Dublin’s culinary scene has come a long way in recent years. Irish cuisine celebrates the spectacular home-grown larder, while international flavours have arrived at this vibrant, diverse city. Whether it’s fish fresh from Dublin Bay, a traditional Irish stew, or a Mediterranean feast you’re after, Dublin will serve you well.
This is our recommended list of where to eat in Dublin:
DUBLIN RESTAURANT GUIDE
CHAPTER ONE
Best for: fine dining
An award winning, Michelin-starred restaurant, Chapter One should be reserved for a special evening in Dublin. The flavours are contemporary Irish cuisine, with a French fusion twist. Organic and seasonal ingredients create delicate dishes like rehydrated beetroot quinoa, tartare of langoustine, and salt marsh duck. The dining room is simple and smart. Dine earlier and take advantage of their set lunch menu or pre-theatre meal.
Red Line, Stop: Parnell Square
NEON
Best for: Asian street food
Neon’s vision is simple: fuss-free, authentic, tasty Asian food. The setting is informal and relaxed, with long communal tables creating a very social setting. The menu is extensive, from spring rolls, rice and noodle dishes, to the popular Thai curries. A carefully selected wine and Irish craft beer list pair perfectly with this cuisine. And to finish, you’re given a cone and free reign of the ice cream machine!
Blue Line & Red Line, Stop: St. Stephen’s Green
THE WINDING STAIR
Best for: local produce
Named after the Yeat’s poem, The Winding Stair became a famous Dublin landmark in the 1970s and 1980s. Originally a bookshop and café, it’s a popular meeting spot for artists, writers and musicians. The food is a take on good, old-fashioned Irish cooking, with ingredients sourced locally. Think Irish seafood chowder, potted crab, and potato dumplings. There’s an extensive wine and micro-brewery list to pair.
Red Line, Stop: Bachelor’s Walk
BLOOM BRASSERIE
Best for: lunch in Dublin
Bloom Brasserie, opened by two Dublin brothers, aims to deliver a fantastic dining experience for every single guest. With years of experience between them, the style of service is sincere and the food simple. Perfect for a lunch in Dublin. Locally sourced ingredients combine to create dishes like pan roasted hake, chargrilled pork and Mediterranean risotto. The atmosphere is cosy with exposed brickwork and wooden furnishings. Just make sure you save room for dessert, specifically the walnut and caramel tart, with cherry jam and homemade Baileys ice cream. Yum.
TOSCANA
Best for: Italian cuisine
If it’s nonna’s cooking you’re after, Toscana is your place to eat in Dublin. Located in the heart of the city, the food is honest and as fresh as it comes. Once awarded the Grow It Yourself Restaurant and best Farm to Table Restaurant awards, often dishes feature ingredients from their very own farmhouse gardens. Hand-made gnocchi, stone baked pizza, and pasta every which way will give you the taste of Italy you’re craving.
Blue Line & Red Line, Stop: Dame Street / Temple Bar
And that’s just for starters! Restaurants in Dublin are plentiful, from Michelin-starred dining rooms to trendy little cafes. We’re confident the food scene will satisfy every taste. Just be sure to bring your appetite. Then if you're looking to move on for a nightcap, check out our top 10 bars and pubs we recommend.