People tend to get very thirsty in Dublin for some reason. There is no shortage of old man pubs, cocktail bars, hip bars, hipster bars, hidden gems, speakeasies, touristy bars and great spacious pubs.
Even though they say Guinness is a meal, don’t forget to eat! You don’t want to leave this for the last minute. Pick your favourite places and have them in your plan, or at least as a backup, for your time in Dublin
Below you’ll find our favourite picks of restaurants in Dublin – for whatever you feel like, whether it’s a quick bite before a visit to a museum or an evening fine-dining experience.
Breakfast Restaurants
If you haven’t heard of the ‘Irish Breakfast’, you’re missing out. As we will never admit it’s really just an ‘English Breakfast’, you are not allowed to make that reference in public.
Both breakfasts will have eggs, sausage, rashers (meaty cuts of back bacon from the loin) and toast, naturally. Some variations will include black pudding, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms as well.
Some people say an English Breakfast has beans (Irish people who dislike beans, that’s who), sausages with less pork and generally poorer quality ingredients. Are these patriotic Irish people or nationalistic Irish people, I wonder? One thing is for sure, though, an Irish Breakfast will always have black and white puddings (just a different form of sausage).
Unless you’re staying at an Irish homestead, many places will deep-fry as many items as they can, particularly the sausages and the puddings. A tell-tale sign that it has been deep-fried (a lazy, very unhealthy and unnecessary way to cook them) is if there is the same consistent browning all around the item. Instead, if it’s done under a grill or on a pan, it should have streaks of browning, as seen in the photo below.
If your pudding comes with the plastic packaging still on it, like in the following photo complain to them and opt for a croissant or something not cooked in that kitchen instead. Melted plastic is not a seasoning.
If you want an authentic experience, enjoy a cup of tea with your Irish experience, rather than your morning coffee!
Social Fabric Café
Social Fabric Café – 34 Stoneybatter, Dublin 7 D07 HP99, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00, Sat 09:00–16:00, Sun 09:00–16:00.
Price Range: €–€€ (brunch main dishes ~€12–€18)
Get here early on the weekend to get a table (if you’re more than 2!). Garvan’s favourite is the Turkish Eggs – substituting the spicy nduja sausage for their black pudding (one of the best artisanal black puddings in the country). Also, it is advisable to ask for bread instead of toast, unless you like the ‘charred/burnt’ taste. Their Eggs Benedict has a small mountain of delicious proper ham. Their website has a very smart and well-presented feature of a photo-accompanied menu: https://www.social-fabric.ie/our-food/food
Oh, and we nearly always left with a slice of their vegan snickers tart. Perfect.
Herbstreet
Herbstreet – 3 Hanover Quay, Dublin 2 D02 K166, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Breakfast Thurs & Fri 09:00–11:15, Brunch Sat–Sun 10:00–15:00; dinner in the evenings.
Price Range: €€ (most mains under €30)
You know how your favourite place just hasn’t been the same since COVID as the kitchen staff have changed? Well, this place is an exception. Personally, I don’t know if they have the same staff, but they’re making the dishes exactly the same as they did before! If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And if it’s fantastic, definitely DO NOT change it.
I’d highly recommend their pancakes (stuffed with blueberries) or French toast. Amazing. Only order the large portion if you’re really hungry or sharing with someone.
Urbanity
Urbanity – The Glass House, 11 Coke Lane, Smithfield, Dublin 7 D07 WNP2, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00, Sat & Sun 09:00–16:00.
Price Range: €€ (brunch options ~€14–€22)
Garvan used to live around the corner, so having this high-quality cafe nearby came in handy when anniversaries or special occasions necessitated a quick visit to get coffee and a bun for the missus before she woke up.
Exceptional coffee (they roast their own beans in-house!) and buns. Breakfast and brunch are always impressive, and the price reflects that.
Lunch Restaurants
Kilkenny Café
Kilkenny Café – 6 Nassau Street, Dublin 2 D02 W865, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Daily from 08:30 (Mon–Sun) – check the site for any updates.
Price Range: € (Full Irish breakfast ~€11.50; lunch mains ~€14–€18)
Description: Loved by all of the Dublin Tour Guide team, Kilkenny Design Store is often used during our sightseeing tours for a coffee or lunch break. Two long counters with plenty of options. Go left if you want a scone (raisin is the most traditional) or, better yet, the rare but more traditional Tea Brack (‘breac’ is Irish for ‘cake’). Obviously, you must have both with butter. For the scone, you may enhance it with jam and then whipped cream (in that order! Also, don’t cut the scone like a muffin, cut it horizontally). They do great gluten-free raspberry scones as well. One of the best places in Dublin for a slice of cake since the quality is high (for everything, not just the cakes!), there’s a good variety and turnover, so you’ll often get something fresh.
But you came here for lunch, right? One of the few places in Dublin where you can have a satisfyingly healthy lunch – oh, you’ll have had enough pub grub by the end of your stay, but for now, since you’ve (likely) just arrived in Ireland, do your health a favour and go with salmon and two salads. Or whatever with two salads. The vegan sausage roll (made with black lentils) is surprisingly good. Sandwiches and wraps are also here, but if you’d like something warmer or heartier, skip forward to the next section.
They’ll always have soup or chowder, or sometimes both. As of September 2025, they are stocking non-Irish beers, but Gurey, the manager, is working hard to bring back Irish beers. I am advocating for the best craft brewery, White Hag. Fingers crossed!
Silk Road Café
Silk Road Café – Chester Beatty Library, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Monday & Tuesday 10:00–16:00; Wednesday 10:00–19:30; Thursday & Friday 10:00–16:00; Saturday 11:00–16:30; Sunday from 13:00. (silk-road-cafe.wheree.com)
Price Range: €€ (main dishes ~€16–€22; afternoon tea options higher)
Description: Located within the historic Chester Beatty Library, this café offers Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired counter-service dishes—ideal for vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters alike. Choose from lamb, chicken, generous salads or a daily-changing menu with rice and vegetables. Outdoor seating overlooks the castle gardens (though tour-group foot traffic may interrupt). Our advice: avoid the buns near the till and ask for your meal not to be heated if it has pastry – the food is already warm, and they use a microwave rather than an oven, which makes any pastry taste chewy instead of crispy.
Sprout & Co – Exchequer Street
Sprout & Co – Exchequer Street – 19 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2 D02 PF61, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Monday–Thursday 11:00–21:00; Friday 11:00–20:00; Saturday 11:00–20:00; Sunday 11:00–20:00.
Price Range: €€ (bowls and salads ~€12–€18)
Description: Currently, this is Garvan’s go-to place for a quick, healthy dinner (or lunch). “Get some healthy veg into you, but throw some tasty stuff on top of it” – it’s an easy sell. Line up (counter service) and either go with the pre-selections (Chick-please is Garvan’s go-to) or customise it. The branch on Exchequer Street is always more spacious than the one on Dawson Street. Very quiet at dinner time, so you could easily fit a group of 4 on the communal tables. If you’re a bigger group, you’ll likely have to ask someone to scooch down.
Dinner Restaurants
Rosa Madre
Rosa Madre – 7 Crow Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 D02 WR50, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday 17:00–22:00.
Price Range: €€€ (mains €30–€45; tasting menu €80–€95 pp)
Description: An elegant Italian seafood restaurant tucked away in Temple Bar. Known for its exceptional fresh fish and handmade pasta, Rosa Madre’s menu changes daily depending on the morning’s catch. It’s an intimate spot with polished service and one of Dublin’s best Italian wine lists.
SOLE Seafood & Grill
SOLE Seafood & Grill – 18–19 South William Street, Dublin 2 D02 KV76, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday 12:00–22:00.
Price Range: €€€ (tasting menu €90 pp; mains €35–€50)
Description: Multi-award-winning and consistently rated among Dublin’s top seafood restaurants. Expect fresh oysters, lobster, and sole served with flair. The six-course tasting menu is worth the splurge.
Gursha
Gursha – 7a Poolbeg Street, Dublin 2 D02 R990, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Thursday–Sunday 17:00–22:00 (closed Mon–Wed).
Price Range: €€ (set menu €35–€45 pp)
Description: Recommended by Garvan, this is Dublin’s first Ethiopian restaurant and one of the most distinctive dining experiences in the city. Gursha specialises in traditional injera sharing platters and slow-cooked stews. The “Supper Experience” must be booked in advance.
The Woollen Mills Eating House
The Woollen Mills Eating House – 42 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday 10:00–22:00.
Price Range: €€ (mains €20–€30)
Description: A Dublin classic overlooking the Ha’penny Bridge, serving hearty Irish comfort food with a contemporary twist. Think crispy pork belly, seafood chowder, or baked hake. The atmosphere is relaxed but lively.
Shanahan’s on the Green
Shanahan’s on the Green – 119 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday from 17:30 (Friday lunch 12:30–14:00).
Price Range: €€€€ (steaks €45–€70; mains from €35)
Description: An authentic American-style steakhouse set in a grand Georgian townhouse. Expect premium Irish beef and an old-world atmosphere. The basement “Oval Office Bar” displays U.S. presidential memorabilia, a nod to the restaurant’s transatlantic inspiration. Recommended by Carl.
F.X. Buckley – Pembroke Street
F.X. Buckley – Pembroke Street – 1A Lower Pembroke Street (off Baggot Street Lower), Dublin 2, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday 12:30–22:00; Sunday closed.
Price Range: €€€ (steaks €30–€50; sides and starters extra)
Description: Family-run and a Dublin institution since 1987, F.X. Buckley serves what many consider the best steaks in Ireland. The Pembroke Street branch has a warm, old-school feel and professional service. The wine and whiskey list is extensive. Recommended by Austin.
The Winding Stair
The Winding Stair – 40 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday 12:00–22:00.
Price Range: €€ (mains €25–€35; set menus available)
Description: A much-loved Dublin restaurant overlooking the River Liffey, pairing literary heritage with locally sourced Irish cuisine. Friendly service and a view of the Ha’penny Bridge.
Isabelle’s
Isabelle’s – 13–14 South Anne Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday 12:00–22:00.
Price Range: €€ (mains €20–€30; pizzas from €17)
Description: Bright and modern, Isabelle’s strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. Known for its open kitchen, wood-fired pizzas, and contemporary European dishes, it’s great for groups or a relaxed dinner after shopping around Grafton Street. A reliable all-rounder.
Peploe’s
Peploe’s – 16 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 D02 KF34, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday 12:30–22:00.
Price Range: €€€ (mains €30–€40; lunch set menu €35)
Description: A long-time Dublin favourite located in a stylish basement on St Stephen’s Green. Peploe’s blends Irish ingredients with continental flair — think Dover sole, lamb rump, or a classic steak frites. The setting is elegant without being formal, with warm lighting and excellent service. Recommended by John & Garvan.
Brookwood
Brookwood – 141 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday 12:00–22:00.
Price Range: €€€ (steaks €30–€45; sides extra)
Description: Split over three floors, Brookwood offers steakhouse dining with a modern Dublin edge. The menu focuses on premium Irish beef, fresh seafood and a small selection of inventive starters. Cosy without being cramped.
BANG Restaurant & Wine Bar
BANG Restaurant & Wine Bar – 11 Merrion Row, Dublin 2 D02 KW61, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 17:00–22:00; Friday Lunch 12:30–14:00; Sunday & Monday closed.
Price Range: €€€ (tasting menu €75 pp; mains €28–€38)
Description: Contemporary Irish dining with Michelin ambitions — inventive and beautifully plated. Expect dishes that spotlight Irish produce, like venison, hake, or beetroot carpaccio. Recommended by John.
Pichet
Pichet – 14–15 Trinity Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday 12:00–22:00; Sunday Dinner from 17:00.
Price Range: €€€ (mains €25–€40; 3-course set €60)
Description: Modern French-Irish cooking just off Dame Street. Pichet’s open kitchen and warm bistro atmosphere make it ideal for a special night out that’s not overly formal. One notch below Michelin — very good.
Mr Fox
Mr Fox – 38 Parnell Square West, Dublin 1, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 17:00–22:00.
Price Range: €€€ (seasonal set menu €75 pp)
Description: A hidden gem on the north side serving seasonal tasting menus built around Irish ingredients. Expect dishes such as aged duck, fresh seafood, and locally sourced vegetables, presented with flair. Recommended by Garvan.
Michelin & Fine Dining
Glas
Glas – 15–16 Chatham Street, Dublin 2 D02 FV50, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 12:00–15:00 & 17:00–22:00; Sunday–Monday closed.
Price Range: €€€ (tasting menu €65 pp; à la carte mains €28–€36)
Description: A Michelin-recommended restaurant that proves vegetarian dining can be exciting, and deeply satisfying. Glas celebrates Irish produce with creativity and style — dishes like wild mushroom dumplings and caramelised cauliflower rival any fine dining experience in Dublin. Recommended by Garvan.
Chapter One Restaurant
Chapter One Restaurant – 18–19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Lunch (Thu–Sat 12:00–14:00; last tasting menu orders 13:30); Dinner (Tue–Sat 18:30–21:30); Closed Sun–Mon.
Price Range: €€€€ (tasting menu €150–€180 pp)
Description: One of Ireland’s most acclaimed restaurants and holder of two Michelin stars. Under the leadership of Chef Mickael Viljanen, Chapter One presents contemporary Irish fine dining with Scandinavian precision. Expect exquisite multi-course tasting menus in a refined but welcoming space. Recommended by Carl.
The Pig’s Ear
The Pig’s Ear – 4 Nassau Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 17:30–21:00; Closed Sun–Mon.
Price Range: €€€ (mains €28–€38; set menu €60 pp)
Description: Overlooking Trinity College, The Pig’s Ear delivers beautifully presented Irish dishes in a relaxed bistro setting. Dishes like slow-braised beef cheek or hake with fennel showcase local ingredients with flair. It’s polished but unpretentious. Recommended by Carl.
