The 38 Must-Try Restaurants in Dublin

In a lively space filled with locals, the offerings at Bala Nayak and Nidhi Joshi’s new Mytoury highlight the flavors of southern India. The menu features inventive dishes like crispy, battered kale, samphire adorned with bright pomegranate seeds, delicate crab kebabs, and spicy pork vindaloo. The thalis served at lunch provide excellent value.

Nestled in a quieter corner of Stoneybatter, one of Dublin’s trendiest areas, Korean Table features a streamlined menu curated by Vivian Cho in a sleek, narrow setting adorned with raw plaster, vibrant greenery, and festive lighting. Complimentary banchan such as pickled seaweed, zucchini tempura, and kimchi kick off the meal. Prices are very reasonable, making it hard to go wrong with a comforting hotpot or a tofu bibimbap.

According to Roberto Mungo, the finest durum wheat comes from an ancient grain known as senatore cappelli. He ensures that every handmade pasta dish at his warm and inviting restaurant in the trendy Stoneybatter area adheres strictly to his mother’s traditional recipes. Grano is extremely popular, so reservations are highly recommended; if you can't secure a table, Afianco, Mungo’s adjacent wine bar, offers lighter fare and a great selection of wines.

Perched on a high stool at one of the marble counters in Peter Hogan and Jumoke Akintola’s cozy restaurant is one of life’s simple delights, whether you’re alone or with intriguing company. Begin with a snack, perhaps a gilda, and a glass of fino. Or delve into their selection of low-intervention wines (check out their wine bar, Bar Pez, on Kevin Street). At Fish Shop, the focus is on the fish; it’s fresh and simply prepared, either deep-fried in batter or roasted whole. You won’t find better fish in Dublin.

Argentinian Florencia Matan and her husband, Benjamín Pugliese, began their journey by selling facturas (Argentinian pastries) door-to-door, and their popularity quickly led them to establish a permanent location. In 2021, they opened their vibrant yellow bakery and daytime café in the heart of the Liberties. The facturas and alfajores are freshly baked each day, with a variety of options on display at the counter, alongside empanadas, medialunas, cañoncitos filled with cream or dulce de leche, glazed buns, and fried pastries.

Brothers Aaron and Keelan Higgs have recently launched a sleek new 30-seat venue next to the original site of their Michelin-starred restaurant, Variety Jones. Head chef Keelan skillfully employs live fire and a wood-burning oven in his cooking. The tasting menu features a stuffed pasta and takes on a family-style approach for the larger courses of grilled fish and meat.

Note: A fire occurred at the new location shortly after its opening, prompting the team to continue operations from their previous space for the time being. 

A beef cheek and oxtail Parker House roll accompanied by bone marrow gravy, along with a cock-a-leekie pie for two, are just a few of the enticing reasons to stop by Stephen McAllister and Andrea Hussey’s surprisingly refined gastropub located in the heart of the Liberties. This venue is ideal for an early dinner before heading to a concert at Vicar Street. Just remember to make a reservation.

A bit outside the city center (but well worth the journey), the Michelin-starred Bastible, run by Barry Fitzgerald and Clairemarie Thomas, boasts understated decor that contrasts with the exceptional, innovative dishes coming from the kitchen. While the menu features some Nordic elements such as ferments and foraged ingredients, the tasting menu (the sole option) emphasizes seasonal Irish produce. Dishes may include poached oysters with elderflower and tomato dashi, mackerel tartare with fermented gooseberry, and lamb neck served with pointed cabbage and sheep’s yogurt. A vegetarian menu is also offered, along with a carefully curated selection of low-intervention wines. 

A blend of café, food shop, and deli, the Fumbally serves as a vibrant hub for this trendy area, where many small businesses prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing while resisting encroaching development. Enjoying coffee, breakfast, or lunch at an upcycled table is a delightful experience, as is the relaxed Saturday night dinners. The menu features seasonal dishes that showcase fresh produce, house ferments, and the natural wines available for purchase on the shelves.

This charming canal-side restaurant hosts a Sunday lunch that’s somewhat of an insider’s secret, often filled with off-duty chefs. Recent highlights included ox tongue served on miniature waffles with pickled girolles, dry-aged beef tartare complemented by smoked marrow, and Castletownbere lobster paired with burnt onion.

Arrive before noon to secure a place at one of the two communal tables in Gwen McGrath and Ken Doherty’s cozy 10-sMytour Mytoury, which serves lunch exclusively. The menu, written on a white paper sandwich bag, revolves around two main principles: the day's fresh organic produce from McNally Family Farm and a commitment to simplicity. Most dishes are vegetarian, like crushed fava beans paired with chicory, but a couple of meat options, including offal, are always available.

Patrons eagerly seek out the tables at Enrico Fantasia and Thibaud Harang’s wine bar located at the upper end of Temple Bar. Away from the more touristy areas, Piglet exudes a warm atmosphere in the evenings, filled with locals who seem to know one another well. The set lunch menu, featuring dishes like cacio e pepe, pork ragu, and duck gizzards, is quite budget-friendly, making it easier to indulge in a deep dive through the impressive wine list.

Vanessa Murphy and her Spanish partner Anna Cabrera are integral to the vibrant scene in this part of town. Diners often queue for a table at Las Tapas de Lola, where they can enjoy a variety of Spanish tapas alongside an impressive wine selection that features unique sherries and vermouth. Just down the road on Montague Street, their bodega restaurant, La Gordita, offers more elaborate dishes, such as chuletón and lamb sweetbreads in port sauce, with the barstools being the most sought-after seats.

Step into a lively atmosphere filled with neon-lit columns, a gleaming gold bar, and a striking red ceiling adorned with black fans at Robert Hayes and Alex Zhang’s Chinese-inspired Mytoury. The menu is a playful collection of vibrant dishes, featuring lobster and wagyu beef in squid ink bao, cheeseburger dumplings, corn ribs, and feather blade steak complemented by fermented beans and Urfa pepper. Don’t miss the inventive cocktails, like She Sells Sichuan, crafted with gin, Aperol, lychee, hibiscus, and Sichuan pepper.

Delight in dishes like gildas, tortillas, squid a la plancha, and flan de queso at Liz Matthews and Simon Barrett’s acclaimed restaurant. Bring your appetite for the legendary salt-aged Delmonico steak, paired with bearnaise sauce, beef-dripping potatoes, and Bordelaise sauce. The wine selection is outstanding, showcasing some of Spain’s finest small producers and a remarkable array of grower Champagnes. Vegetarian options are offered, and vegan accommodations can be arranged with prior notice.

Seek out the neon “Ca$h 4 Gold” sign, make your way through a dive bar reminiscent of a pawn shop—where you can enjoy good pints and cocktails—and discover Ian Cairns’s Mexican-inspired pop-up, Órale Street Food, at the back. The menu features tacos, tostadas, and burritos, along with heartier main dishes, all designed for sharing and casual dining.

Step inside this cozy Mytoury for the finest North Indian cuisine in the nation. The express lunch tiffin box is ideal for a quick solo meal, but for a fuller experience, bring a group of friends in the evening to explore Sunil Ghai’s extensive menu. A standout dish is the beloved goat keema pao, featuring slow-cooked minced goat meat infused with black and green cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, mint, ginger, garlic, onions, Kashmiri chillies, and kalpasi moss. It's best enjoyed with maska pao, a soft brioche-like bun.

Located in a former butcher’s shop that still boasts its original awning, this cave à manger-style wine bar features an 18-seat communal high table and window counter seating. Katie Seward, one of the nation’s leading sommeliers, continuously refreshes the impressive selection of over 150 low-intervention wines. David Bradshaw, who honed his skills at the Michelin-starred Lyle’s in London, crafts a refined menu of small plates.

The robata-style grill adds an enticing layer of flavor to each dish at Mister S. Begin with the burnt end rendang spring rolls, crafted from beef that’s brined, slowly barbecued, shredded, and infused with Malaysian spices. Then, savor the smoked Angus short rib, Andarl Farm tomahawk pork, or grilled fish. The restaurant also serves a surprisingly delightful lunch on Fridays.

At the sister venue to Ryon Wen and Ian Keegan’s equally impressive Hakkahan in Stoneybatter and the more upscale Nan nearby, indulge in a platter featuring one of every dumpling offered. For a complete experience, add the smashed cucumber, prawn toast, and black fungus salad, and inquire about the hidden Little Sichuan menu, showcasing nose-to-tail specialties like steamed chicken feet and garlic ribs.

Renowned chef Mickael Viljanen became the chef/patron of Chapter One in 2021, and it's now widely regarded as the finest restaurant in Ireland. The cooking showcases precision and attention to detail, using top-notch ingredients prepared with classic French techniques. While a tasting menu is available, the lunch option offers exceptional value and genuinely reflects the culinary prowess of the kitchen. Reservations open on the first of each month, so be quick to secure a spot; otherwise, ask to be placed on the cancellations list.

Sometimes, all you crave is an outstanding kebab. The charcoal-grilled adana by Ali and Cumali Aydin, crafted from hand-chopped lamb and beef, is often hailed as the best in Dublin. Their extensive menu also features lamb chops, Turkish meatballs, falafel, fresh lavash from the tandoor, and homemade baklava.

Shane Windrim’s New York-style pizzeria, known for its 48-hour fermented dough and sizzling hot toppings, is one of Dublin's hottest spots. Find a high stool or a bench outside and select from eight rotating pizza options. The standout offerings include the Sicilian-style burrata square slice and the Hot Pep, topped with cheese, pepperoni, jalapeño, and hot honey. Pair your slice with the house beer or opt for a glass of grower Champagne.

You won’t find a better cheese toastie anywhere in the world. Make sure to grab a seat during the day, as these delights disappear from the menu after 5:30 p.m. In the evening, enjoy charcuterie and cheese plates, paired with iconic bottles from small producers at Dublin’s first natural wine bar. If you’d rather skip the corkage fee, sample various options from Brian O’Caoimh and Kevin Powell’s ever-changing by-the-glass selection. Walk-ins only.  

Nestled on one of Dublin's prime people-watching streets, La Maison features a spacious terrace and a warm, inviting interior. This beloved French spot offers traditional dishes like a rich French onion soup topped with gooey Gruyere. The early evening menu provides fantastic value with choices like duck confit and gnocchi, but be mindful—the a la carte options later can add up quickly.

The vibrant Mytoury run by the Bereen brothers buzzes with energy, especially in the evenings when live DJs ramp up the atmosphere. It’s not just about the wine and inventive dishes here; the cocktails and lively vibe play a huge role too. Be sure to try the rosti topped with crab, wild garlic, and bottarga, along with flatbread served with a creamy Coolea cheese dip. There’s no pressure to order a main course, making the small plates a perfect choice. For great people-watching, grab a seat on the outdoor terrace.

While Hawksmoor is a renowned London staple celebrated as one of the world's top steakhouses, its new Dublin location embraces Irish culinary traditions. Daily specials showcase larger cuts of beef sourced from the finest local producers, ideal for sharing after indulging in Flaggy Shore oysters, bone marrow with onions, and fresh local lobster. The stunning dining room, set in a beautifully restored mid-1800s landmark by architect William Barnes, features a dramatic 40-foot dome. Don’t miss out on the excellent value Sunday lunch, and enjoy a low corkage fee of just 5 euros (around $5.50) on Mondays.

Emphasizing sustainability and thoughtfully sourced ingredients, Stephen O’Dwyer’s charming daytime café is a favorite for brunch or lunch. The menu is displayed on a blackboard, showcasing vibrant bowls of salads, beetroot hummus, and tzatziki as you wait to order. The main choice: enjoy these delicious options in a bowl or wrapped in a flatbread.

At Alon Salman’s Shouk, you’ll find it hard to resist ordering an abundance of dishes, so here’s a strategy: Begin with cocktails, then share the mezze platter, followed by the chargrilled smoked eggplant. Next, indulge in the grilled meats. The grills are impressive, with the enticing scent of shawarma filling the air. The outdoor seating area adds to the vibrant atmosphere.

Irish chef Kevin Burke, who spent years in London including a stint as head chef at the Michelin-starred Ninth, has returned to Dublin to spark excitement in the culinary scene. At Library Street, located in the former Allta space, he serves up some exhilarating dishes. Begin with the char-grilled langoustines (dive in and enjoy the delicious juices), followed by the risotto, and finish with grilled meats. Be sure to save room for the incredible desserts and explore the low-intervention wine list, which features plenty of options by the glass. Plates are meant for sharing, but you might not want to after tasting!

One of Dublin's most delightful dining spots is located at the entrance of the Royal Hibernian Academy, a contemporary art museum. During the day, Jess D’Arcy and Killian Durkin serve up soups, sandwiches, and salads. In the evening, the ambiance shifts from a cozy coffee shop to a sophisticated wine bar. The small plates feature Calabrian anchovies, burrata paired with seasonal vegetables, and poached halibut topped with crispy chicken skin, all complemented by a remarkable wine selection.

Those in the know flock to Dax for an authentic experience of French fine dining, expertly crafted by chef Graham Neville. His signature dish features stuffed zucchini flowers in a rich lobster bisque, along with perfectly prepared red mullet, lamb, and sweetbreads. Co-owner Olivier Meisonnave, one of Ireland's top sommeliers, curates an impressive wine list. Expect exceptional service in this polished setting.

Every city deserves a standout bakery like Bread 41, known not only for its exceptional sourdough but also for delighting customers with innovative and tempting pastries. Eoin Cluskey’s café, nestled beneath a railway bridge, now features an elegant upstairs dining area, transforming it into a sought-after lunch and brunch destination. Among the ever-changing specials, the kimchi fritter is sure to steal the show.

Enjoying a Friday or Saturday lunch at this wine bar is one of the true delights of dining in Dublin. Dishes like mussels escabeche tartine and salted cod with butter beans are not only delicious but also affordable, served in an exceptionally stylish setting. A midday visit will likely have you eager to return for dinner, where you can pair Essa Fakhry’s small plates with an impressive selection of low-intervention wines. While dinner prices are higher, the markup on premium wine bottles remains relatively low. The crab crumpet topped with sea urchin has become a standout dish.

This casual trattoria emphasizes seasonal ingredients in its menu. Ross Lewis, the former head chef of the two-Michelin-starred Chapter One, adopts a straightforward style, specializing in pasta, pizzas, and meats cooked in a wood-fired oven, including an impressive shoulder of suckling pork. The sharing menu offers excellent value, featuring two starters, two pasta dishes, a main course, and a dessert.

You might not expect to discover a two-Michelin-star restaurant nestled in a market of a coastal Dublin suburb, but if you manage to secure a reservation, it's definitely worth taking the train to Blackrock for a seat at Liath. Damien Grey’s meticulously crafted menu is built around the five elements of taste, beginning with bitterness and progressing through sour, salty, savory, and culminating in sweetness.

A visit to the coastal town of Skerries is incomplete without a reservation at Cathal Leonard’s exquisite dining establishment, especially if you're seeking a memorable Sunday lunch. The space is elegant, featuring tables dressed in white linen. The menu showcases ingredients sourced from just meters away, including locally caught fish and seasonal vegetables. Sommelier Maire McHugh has curated an impressive wine list.

This laid-back Mytoury in the coastal village of Howth, just a 30-minute train ride from the city center, offers lobsters, shrimp, prawns, and crab sourced directly from a few local boats. The nautical-themed space serves simple dishes like shellfish bisque, crab salad, and fish and chips. With blankets available and a cozy cabin roof overhead, the outdoor seating remains inviting whether it’s sunny or a bit chilly.