Dublin Dining: A Feast for Every Taste, From Sophisticated to Homestyle

You might be familiar with Dublin’s old food reputation (and that of the rest of Ireland). When it comes to drinks, Ireland certainly took the spotlight.

But that’s a thing of the past. Dublin has become a culinary hotspot, with a vibrant restaurant scene that makes it a must-visit for food lovers.

Here’s a curated list of Dublin eateries to consider for your next trip, featuring a range of price points, dining experiences, and cuisines to suit every kind of traveler:

The Greenhouse

For a truly upscale dining experience, head to The Greenhouse, a Michelin-starred restaurant. Led by Finnish chef Mickael Viljanen, known for his inventive dishes, The Greenhouse has earned him two 'Best Chef in Ireland' awards, in 2011 and 2015.

Guests can savor a multi-course meal designed for the entire table. A sample of the offerings includes a six-course tasting menu featuring hand-dived scallop ceviche and passionfruit soufflé with ginger sauce. Lunch options include Wicklow lamb and steamed cod from Donegal. The wine list at Greenhouse spans the globe.

Michelin describes Greenhouse as a “chic restaurant with turquoise banquettes and impeccable service.” It’s just steps away from the bustling St. Stephen’s Green.

The Greenhouse, Dawson St., Dublin 2, Ireland; +353 1 676 7015

Chapter One

Another Michelin-starred gem, Chapter One is renowned for being one of Dublin's top fine dining establishments, consistently earning high praise.

With an impressive array of awards, Chapter One reinvents Irish ingredients in a way that’s far from 'nouveau Irish cuisine,' offering something entirely unique and extraordinary.

The four-course dinner menu might feature intriguing dishes like Japanese tapioca, stuffed quail with violet asparagus, and a rich 68% chocolate mousse with Guinness notes.

For vegetarians, there's a dedicated menu that highlights potato gnocchi, while the wine list is nothing short of exceptional – though it comes with a premium price tag.

Chapter One, 18-19 Parnell Sq., Dublin, Ireland; +353 1 873 2266

Hugo’s

Restaurants like Hugo’s are leading the way for Dublin to earn its title as a ‘culinary capital.’

Opened in 2007, Hugo’s is rooted in European cuisine, with a focus on fresh, artisanal Irish ingredients. The menu changes regularly, offering hearty meats paired with creatively prepared seasonal vegetables.

With its French bistro-inspired blue façade and glowing candlelight, Hugo’s is as charming as its menu. The wine list boasts nearly 60 varieties available by the glass, satisfying even the most discerning connoisseurs.

Hugo’s, 6 Merrion Row, Dublin 2, Ireland; +353 1 676 5955

The Pig’s Ear

The Pig’s Ear introduces Dublin to the “death of fine dining” trend, much like the movement taking over London.

Seasonal Irish ingredients are prepared with creativity and a down-to-earth approach. Located in a Georgian building with views of Trinity College, the restaurant’s creaky wooden floors, lofty ceilings, and large windows create a charming, country-inspired atmosphere.

Here are a few highlights from the menu: a green bean, plum, and almond salad; roast chicory with butternut squash; slow-cooked duck leg; pork belly with scallops; and a dark chocolate tart paired with stout ice cream and mulled cherries.

The Pig’s Ear, 4 Nassau St., Dublin 2, Ireland; +353 1 670 3865

Trocadero

Since opening in 1957, Trocadero has earned its title as Dublin’s theater restaurant, with photos from the stage adorning its rich wooden walls. It’s the ideal spot if you’re in the mood for old-world charm and classic glamor.

The focus here is on steak, lamb, and fresh, locally sourced Irish ingredients.

A glance at the à la carte menu reveals dishes like smoked and beetroot-cured salmon, Chateaubriand for two, Barbary duck breast, creamed spinach, and a rhubarb and almond tart. You can also choose from a pre-theater menu or group set menus with three or four courses.

Trocadero, 4 St Andrew’s St., Dublin, D02 ET32, Ireland; +353 1 677 5545

Neon

Irish cuisine is undoubtedly delicious and has truly come into its own, but sometimes, variety is key. Neon answers the call, offering authentic Thai street food, with Asian chefs at the helm since 2012.

The atmosphere is laid-back and casual, and guests have the fun opportunity to make their own desserts. The prices are perfect for those on a budget.

The menu features dishes like butterfly prawns, beetroot salad, massaman curry with your choice of protein or vegetables, rice noodles with tofu and Asian greens, and a wide range of wok dishes.

Neon, 17 Camden Street Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin, D02 TX94, Ireland; +353 1 405 2222

Dunne & Crescenzi

This stylish Italian restaurant is a true passion project for Irish-Italian couple Eileen Dunne and Stefano Crescenzi, who opened it after moving from Rome in 1999. What began as a small shop has since grown into a full-fledged restaurant and wine bar.

Though it’s a popular spot for local politicians and media figures from the nearby government offices, tourists in jeans are just as welcome to enjoy a meal at the simple, rustic brown tables.

Dunne & Crescenzi is known for its top-tier Dublin cheese plates, an array of bruschetta, and a fresh mozzarella bar, along with evening specialties like scialatielli pasta with shrimp bisque, Doran’s prawns and mussels, and cherry tomatoes.

Dunne & Crescenzi, 14-16 South Frederick Street, Dublin D2, Ireland; +353 1 675 9892 (check their website for other locations)

Fish Shop

This husband-and-wife-owned gem, run by Peter and Jumoke Hogan, offers two locations just a short walk apart, each with its own unique vibe and approach to seafood.

The more laid-back spot on Benburb Street serves up comforting classics: beer-battered fish and chips, mussels, grilled scallops, and a curated selection of wines. While they accept reservations, the place is walk-in friendly.

For a more refined dining experience, head to their Queen Street location, where the focus is on seasonal Irish seafood. Expect to find delicacies like turbot broth, cockles, razor clams, and sea herbs. Reservations are recommended here.

Fish Shop, 76 Benburb St., Smithfield, Dublin 7, Dublin; +353 1 557 1473

Fish Shop, 6 Queen St., Arran Quay, Dublin 7; +353 1 430 8594

L. Mulligan Grocer

Located just a 10-minute walk from the Liffey on its north bank in Stoneybatter, L. Mulligan Grocer nourishes both the body and the mind. If you're in town on the last Sunday of the month, join in for a charity quiz covering topics like Greek mythology and 1980s cartoon supervillains.

You can enjoy their seasonal, ever-changing menu any day of the week.

Menu highlights include Scotch eggs (vegetarian or pork) and cockles and mussels as starters. For the main course, try the free-range chicken Kiev or pan-fried cod. Finish with a cheeseboard or sticky ginger pudding, paired with a carefully selected whiskey. (They take their drinks seriously here).

L. Mulligan Grocer, 18 Stoneybatter, Dublin 7; +353 1 670 9889

Temple Bar Food Market

Not too long ago, Dublin was often seen as a culinary desert (though perhaps unfairly). But things have changed, and the food scene in the city, particularly in the Temple Bar area, has flourished, with a weekly food market now hosted every Saturday.

More than just a farmers' market, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal, pick up some freshly made Irish cheese, pesto, and a loaf of bread baked that very morning, and then settle by the Liffey for a relaxing picnic.

Temple Bar Food Market, 2 - 5 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin 2