by the throngs of crowds outside of the nearby pubs — but the food is second to none. 

Some of the country’s best chefs take their shot at being head chef at Chapter One, each bringing their own unique flair and character to this fine-dining restaurant. Located on Parnell Square, head here to start date night and have an unforgettable evening. 

Forest Avenue

Monki’s Huevos Rancheros – By Kaush949 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=80161930

Are you staying in the Southside suburbs? No problem! Head to Forest Avenue on Sussex Terrace we love the wooden, Scandinavian vibe at this restaurant, with owners John and Sandy Wyer king and queen of fine dining, modern tasting menus, and weekly menu changes based on fresh produce and meats. 

We recommend the 5-course brunch menu — just try going sightseeing afterward on this full stomach! 

Drury Buildings

King prawns marinated with chili powder – By rovingI – flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18036712

This Grafton Street staple is known for its exquisite food, ample seating areas, and adorable interior. Try and snag a table at the outdoor courtyard on a sunny day or make your way inside to the first-floor restaurant to try the salted ricotta whipped cheese, local prawns, or pre-theatre favorites. 

Fade Street Social

Sirloin steak with garlic butter – By No machine-readable author provided. Marubatsu assumed (based on copyright claims). – No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1181568

With a mid-range budget, Fade Street Social is the perfect spot to grab some Spanish tapas and people watch. We recommend trying the strips of crispy fried chicken with truffle butter sauce or sirloin and marrow butter. No matter what you choose, this hotspot is going to be packed to the brim with locals and tourists alike!

Klaw

Stir fried octopus – By 박家상민 – http://m1968271.tistory.com/9, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57982544

In the mood for seafood? Head to Klaw! This seafood restaurant is nestled right in Temple Bar, which may not be the most hipster place you can think of in the city — that’s what makes this place so great! In the middle of the hub-bub, you can find arguably the best seafood platter in Ireland (or atleast the East coast).