Best Restaurants Dublin: 21 Places To Eat In Dublin You’ll Love

If you’re in search of the best restaurants in Dublin, you’ve landed in the right place!

From fine dining to cheap, tasty eats, there are some glorious places to eat in Dublin, regardless of your budget.

From heavy hitters, like Chapter One, to very popular eateries, like Bastible, there’s restaurants in Dublin to tickle every tastebud.

In the guide below, you’ll find everything from rooftop steakhouses and dive cafes doing incredible brunch to some of the best places to eat in Dublin for seafood, vegetarian food and more.

What we think are the best restaurants Dublin has to offer

Photos via Host Restaurant on FB

The first section of our guide is packed with what we think are the best restaurants in Dublin City Centre – these are places that one of The Irish Road Trip Team has eaten in and loved.

Below, you’ll find the likes of FX Buckley, Host, Pickle and arguably the finest of the many Italian restaurants in Dublin.

1. Chapter One (Parnell Square)

Photos via Chapter One Restaurant on Facebook

The Michelin-starred Chapter One is an experience from beginning to end, and you’ll find it in the basement of the Dublin Writers Museum.

While it’s housed in an elegant and modern dining room, the atmosphere in Chapter One is surprisingly relaxed. The menu is a combination of French and modern Irish, with ingredients sourced from the best producers in the country.

While it’s pricey (€120 for a four course dinner), you won’t be disappointed. There’s also a lunch menu (€65) and a tasting menu (€150). This is widely regarded as one of the best places to eat in Dublin for good reason.

2. Pickle (Camden St.)

Photos via Pickle Restaurant on Facebook

If you’ve read our guide to the best Indian restaurants in Dublin, you’ll have seen the mighty Pickle reign supreme.

Executive Chef Sunil Ghai is behind the magic at this popular spot and, over the years, he’s racked up countless awards for his creative cooking.

If you’re looking to sample Pickle at its best, give the tasting menu a bash (it’s 5 courses starting at €60 per person). The tasting menu can even be tailored just for you (make sure to request this when booking).

If you’re looking for restaurants in Dublin to mark a special occasion, you won’t go wrong with an evening at Pickle.

3. Host (Ranelagh)

Photos via Host Restaurant on FB

Host is another spot that’s regularly listed as one of the best restaurants in Dublin, and a quick glance at any review site will quickly reveal why – the food here is stunning!

Host is a stylish spot that specialises in crafting delicious Italian cuisine with a menu that boasts high-quality ingredients and creative dishes, with small plates, grill items and delicious fresh pasta all paired with an extensive wine list.

Small plates at Host start at €12 while food from the grill starts at €23. There’s also some glorious pasta dishes (like pappardelle with lamb shoulder ragu) for €14.

Related read: Check out our guide to the best breakfast in Dublin (11 places you can grab everything from plump pancakes to a decent full Irish)

4. Rosa Madre (Temple Bar)

Photos via Rosa Madre restaurant on Facebook

I’m a big fan of seafood pasta and Rosa Madre in Dublin’s Temple Bar is always there to take care of my craving for this exceptional dish.

These lads specialise in fresh, locally sourced fish cooked to absolute perfection. The heavy hitter on the menu is the Calamari and Gamberi served with spicy spinach.

However, I was here recently and opted for the Lobster tonnarelli, and it was delish. The Ravioli al Tartufo also looks sensational!

Rosa Madre is, in my opinion, one of the best restaurants Dublin has to offer if you’re looking for a mix of light bites and amazing pasta dishes.

5. FX Buckley (various locations)

Photos via FX Buckley Steakhouse on Facebook

If you’re in search of a world-class steakhouse, FX Buckley really is hard to beat. Although there are several locations in the city, I keep heading back to the one in Bull and Castle.

The service is outstanding, the restaurant is dimly lit and intimate and the steaks are glorious. The only thing on the menu that tops the steak are the beef-dripping chips.

For over 25 years this place has perfected their steaks with grass-fed traditional breeds and dry-aged for a minimum of 28 days. FX Buckley is the best steakhouse in Dublin for a reason.

6. Brookwood (Baggot Street Lower)

Photos via Brookwood on Facebook

Brookwood is another of the best places to eat in Dublin when it comes to beef, and you’ll find it along the busy Baggot Street.

The menu features the finest Vintage Reserve Irish dry-aged beef all sourced from the same butcher. It’s not all about steak here though – there’s excellent seafood here, too.

The menu also contains some banging burgers, like the Brookwood Cheeseburger, and some mouth-watering lobster pasta. Brookwood also excels when it comes to drinks, and there’s a sophisticated cocktail list to browse.

The best places to eat in Dublin for a fancy meal

Photos via One Pico Restaurant on Instagram

Now that we have what we think are the best restaurants in Dublin City Centre out of the way, it’s time to see what else the capital has tucked up its sleeve.

Below, you’ll find places to eat in Dublin that offer a slice of elegance, like Bastible, Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, The Liath and more.

1. Bastible (Portobello)

Photos via Bastible on Twitter

There are few places to eat in Dublin with a reputation as fine as Bastible and a visit here treats you to a gastronomic surprise with every mouthful.

You’ll find a peach of a set menu at Bastible featuring dishes like poached oysters with elderflower and tomato dashi, or brown crab with courgette and Cais na Tire. There’s a popular vegetarian set menu, too!

They also do a fantastic Irish farmhouse cheese platter that shouldn’t be missed, which goes wonderfully with their range of wines and cocktails!

2. The Liath (Blackrock)

Photos via the Liath Restaurant on Instagram

The Liath is one of the more popular Michelin Star restaurants in Dublin and a quick glance at the photos above should give you a sense of what to expect.

According to their website, ‘As a restaurant, Liath is not just one person but a group of likeminded individuals who prize the spirit of togetherness and community above all else.

We believe the inherent value of food is best expressed through sharing it with friends and loved ones, and we are constantly adapting, evolving and innovating to achieve that goal.’

Specialities include: white soy, cep and walnut; Anjou pigeon, blackberry and amaranth; and Pear with black pepper and Grand Cru. If you’re looking for top restaurants in Dublin to mark a special occasion, get yourself here.

3. Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud (Merrion St.)

Photos via Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud on Instagram

Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud is a two Michelin starred restaurant with a reputation for excellence. The food here is contemporary Irish with French classical roots.

The restaurant has been making bellies happy for an impressive 40 years and it is acclaimed both nationally and internationally.

Here, you’ll find an à la carte menu (from €100) that changes seasonally and a lunch menu (€80) that’s switched up daily. There’s also a 4 course tasting menu (€140) and an 8 course tasting menu (€205) to dive into.

Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud is, in my opinion, one of the best restaurants Dublin has to offer if you’re looking to really push the boat out for a fancy occasion.

4. The Greenhouse (Dawson St.)

Photos via the Greenhouse Restaurant in Dublin on Instagram

The Greenhouse is described by The Michelin Guide as “chic” and “intimate”, with a nicely relaxed atmosphere and dishes that are suitably refined. The menu is French with an Irish twist and there are some unusual flavour combos on offer.

Specialities at The Greenhouse include hand-dived scallops with horseradish, grouse ‘en crepinette’ with celeriac, blackberry and sauce grand veneur and a cholate, praline and tonka bean dessert.

Price wise, you can expect to fork out (terrible pun intended…) between €80 to €180. This is one of the most popular restaurants in Dublin City Centre for fine dining, so make sure to book in advance.

Related read: Check out our guide to the best Chinese restaurants in Dublin (or our guide to the best places for Sushi in Dublin)

5. One Pico (Molesworth Place)

Photos via One Pico Restaurant on Instagram

One Pico is a Michelin-plate restaurant that has racked up rave reviews online over the years (currently 4.6/5 from 328+ Google reviews).

Now, with many of the Michelin star restaurants in Dublin, you’ll be paying out the ear, however, the lunch menu here is excellent value.

There’s a two course menu for €45 and three will set you back €55. Choose from beetroot and peaches with smoked almonds and goat’s cheese, or aged beef tartare served with a salt-cured egg and pumpkin seeds.

Main courses include roast saddle of lamb, or turbo with courgette flowers and lobster mousse. Throw in impeccable service, cosy surroundings and masterfully created dishes and you’ll quickly realise why this is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in Dublin.

Dublin restaurants that do a great lunch and brunch

Photos via WILDE Restaurant on FB

Now, although we have a guide to the best brunch in Dublin (and another on the best bottomless brunch in Dublin), I’m going to pop in our favourites here.

Below, you’ll find everywhere from the incredible Alma and the popular Ryleigh’s Rooftop Steakhouse to some very funky places to eat in Dublin.

1. Alma (Portobello)

Photos via Alma on Facebook

Alma is often referred to as one of the best places to eat in Dublin for breakfast or brunch, and it’s a title that’s been well-earned.

Alma is a charming little neighbourhood melange of Irish produce and Argentinian flavours tucked away down the handsome tree-lined streets of Portobello.

Using cuts of 100% Irish beef, they serve a lip-smackingly-good range of sambos, including a beautiful Argentinian Sausage with mustard aeoli.

2. Trocadero (St Andrew’s St.)

Photos via Trocadero on Facebook

Running for over 60 years, Trocadero is a Dublin institution, and it’s one of a few places to eat in Dublin that’s as popular with locals as it is with tourists.

Located inside two 18th century red-bricks a stone’s throw from the Molly Malone Statue, Trocadero boasts fine food and a handsome Art Deco dining room.

Starter wise, the grilled halloumi and the prawn and scallop cocktail pack a punch while for mains, it’s all eyes on their 9oz Centre Cut Fillet of Irish Angus beef 

Trocadero is, in my opinion, one of the best restaurants Dublin has to offer when it comes to beautifully prepped Irish food.

3. WILDE (The Westbury)

Photos via WILDE Restaurant on FB

It’s fair to say that WILDE doesn’t hold back when it comes to opulence! It’s located inside the stunning 5-star Westbury Hotel, after all.

With an airy dining room letting in tons of natural light and plush flowers climbing the walls, WILDE is a luxurious space for a lunch with a difference.

On the lunch menu you’ll find everything from Carlingford Lough oysters and Heritage beef carpaccio for starters and beautifully prepared fish, steak and veggie options for mains.

Related read: Check out our guide to the best vegetarian restaurants in Dublin (or our guide to the best places for afternoon tea in Dublin)

4. Eathos (Baggot St.)

Photos via Eathos on Facebook

Eathos Café is another spot that’s often pegged as one of the best places to eat in Dublin at lunch. This a healthy and wholesome foodie experience.

According to their website, Eathos, ‘has a particular philosophy at its core. We want to make thoughtful food that makes our customers happy!’

On the lunch menu, you’ll find everything from the Eathos style full Irish and toasted sourdough crumpets to buckwheat pancakes, Acai smoothie bowls and more.

5. Ryleigh’s (The Mayson)

Photos via Ryleigh’s

If you’re after cool and trendy restaurants in Dublin, Ryleigh’s Rooftop Steakhouse is a solid option. You’ll find it on top of the Mayson Hotel, where it offers a slightly more upmarket experience.

One a clear day, you can kick-back with views of the Dublin Mountains, the Liffey, Dun Laoighre and Dublin Bay (see our guide to rooftop bars in Dublin for more places like this).

On the brunch menu, there’s everything from eggs Florentine and French vanilla toast to buttermilk pancakes, crunchy homemade granola, Eggs Benedict and more.

If you’re looking for unique places to eat in Dublin where you can eat, soak up some views and enjoy a bite-to-eat and a tipple, Ryleigh’s is a great option.

Casual places to eat in Dublin that do great food

Photos via FishShackCafé Malahide on Facebook

The final section of our guide to the best restaurants Dublin has to offer is packed with casual places for a bite that have racked up rave reviews online.

Below, you’ll find everywhere from Mad Egg and PI to several other spots that could go toe-to-toe with the best places to eat in Dublin.

1. Bunsen (various locations)

Photo via Bunsen’s Facebook

With 4.6/5 from 3,800+ reviews at the time of typing for its Temple Bar branch, Bunsen is up there as one of the best places to eat in Dublin, based on review scores.

The menu at Bunsen is nice and sparse – you’ve your choice of a regular burger or a cheeseburger, size (double or single), toppings and then the style of fries (if any).

The one thing that brings me back to Bunsen time and time again is it’s consistency – it’s brilliant every single time without fail (I’m basing this on my 15+ visits).

Bunsen is, in my opinion, one of the best restaurants Dublin has to offer when it comes to cheap and ridiculously tasty comfort food.

2. PI (South Great George’s St.)

Photos via PI Pizza on Facebook

In September 2018, the Irish Times announced that PI was the ‘best pizza in Dublin‘ and, 4 years later, we still agree.

The interior at PI is handsome and minimalist and their menu is reassuringly small. Menu wise, we’ve heard good things about the ‘Nduja’ (crushed tomato, fresh basil, scamorza, Nduja, honey, parmigiano reggiano, garlic).

However, any time I’m here I tend to go for the ‘Salumi’ (crushed Tomato, buffalo mozzarella, rocket, prosciutto, semi sun-dried tomato) with a couple of roast garlic and herb dips. Magic.

3. Fish Shack Café (various locations)

Photos via FishShackCafé Malahide on Facebook

You’ll find Fish Shack Cafe in Malahide, Sandycove and along Dun Laoghaire Pier where they dish up some of the best fish and chips in Dublin!

This is a casual seafood spot that’s great for some easy bites and a few beers with friends. If you’re feeling peckish, the Po’ Boy Burger (atlantic prawns battered and fried served with lettuce, gherkins, tomato and spicy mayonnaise) is a banger.

There’s also everything from fish tacos and a halloumi burger to a beaut of a crab and avocado salad and much, much more.

One of the team here visited the Fish Shack Café in Malahide recently after hearing that it was one of the best restaurants in Dublin for fish and chips. She’s been raving about the place constantly since!

4. One Society (Lower Gardiner Street)

Photos via One Society on FB

There are few coffee shops in Dublin that can go toe-to-toe with One Society on Lower Gardiner St. I’ve been here three or four times over the last few years and always seem to go for the pizza menu.

You can grab roast baby potatoes for starters (mouth watering as I type…) and there’s a huge number of pizzas to pick from for mains.

There’s also a popular pasta menu and a solid brunch menu, too, with eight types of pancakes, an unreal chicken and chorizo club and more.

5. Mad Egg (various locations)

Photos via Mad Egg on Facebook

And last but by no means least in our guide to the best restaurants in Dublin is Mad Egg. They’ve got a couple of locations, but the one at Millenium Walkway will be the most convenient if you’re buzzy around the city.

Head up there and take your pick from seven mouthwatering chicken burgers. The Honey Baby is particularly tasty and features a generous helping of cinnamon rock, honey butter, candied streaky bacon, pickles and lettuce.

This is one of the best places to eat in Dublin if you fancy something tasty, hearty and that won’t break the bank.

Best restaurants Dublin: What have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant restaurants in Dublin City Centre and beyond.

If you’ve eaten in any good Dublin restaurants recently that you’d recommend, let me know in the comments below.

FAQs about where to eat in Dublin

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What are the top restaurants in Dublin City Centre for fine dining?’ to ‘I’m wondering where to eat in Dublin with a group of 10 plus?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the best restaurants in Dublin?

In our opinion, the best restaurants Dublin has to offer are Chapter One, Pickle, Host and Rosa Madre.

What are some cool restaurants in Dublin for a date?

If you’re looking for trendy restaurants in Dublin, you can’t go wrong with Ryleigh’s Rooftop Steakhouse or Sophies.

Elisha Donkin

Elisha is a freelance writer, content creator and blogger and her work can be read in Lonely Planet, Remote Lands and Matador Network. You’ll usually find her travelling in offbeat places or hiking wherever there are mountains; always with a camera in hand.