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7 Best Howth Restaurants (From Casual to Fine Dining)

7 Best Howth Restaurants (From Casual to Fine Dining)

The best restaurants in Howth are, in my opinion, Mamó and Aqua, but there’s some stiff competition!

Although the picturesque town of Howth is arguably best known for the Howth Cliff Walk and its bustling harbour, there’s plenty of excellent places to eat in Howth.

From long-standing favourites, like Aqua, to new arrivals, like The Pier House, there’s plenty to choose from here.

Below, you’ll find my go-to Howth restaurants, with a bit of something to tickle most tastebuds.  

The best restaurants in Howth

30 Church Street

Photos via 30 Church Street on FB

Now, this guide on where to eat in Howth is in no strict order – I’d happily eat in any of the places below every night of the week…

Below, you’ll find everywhere from King Sitric and House to some of the best restaurants in Howth for a fancy feed!

 

1. Mamó

mamo howth

Photos via Mamó Restaurant on FB

Opened in 2019, Mamó Restaurant brings a bit of panache to the usually light-hearted fare you’d find at the seaside.

Situated on Harbour Road between both piers, they serve modern European cuisine in a bright and airy space.

Lead by exciting young chef Killian Durkin, the restaurant won a hard-earned place in the Michelin Guide for Ireland back in 2022.

You need to book a table at Mamó, or if you prefer to take a chance, you rock up and check if the seats at the bar or the summer terrace are free.

 

2. Octopussy Seafood Tapas

Octopussy Seafood Tapas

Photos via Octopussy Seafood Tapas on FB

If you fancy sampling a taste of Mediterranean life during your visit to Howth, you’ll find the towns finest seafood tapas at Octopussy on the West Pier.

This is one of the smaller Howth restaurants in this guide, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in the standard of the dishes on offer.

Some of the menu highlights include the Carlingford oysters, the seafood broth, a tasty seafood chowder and the chilli and chorizo squid.

The fish at Octopussy is supplied by the seafood market next door so freshness is guaranteed!

 

3. Aqua

Aqua

Photos via Aqua on FB

You’ll find one of the finest seafood restaurants in Dublin situated right at the end of Howth Harbour’s west pier – it’s called Aqua and it has some of the towns best views.

Housed in a former sailing club, the elegant building dates from 1969 and it boasts panoramas across the harbour and to Ireland’s Eye.

On the menu, you’ll find everything from tempura prawns and Roaring Water Bay mussels to cinnamon and honey smoked chicken and spinach & ricotta ravioli.

There’s a well-priced 2 course menu here from around €34.95 and, if you’re wondering where to eat in Howth with a setting as spectacular as the food, look no further.

 

4. The Pier House

The Pier House

Photos via The Pier House on FB

The Pier House is one of the newest restaurants in Howth, having only opened in 2020, and it has made waves (terrible pun, I know…) on the Howth food scene ever since!

Situated on the West Pier, the interior here is modern and comfortable, while the dishes are contemporary, with the fish, once again, stealing the show.

Kick off with their four shucked Achill Island Oysters with chilli and ginger dressing before moving on to the pièce de résistance – the Monkfish, accompanied by a rich sundried tomato velouté, mussels, squash, and shimeji.

If fish isn’t your thing, there’s everything from a 10oz ribeye with house fries to a chicken supreme with potato gratin.

 

5. The Brass Monkey

The Brass Monkey

Photos via The Brass Monkey on FB

You’ll find the Brass Monkey, another spot doing tantalising seafood tapas, on the West Pier.

The interior is warm and inviting, with an intimate feel to it, courtesy of the modern red decor and comfy seating.

However, if you arrive here on one of those often-rare sunny days, try and nab a seat out front, as you’ll be able to watch the town roll by!

On the menu, you’ll find a mix of small plates (like the like the roasted baby potatoes) and mighty mains (like the prawn ravioli).

 

6. King Sitric Restaurant

King Sitric

Photos via King Sitric on FB

King Sitric is a favourite among locals and tourists alike and it’s in a great location that provides instant access to the popular Howth Cliff Walk.

While it’s been serving up fine seafood since 1971, in 2000 the old harbour masters house which houses the King Sitric was extensively renovated.

The dining room is now on the first floor where it commands sweeping views into Balscadden Bay and across the harbour. 

The menu here has everything from seafood soups and crab claws, to cheese burgers, mussels and fish burgers.

 

7. 30 Church Street

30 Church Street

Photos via 30 Church Street on FB

Last but by no means least in this guide to the best restaurants in Howth is the brilliant 30 Church!

Located just off the main road into Howth, 30 Church Street boasts stunning views over Howth Harbour, St Mary’s Abbey ruins and Ireland’s Eye.

You’ll find a good mix of enticing dishes here, including starters like fresh Irish oysters and Roaring Water Bay Mussels, and mains like the supreme of corn fed chicken.

Their wood-fired pizzas, made with dough fermented for 72 hours, are also as good as you’ll find anywhere!

 

Explore beyond the Howth restaurants

things to do in Howth

Before nipping into one of the Howth restaurants mentioned above, you’ll need to work up an appetite.

Fortunately, there are plenty of things to do in Howth (there are plenty of great pubs in Howth, too, for a post-feed pint!).

Here are some suggestions:

 

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