11 Malahide Restaurants That’ll Make Your Tastebuds Happy

In search of the best restaurants in Malahide? Our Malahide restaurants guide will make your belly happy!

Malahide is a picturesque little coastal town in north Dublin and, while it’s smallish in size, it packs a fine punch when it comes to it’s food scene.

Although there’s plenty of things to do in Malahide (from Malahide Castle to Malahide Beach), it’s the towns many restaurants that keep us coming back for more.

Our favourite restaurants in Malahide

The first section of our guide to the best restaurants in Malahide tackles our favourite places to eat in Malahide.

These are pubs and restaurants that we (one of the Irish Road Trip team) have munched away in at some point over the years. Dive on in!

1. Siam Thai Restaurant

Siam Thai Malahide has been quietly setting the standard for Thai food in north Dublin since 1993, and it shows in the confidence of the cooking.

This is Thai cuisine that leans on balance rather than bravado: clean heat, proper aromatics, and sauces that taste layered rather than sweetened.

Dishes like Massaman curry arrive rich and comforting, while the beef salad hits sharp notes of lime, chilli and coriander without overdoing it.

The room feels polished but relaxed, making it as suited to a midweek dinner as a long, cocktail-fuelled evening. It’s experienced, consistent, and knows exactly what it’s doing.

2. Kajjal

Opened in 2007, Kaijal has become one of the most popular restaurants in Malahide, with the Asian cuisine considered by many connoisseurs to be exceptional. It’s got a very relaxed and cosy atmosphere and has a regular clientele which always is a good sign.

Kaijal is also popular with cocktail lovers, and the restaurant management takes the wine list seriously. The Early Bird Sunday lunch is a favourite, and the live music adds to the atmosphere without being overpowering.

They also cater for corporate affairs and parties. If you’re looking for Malahide restaurants to mark a special occasion, you can’t go wrong here.

3. Old Street Restaurant

Old Street bills itself as a neighbourhood restaurant because that’s just what it is. The owners have restored two of the village’s oldest buildings and now run a Michelin recommended restaurant.

Their menus are extensive and filled with goodies from local producers. Whether you’re in the mood for a Black Angus steak or an octopus carpaccio, you’ll be able to order it here. Old Street caters to larger groups and events, and they offer wine tastings and wine pairing menus.

If you don’t usually order a dessert, be prepared to change your mind when the selection arrives at your table. Service is good, and the prices are reasonable, but the quality is outstanding.

4. Jaipur

According to the Michelin Guide, Jaipur is a friendly restaurant with tasty food. They note that the monkfish with lime, ginger, coriander root & fried okra is a speciality.

This is a restaurant that takes not only its menu seriously but also the origins of their dishes, the creativity of their dishes and the philosophy of food in general.

Vegetarians will love it as there are lots of options for them. The décor is high-quality, and the service can only be called impeccable. Worth a visit.

5. Déjà Vu

A gem of a restaurant in Malahide Village, Déjà Vu has a loyal and regular clientele who rave about the food and service.

One of the reasons they love it is that they can see the chefs at work in the kitchen, sometimes making the bread that’s a firm favourite in the restaurant.

Even with the open-plan layout, the atmosphere is still cosy, and the staff has a lovely vibe. A perfect venue at any time, the brunch menu is fabulous.

6. That’s Amore

If you’re a fan of Rustic Italian décor (as I am), you’ll love this place. The Italian favourites on the menu are fantastic quality, as are the seafood and steak dishes. It’s got something for every taste.

In true Italian style, families are made to feel very welcome, and the staff will try to accommodate any requests. They’ve got a good range of specials too, making the food at That’s Amore great value and always delicious.

The atmosphere lends itself to large gatherings, and they do cater for parties and events.

7. McGoverns Restaurant

The fish and chips at McGoverns Restaurant are precisely as they’re supposed to be – the fish is fresh with light, crispy batter, and the chunky chips are scrumptious.

This casual, family-friendly restaurant is situated on The Diamond in Malahide, and if you’re lucky enough to have a good day and eat outside, you’re in for a treat.

The food and wine are delicious, and the staff are attentive, helpful and friendly. There’s no reason for menu-envy here because every dish has had rave reviews.

8. SALE e PEPE

What would a fishing village be without its restaurants serving seafood? In the centre of Malahide, SALE e PEPE has been in business for 27 years serving superb food with great specials every day.

The ambience is cosy and relaxed, and nothing is ever too much trouble for the super friendly and attentive staff.

The restaurant’s specialities are seafood and steaks of the highest quality at a fair price. Fish tacos often get a mention, so check them out. At less than half an hour from Dublin City by DART, it’s worth a trip.

9. Taste of the Med

This is a small but perfectly formed café in Malahide serving delicious food and coffee. The staff have a reputation for friendliness and service, bringing lots of repeat business.

Perhaps because of its size, service is swift, so it’s an excellent venue for a quick lunch. A lunchtime favourite of homemade soup accompanied by homemade bread is terrific value, and the portions are substantial.

If you’re after casual places to eat in Malahide where the menu packs a punch, carve out some time to visit Taste of the Med.

10. Bon Appetit

A family-run neighbourhood restaurant, Bon Appetit is well-known for its laid-back vibe and creative cooking.

It’s clear that the head chef here takes pride in their work, with modern dishes created using only the freshest ingredients. If you are a fan of tapas dining, you’ll definitely love this place.

Contemporary comfort food and brunch classics can be found on the menu, as well as an extensive wine and cocktail list. The dining room is candlelit, creating a perfect atmosphere for weekend brunches, special celebrations, and lunches. 

11. Scotch Bonnet

Located just a short walk from the Malahide Dart Station, Scotch Bonnet focuses on traditional cuisine with a modern twist.

Try their Baby Back Ribs & Angus Beef burgers and you won’t be disappointed. In reviews online, many customers mention that the Louisiana style chicken wings are extremely tasty.

You can also choose from a wide range of sustainable seafood or the café’s handmade pasta. As for the drinks menu, Scotch Bonnet Urban Café offers everything from imported craft beers to an extensive list of wines from the southern hemisphere.

What great Malahide restaurants have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some other great restaurants in Malahide from the guide above.

If you have any favourite Malahide restaurants that you’d like to recommend, drop a comment into the comments section below.