If old-school pubs, creamy Guinness, and silky-smooth whiskey typically come to mind when you think about Dublin, you wouldn’t be alone. Although the Irish capital might be better known globally for its alcoholic offerings, the Dublin restaurant scene is seriously underappreciated.
I found a little bit of everything during my time in Dublin, including quaint gastropubs, contemporary eateries, and upscale Michelin-starred restaurants. After a few visits, I couldn’t wait to kickstart my Dublin food tours.
Before your next trip to the Emerald Isle, take note of these essential dining spots in the bright and buzzing city of Dublin!
Iconic Dublin Restaurants You Must Try
Trocadero
Photo credit: Trocadero
Trocadero lies in the heart of Dublin’s city center. Its use of Irish ingredients to recreate European dishes has earned it the title of one of the best restaurants in Dublin.
The walls full of framed pictures of Hollywood legends, plush seating, and warm lighting give this place a touch of old-school glamor. It feels sophisticated and inviting, making it an ideal spot for a special occasion.
Their pan-fried scallops have quite the reputation, so I simply had to try them. They were sweet and succulent with a touch of saltiness, and the addition of spicy, crumbly black pudding and sour apple took this dish to the next level.
Trocadero (€€) – No. 4, St Andrew’s St, Dublin 2, D02 PD30 – Closed every Monday, open Tuesday to Friday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Saturday from 4:00 pm to 10:30 pm, and every Sunday from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Chapter One
Photo credit: Chapter One
Chapter One is a renowned Michelin-star restaurant in Dublin’s north inner city, combining French cooking styles with local and international flavors.
My experience here was unforgettable from start to finish, from the sleek and minimalistic monochrome dining area to the unparalleled service.
The chef’s tasting menus are ever-changing, and I was fortunate enough to sample the venison while I was here. This dreamy beef-like cut of sika deer was unlike any venison I’d tried in the past, and it was served with indulgent foie gras and intensely flavorful horseradish sauce.
Chapter One (€€€) – 18-19 Parnell Square N, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 T3V8 – Closed every Monday and Sunday, open Tuesday and Wednesday from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, and every Thursday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Mister S
Photo credit: Mister S
Dublin has its fair share of steakhouses, but Mister S on Camden Street came recommended by countless locals.
It’s a relatively low-key spot, and the rustic decor and industrial finishes created a relaxed but oh-so-cool vibe.
I couldn’t wait to try one of their steaks, all of which are cooked over a roaring fire, and I went for the sirloin on the bone. Juicy, grassy, and deliciously tender, it was everything I love in a steak, and the robust bone marrow added some extra flavor.
Mister S (€€) – 32 Camden Street Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, D02 P029 – Closed every Monday and Sunday, open Tuesday to Thursday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Friday from 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm, and every Saturday from 1:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
Las Tapas De Lola
Photo credit: Las Tapas De Lola
There’s no better place to dive into the diversity of Dublin’s food scene than Las Tapas De Lola near the buzzing St. Stephen’s Green.
This quaint tapas bar is great for couples and groups, and the glossy green tiles and wooden furniture wouldn’t look out of place along a cobblestone street in Spain.
The menu is filled with classic tapas plates, and the show-stoppers for me were the crunchy and creamy ham croquettes and smokey, paprika-infused octopus.
Las Tapas De Lola (€€) – 12 Wexford St, Dublin 2, D02 FK71 – Closed every Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday to Friday from 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm, and every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 10:30 pm.
Sole Seafood & Grill
Photo credit: Sole Seafood & Grill
Since it opened in 2018, Sole on South William Street has consistently been ranked among the best restaurants in Dublin.
The entire dining area centers around the curved bar, which features displays of fresh seafood on one side and fine wines on the other. It was so chic and elegant, but the neutral tones kept it cozy.
My server suggested the monkfish, and what a recommendation it was. While the flesh was firm and meaty, the delicate flavors were subtle enough to let the tart apple and potato broth come through.
Sole Seafood & Grill (€€€) – 18-19 William St S, Dublin, D02 KV76 – Open every Monday to Friday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm and every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Dublin’s Culinary Identity
Dublin is a city where the old and new converge, and this is especially evident when it comes to the gastronomic landscape. On numerous occasions, I stumbled upon trendy eateries next to cozy pubs, highlighting how the increasingly diverse and innovative population has influenced the foodie culture here.
The quality of the ingredients was a stand-out for me, as everywhere I visited utilized fresh, local produce. This ranged from potatoes and root vegetables to outstanding beef, lamb, and seafood.
In my experience, few cities have blended traditional cuisine with international fare so seamlessly.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorite Restaurants
The Stags Head
Photo credit: The Stags Head
I initially came to The Stags Head near Trinity College to try the Guinness and returned the following day after hearing I’d missed out by not trying the food!
It felt slightly more boujee than your average pub, but the dark wooden interiors and moody lighting were very much in line with the vibe of a quintessentially Irish bar.
Seeing as the Guinness was so tasty the previous day, the beef and Guinness stew was an obvious choice. The velvety beef, rich gravy, and hearty mashed potatoes made for a seriously comforting meal.
The Stags Head (€€) – 1 Dame Ct, Dublin, D02 TW84 – Open every Monday to Wednesday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm and every Thursday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
The Old Storehouse
Photo credit: The Old Storehouse
The Old Storehouse is a traditional pub in Temple Bar, with live music and delectable fare that gives you the complete Irish pub experience!
This place was exactly how I pictured Irish pubs, from the wooden finishes and stone walls right down to the beer barrel tables and hidden corners.
I almost went for the fish and chips, but the cottage pie caught my eye at the last minute. On top, there was a thick layer of buttery mashed potato, which covered the nourishing mix of savory minced beef, luscious gravy, and earthy root vegetables.
The Old Storehouse (€€) – 3 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 CX67 – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Tips for Enjoying Dublin’s Food Scene
- If you’re visiting during a holiday or over the weekend, making a reservation ahead of time is a must. Many popular Dublin restaurants book up weeks in advance, so planning a midweek trip will give you more flexibility.
- On Sundays, the main meal of the day is often served around midday, so keep this in mind if you’re looking for a more traditional dining experience.
- Aside from city center hotspots like Temple Bar, South William Street, and Camden Street, Dublin has a host of other foodie neighborhoods. These include Stoneybatter, Smithfield, and Ranelagh.
- Tipping isn’t compulsory at Dublin restaurants, but it’s customary to leave a tip of around 20%, particularly in more upmarket spots.
Conclusion
Between little-known local favorites and legendary venues, these are the Dublin restaurants you can’t leave off your must-visit list. If you’re anything like me, these spots will stick in your mind long after you’ve left the city’s cobblestone streets!
Sources
Eating Europe. (n.d.). Dublin Food Tours. Eating Europe. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/dublin/
Trocadero Restaurant. (n.d.). Home. Trocadero. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://www.trocadero.ie/
Chapter One Restaurant. (n.d.). Home. Chapter One. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://chapteronerestaurant.com/
Mister S. (n.d.). Home. Mister S. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://www.misters.ie/
Las Tapas de Lola. (n.d.). Home. Las Tapas de Lola. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://lastapasdelola.com/
SOLE Seafood & Grill. (n.d.). Home. SOLE. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://www.sole.ie/
The Stag’s Head. (n.d.). Home. The Stag’s Head. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://stagshead.ie/
The Old Storehouse. (n.d.). Home. The Old Storehouse. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://theoldstorehouse.ie/