Top 21 Cool Restaurants for Dinner Dates in Dublin, Ireland
- MemoirsofaMountainGirl
- Jan 3, 2020
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 7, 2020
Wondering where to take that special someone for a romantic dinner (sans stuffy tablecloths), or looking for somewhere with a bit of spunk (excuse the pun) to impress your tinder/grinder date or maybe you just want to hang with your girls over a yummy dinner and drinks, thankfully Dublin's dining scene has something for everyone these days we are spoiled for choice. You may even opt for pre-drinks and nibble somewhere, a starter and main at the next venue before finding somewhere slick for dessert and a night cap. Dublin is great like that in that it is small enough to hop around from one venue to the next with ease. I love nothing more than checking out some of my old favorites when I travel back and forth to Dublin and even more so when I find somewhere new. Below are my top recommendations for all things Date Night in Dublin.
Think Mouth-Watering Meat Feast. Situated in one of Dublin City’s most vibrant and happening streets - Dawson Street (which features repeatedly on my blog posts) this no fuss restaurant is great for groups of friends and delicious cocktails. The Restaurant is two-tiered but quite small so book early if you are thinking of heading over on the busier evenings Thursday through Saturday.
Location: 51b Dawson Street, Dublin 2
2. Host
Host is one of my favourite new-ish kids on the block. It is a small but chic little restaurant in Ranelagh Village (just a stones throw from the city centre for those of you not familiar with the city). Host serves up innovative tapas and small plates with delicious wine parings. The only thing I don't love are the high top tables and stools but i get over it (time and time again). Sharing is caring in this quirky little Ranelagh Restaurant.
Location: 13 Ranelagh, Dublin 6
3. Night Market
Award winning Thai Restaurant in the heart of Ranelagh Village. I have lost count of how many times I have been here now but I just can't get enough of the place. The Food is authentic and delicious in a chic setting. Great for a celebration or catching up with friends. Try and book a table upstairs, its more spacious and free.
Location: 120 Ranelagh, Dublin 6
4. Etto
Wine Bar and minimalist restaurant with vibes of continental Europe. You could be in Berlin or Paris when you step into this establishment. Etto ticks all the boxes for me as far as restaurants are concerned - the little gift that keeps on giving. Worldly wines with the perfect pairings of consistently good food, Etto is a delight to visit time and time again. The Decor is minimalist but it works. Must book in advance.
Location: 18 Merrion Row, Dublin 2
5. Delahunt
Situated in a Historic Victorian building in the centre of bustling Camden street, Delahunt’s offering varies, with three separate rooms – you can sip cocktails in the grandeur of the living room whilst waiting to be seated in the restaurant offering the best of traditional Irish cuisine and local produce. Award winning, Delahunt ticks a lot of boxes. It can be quite spenny (expensive) but only if you don't keep an eye on the wine tab.
Location: 39 Camden Street Lower, Dublin 2
6. Franks
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first went to Franks - a one room, one table restaurant with (from what I could see) one chef and one server (a Restaurant of ones). This is one of the newest kids on the block on busy Camden Street - a concept restaurant and wine bar with communal dining, the idea here is sharing plates showcasing the very best of Irish produce. Every dish we had was delicious, but I couldn't help but feel we under ordered. Service was quite slow but just go here if you are not in a hurry and have all evening to relax with multiple bottles of vino and soak up the atmosphere. I would recommend the chefs tasting menu with wine pairing.
Location: 22 Camden Street Lower, Dublin 2
Locks is a cosy neighbourhood restaurant located on the edge of the canal, just a short distance from the city centre serving up hearty, yet sophisticated Irish dishes. I had the lamb because I couldn't help myself and it reminds me of home. The meals can be quite heavy so I would recomende here if you are planning a big night after. I would say this is more of a casual lasy day Sunday setting.
Location:1 Windsor Terrace, Dublin 8, County Dublin,
8. Angelina's
Angelina's is such a great all round restaurant, especially for groups of friends or larger groups because of the booth seating areas. Located near popular Baggot Street and close the city, this is a great chopice for some dinner and drinks before carrying the night on in town. The menu is sophisticated Italian and with a great big bar, the cocktails keep flowing. They also so a banging brunch. Check out my other post on the best brunch spots in Dublin.
Location: no.55 Percy Place, Dublin 4
9. Sophies
Sophie's Restaurant is situated on the top floor of the popular Dean Hotel on Dublin's Bustling Harcourt Street. Another Italian-esque style menu the food is pretty great, there are panoramic views of the city and at weekends there is usually a DJ playing on Friday and Saturday evenings to get the party started. There is a small outside terrace and a great big bar in the middle of the restaurant serving up every cocktail under the sun. My type of place. Great for date night, a catch up with friends or work colleagues. Bonus - there are big Instagrammable swings just before you enter the restaurant.
Location: 33 Harcourt St, Dublin 2
10. Coppinger row
This restaurant is an old favourite of mine since Uni Days. Located just off the bustling South William Street filled with Bars and Restaurants, you could easily miss Coppinger Row which would be a real shame. The restaurant is quite small but intimate with a Mediterranean inspired menu and an extensive wine list to match - I've had so many great evenings here I try and get back periodically.
Location: 1 Coppinger Row, Dublin 2, Ireland
11. Pichet
A delightful French Bistro in the centre of town, again an old favourite of mine. Pichet has been around for years and is very popular with the professional clientele for after work dinner / drinks. the restaurant and bar itself are quite small, but it is cosy and the food is delicious.
Location: 14-15 Trinity St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Located in the heart of Dublin's infamous Temple Bar, Elephant and Castle has withstood the test of time and has been around for decades. Think American Diner style restaurant but Elephant and Castle was put on the map for it's famous chicken wings. Tourists and Locals queue for time outside this no frills establishments. Baskets of chicken and chip and beer but you might as well if you find yourself in the Temple Bar district.
Location: 18-19 Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland
13. Doolally
Doolally is new to the Dublin dining scene but seems to be a popular spot. It is Indian cuisine but not your traditional curries. I would liken it to Dishoom in London if any of you are familiar. It is a great big spacious restaurant great for groups. There is a large bar in the middle up serving up spicy cocktails. I was vert impressed all round, the food was delicious, we tried the little starter sharer platter between two of us then a main each.
Location: The Lennox Building, 47-51 Richmond St S, Saint Peter's, Dublin 2
A cool and quirky event space, serving Italian /Mediterranean fusion cuisine in the heart of Dublin city centre just off Dublin's bust South William street. Great for hanging out with friends or for an alternative date spot.
Location: Drury Buildings, 55 Drury St, Dublin
15. Robertas
Located in Dublin's Temple Bar, Roberta's is a great find. I came here with a friend recently after spending the afternoon at the Guinness factory and we just continued the party. Roberta's interiors is fab and reminds me of The Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings in London in a way. Maybe it is the tall high ceilings and the spaciousness of the venue. There is a great big bar and a marvelous pizza oven. I am a big fan. Come here with friends, or your date, or your boss, or on your own - you'll have a great time whatever!
Location: 1 Essex Street East, Temple Bar
16. Laylas
I know what you are thinking - there seems to be oddly many restaurants in Dublin named after women and many of which have made my top 20 but this can only reinforce their greatness. (Big fat smiley face emoji). Layla's restaurant is situated at the top floor of the newly opened, cool and quirky Devlin Hotel located in Ranelagh Village. With the same owners as Sophie's restaurant, the theme is very much the same - chic Italian style menu and a great big bar serving lots of delicious cocktails.
I think there is a New York Style vibes from both Sophie's and Layla's. I am not sure if that was the intention but we'll take it. We like New York after all.
Location: 17 Ranelagh, Saint Peter's, Dublin 6
This is, in my opinion, one of the best Indian restaurants in Dublin. If you like old school curry House's this is your place. Albeit there is an air of elegance to the Jewel in the Crown - it has been around for many many years. this was a great weekend treat when I was a student. It cured many a hangover. There are two venues - one in Dublin's leafy Ballsbridge Suburb and the other in the centre of town in the heart of South William Street. I would highly recommend wither, although inevitably there is more atmosphere in the central venue.
Location: 5 William St S, Dublin 2 and 41-43 Shelbourne Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
18. Wing It
A new comer on Dublin's Chicken Wing scene, Wing-It gives the likes of Tribeca and Elephant and Castle a run for their money. Based on Dublin's hip George's Street, Wing-it's menu is a lot more extensive than just the chicken wings. There was a large group of us and so we tried almost everything on the menu - this is hearty food at its best. Very indulgent - we kept the cocktails flowing all evening. No frills shabby-chic vibes with some great art work on display, I would recommend for a fun alternative when hanging with friends. Perhaps not first date material - but if you want something a little more laid back if you make it to the 4th or 5th date then Wing it might be a good shout.
Location: George's Street, Dublin 2 (and two other locations)
19. Rustic Stone
Just as the name suggests, this is a relaxed restaurant with rustic interiors and owned by a Michelin starred chef located in the centre of town. I think this is a great occasion restaurant if you have something to celebrate. I have only ever had the meat options on the stone - great for steak - great for indulging. They also do set menus which cater for varying budgets.
Location: 17 South Great George's Street, Dublin 2
20. The Pig's Ear
I think the Pig's Ear is a great restaurant for showcasing the best of Irish cuisine. Good, clean food with meat, seafood and vegetarian options. The Restaurant is bright and spacious with private dining options. Great if you are new to Dublin and want to sample some traditional-ish Irish cuisine or just relax in a clean, chilled setting this is your spot.
Location: 4 Nassau St, Dublin, D02 YX74, Ireland
Located on the banks of the River Liffey, with an iconic view of Dublin's Ha'penny bridge, the winding stair is one of Dublin's best kept secrets and has only just recently came on my radar. Established in the 1970's as a cafe and bookshop, this became an infamous Dublin landmark for its winding staircase. It was rejuvenated in 2006, now a chic restaurant championing seasonal Irish Produce and traditional cuisine. I brought a good friend here recently to celebrate her 30th Birthday - and celebrate we did. The wine list is extensive. Take your time here - book in advance and request a window seat if you can.
Location: 40 Ormond Quay Lower, North City, Dublin 1
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