The Best Wine Bars In Dublin: 9 Worth Visiting This Month

If you’re in search of the best wine bar Dublin has to offer, you’ve landed in the right place.

Although it’s Dublin’s pubs that tend to grab most of the attention, the city has several stunning wine bars that call the city ‘home’.

From intimate Italian wine bars where you’ll enjoy a homely setting while you sip, to more main-stream spots where you can can eat, drink and be merry (perfect if you’re looking for Dublin date ideas!).

In the guide below, you’ll find the best wine bars Dublin has to offer, with a little bit of something to suits most budgets.

Our favourite wine bars in Dublin

The first section of our guide is packed with what we think are the best wine bars in Dublin. These are places that one or more of The Irish Road Trip Team have visited and loved.

Below, you’ll find everywhere from the excellent La Cave Wine Bar and the hugely popular Piglet, to La Ruelle and more.

1. La Cave Wine Bar and Restaurant

In the heart of the city centre, La Cave is the original French wine bar in Dublin. Feel as if you’re stepping into a neighbourhood restaurant in Paris as you catch up with friends or have a romantic night out.

There’s an extensive wine list and a classic French menu. The food at La Cave is exceptional and reasonably good value, too. 

There’s a function room on the first floor for meetings, parties or wine tastings and, if you’re looking to brush up on your wine-tasting skills, La Cave has a Wine School with wine-tasting events.

2. Il Fornaio Del Mondo, Enoteca

This little Italian restaurant just a minute away from the Ha’penny Bridge and it’s popular amongst local and visiting Italians, which is always a good sign.

The style is rustic and casual, and the atmosphere is buzzing! According to their website they, ‘pair the Love of traditional Italian food and drinking to the Mediterranean diet. It makes for one deliciously unique experience’.

Food wise, there’s everything from Taglieri and Panino Porchetta to Arancini on offer.
If you’re in search of a wine bar in Dublin where the food is as good as the drop, take a detour in here.

Related read: Check out our guide to the finest rooftop bars in Dublin (from swanky restaurants to quirky cocktail bars in Dublin)

3. Piglet

Situated in the quieter end of Temple Bar, Piglet is a bit of a hidden gem. For starters, they take A La Carte to a different level as you can mix, match, and share from any part of the menu.

Food wise, there’s a lunch menu and a dinner menu, each of which is packed with everything from fresh pasta dishes and beautifully cooked seafood to duck, cotes de boeuf and much more.

According to Piglet, ‘The wine list is a carefully selected mess where natural, biodynamic and organic wines cohabit with the most classic European appellations, and where our two great passions are featured prominently: magnums and old vintages’.

4. La Ruelle Wine Bar

If you haven’t booked, you’ll be fortunate to get a table at La Ruelle – a hugely popular wine bar located in a little lane off Dawson Street. The attentive staff, the delicious food, and the great atmosphere keep the customers coming back here.

The menu caters to all types of appetite, from a superb Tapas selection to a full A La Carte menu, all presented with flair and imagination.

There’s an excellent wine list, and the staff make their great service look easy. The talking point here is the gorgeous mural of a Parisian garden path, which adds to the French atmosphere.

Related read: Check out our guide to 13 pubs pouring the best Guinness in Dublin (well known spots and hidden gems)

5. L’Enoteca di Napoli Wine bar & Restaurant

Don’t be surprised if, during your meal, one of your chefs bursts into That’s Amore! All the staff here are from Naples, and song is often on the menu.

The experienced team at L’Enoteca di Napoli Wine Bar is passionate about their restaurant and its food, and that passion is transferred to the customers.

A pizza at L’Enoteca di Napoli is not just about bread and toppings – it’s an experience to be savoured, and everything on the menu is treated the same way.

The surroundings are gorgeous, with open beams and lots of natural light, which adds to the charm of the Italian décor.

Other popular wine bars in Dublin

Now that you’ve seen where we think is the best wine bar in Dublin, it’s time to see what else the capital has to offer.

Below, you’ll find everywhere from Port House Pintxo and Ely to the stunning EL CELLER and more.

1. EL CELLER Restaurant Tapas & Wine Bar

A must with Tapas fans, El CELLER is the perfect place to rest after wandering around Blackrock Market. As it’s located in the cellars, there’s a unique atmosphere from the get-go, and the food lives up to its environment.

The Patata Bravas sauce is legendary, and the prices are very reasonable. Everything on the menu is homemade, and the staff are very efficient while still being friendly and kind.

My pregnant friend told me they noticed her and made sure she had sauces without raw eggs. It’s little touches like this that keep people going back. This is considered the best wine bar in Dublin by many for good reason.

2. Ely

The menu at ELY is generous, with something to appeal to most tastebuds, from slow cooked lamb croquettes and lobster raviolo to seabass ceviche, gazpacho mousse and much more.

If you’ve yet to visit, expect excellent décor, ambience and presentation across their two locations (CHQ Building and 22 Ely Place).

3. Chez Sara (Malahide)

If you’ve whetted your appetite after a walk along Malahide Beach or around the Marina, Chez Sara is right there waiting for you. This restaurant serves both Italian and French cuisine and has a motto of fair prices for delicious meals.

How could you go wrong? Whether you go for seafood or steak, the superb wine list boasts plenty of perfect pairings.

There’s a lovely, cosy atmosphere, the staff are friendly and helpful, and seeing your food cooked in front of you adds to the anticipation of a great meal.

4. Port House Pintxo

Whether you’re out with friends or it’s date night, the atmosphere at Port House Pintxo in Temple Bar will add to your enjoyment. All that moody darkness gathers you in, and you won’t want to leave!

Old favourites like Patatas Bravas and Gambas Ajillo are wonderful, but there’s something for everyone on the menu, plus there’s a great variety of wines on offer.

There’s also a peach of a desert menu here, boasting old favourites like Sorbete de Limón con Oporto Blanco, Churros con Chocolate and Selva Negra (hot chocolate Fudge cake with whipped cream).

Wine bar Dublin: Where have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant places to kick-back with a tasty drop from the guide above.

If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out.

FAQs about the best wine bar Dublin has to offer

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Which are the fanciest?’ to ‘Which are best for a first date?’.

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 wine bars in Dublin?

In my opinion, La Ruelle Wine Bar, Piglet, Il Fornaio Del Mondo and La Cave are the finest wine bars in Dublin.

What Dublin wine bars are good for a first date?

Now, this will be dependant on whether you’re looking for good wine or an intimate setting. EL CELLER is a popular destination as is La Ruelle.