21 Unique Places to Eat in Dublin (Ultimate Foodie Spots)

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Dublin’s food scene is a vibrant mix of old-school charm and modern innovation, making it a dream for adventurous eaters. From traditional pubs serving hearty Irish stew to sleek spots reinventing classics like boxty and black pudding, the city has something for every craving. Imagine sipping a perfectly poured Guinness in a historic tavern, dining in a converted church, or enjoying fresh seafood with a view of the River Liffey.

Known for its farm-to-table focus and creative takes on comfort food, Dublin’s restaurants are as diverse as its culture. These 12 unique spots capture the heart of Ireland’s capital, blending rich traditions with exciting flavors. Get ready to discover why Dublin is a foodie hotspot that’s anything but ordinary!

• 👉 Pro Tip: Explore Dublin’s culinary scene with the Small-Group Dublin Food Walking Tour! This guided adventure takes you to local spots to sample Irish classics like soda bread, seafood, and artisan cheeses. Along the way, your guide shares fascinating stories about the city’s food traditions and culture. Perfect for foodies, this tour combines delicious bites with an insider’s look at Dublin’s vibrant culinary heritage. Come hungry and taste your way through the city!

Unique Restaurants in Dublin: 21 Incredible Dublin Eateries

Dublin’s unique restaurants offer a world of flavors, each with its own story and style. From hidden gems tucked away in narrow streets to bustling eateries with breathtaking views, there’s something for every taste and occasion. Join us as we explore these culinary treasures, and discover the heart and soul of Dublin’s dining scene.

1. Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen

• 📍 Location: Parnell Square North (City Centre North)
• 💲 Price range: $150 – $250+ per person (Tasting Menu)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Irish / French Fine Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: Two Michelin stars, exquisite tasting menus, world-class Irish ingredients, elegant Georgian setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Ultimate fine dining splurges, special occasion celebrations, experiencing Michelin-starred Irish cuisine, and food connoisseurs.

Prepare for a truly exceptional culinary journey at Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant is a pinnacle of fine dining in Dublin, offering exquisite modern Irish cuisine with French influences in an elegant Georgian townhouse. It’s refined dining at its best.

The tasting menu showcases the finest seasonal Irish ingredients. Expect dishes like perfectly seared scallops with delicate accompaniments. Rich foie gras preparations, or tender Irish lamb cooked with precision, are also highlights. Every plate is a work of art.

2. Glas Restaurant

Glas is an awesome spot for plant-based foodies right in the heart of Dublin city. Don’t let the meat-free menu fool you – this place is famous for bold, creative flavors. You have to try their beetroot “tartare” with black garlic and capers, which is as photogenic as it gets. The kale pakoras and wild mushroom risotto are crowd pleasers that will convert even hardcore carnivores. Set in a stylish, glass-fronted building on Chatham Street, Glas feels bright, chic, and inviting. Think leafy accents and pops of color, perfect for a first date or a chill catch-up with friends! Grafton Street is just around the corner if you fancy a stroll after. Personally, I was seriously impressed by how satisfying and inventive veggie dining could be – trust me, you won’t be missing anything from this menu.

3. Cafe en Seine

• 📍 Location: Dawson Street (City Centre South)
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Brasserie / Bar / Modern European
• 🔥 Standout Features: Spectacular Art Nouveau interior, multi-level space with glass roof, extensive cocktail/drinks list, lively atmosphere.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Impressive interiors, stylish drinks/dinner, group celebrations, pre-theatre, and soaking up opulent vibes.

Prepare to have your breath taken away by the stunning interior of Cafe en Seine on Dawson Street. This multi-level Parisian dream drips with incredible Art Nouveau details, soaring glass ceilings, and ornate balconies. It’s one of Dublin’s most visually impressive venues!

They function as both a bustling brasserie and a lively bar. Consider their classic steak frites with peppercorn sauce. Fresh moules marinières (mussels), or their popular Cafe en Seine burger, are also excellent choices. The extensive cocktail list is a highlight.

4. Bastible

Bastible offers a modern Irish dining experience that feels both fresh and intimate. Located in the Portobello neighborhood, this spot is known for its open kitchen and ever-changing tasting menus that spotlight seasonal Irish ingredients. Their sourdough with cultured butter is legendary, and the burnt honey custard is nothing short of mind-blowing. The vibe is laid-back yet refined, with muted tones, exposed bulbs, and an energetic hum from the talented kitchen team. Grab a pre-dinner drink at the nearby bars along the Grand Canal or take a post-meal stroll by the water. Bastible’s focus on local flavors and clever twists will stick with you – I genuinely left hoping to replicate their dishes at home, but nothing beats the real thing.

5. Variety Jones

• 📍 Location: Thomas Street (The Liberties)
• 💲 Price range: $70 – $100+ per person (Sharing Menu)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Irish / Open-Fire Cooking
• 🔥 Standout Features: Michelin-starred, focus on open-fire cooking, seasonal sharing plates, relaxed/convivial atmosphere.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Foodies seeking innovative Irish cuisine, fans of wood-fired flavors, sharing menus, and a unique Michelin experience.

Experience the magic of open-fire cooking at the Michelin-starred Variety Jones in The Liberties. This acclaimed restaurant offers a unique and convivial dining experience centered around seasonal sharing plates, many cooked over an open hearth. The aroma of woodsmoke is captivating.

The menu changes frequently. You might enjoy flavorful grilled family-style fish. Perfectly charred vegetables with unique sauces, or tender hearth-roasted meats like pork or lamb, are also excellent. It’s innovative, delicious, and deeply satisfying.

6. BIGFAN

BIGFAN brings a serious punch of modern Chinese street food flavor to the Dublin scene, especially if you crave something edgy and fun. The dumplings here are a must – I couldn’t stop ordering the chili oil wontons, and the crispy cumin lamb flatbread is unreal. BIGFAN is all neon lights, mural art, and retro pop playlists, giving late-night Hong Kong nightclub energy right near Aungier Street. It’s great for groups or casual dates who want to skip the usual. The craft cocktails are quirky – the lychee spritz is dangerously drinkable. Camden Market and the historic Iveagh Gardens are a short walk away. I love how this spot doesn’t take itself too seriously – come hungry, ready to mix and match small plates.

7. Ryleigh’s Rooftop Steakhouse

• 📍 Location: Docklands (Inside The Mayson Hotel)
• 💲 Price range: $60 – $120+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Steakhouse / Grill
• 🔥 Standout Features: Rooftop location with Dublin/docklands views, focus on grilled steaks/seafood, stylish hotel setting, outdoor terrace.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Rooftop dining fans, city views, steak lovers, special occasion dinners, and stylish hotel dining.

Enjoy dinner with impressive Dublin views at Ryleigh’s Rooftop Steakhouse, atop The Mayson Hotel in the Docklands. This stylish spot offers panoramic vistas across the city from its chic dining room and outdoor terrace – perfect for watching the sunset.

The focus is on high-quality grilled meats. Ordering one of their prime steaks, like a dry-aged ribeye or a tender filet mignon, is a must. Fresh seafood options like grilled prawns or pan-seared salmon are also excellent. For a top-notch steak with great views, Ryleigh’s

8. Pickle Restaurant

Pickle is where North Indian flavors light up Camden Street. The menu is bold and authentic, with standouts like the wild boar vindaloo and the tandoori spiced monkfish that literally melts in your mouth. The interior feels both exotic and welcoming, with jewel-toned walls, hanging lanterns, and Bollywood soundtracks setting the mood. It’s busy and buzzy, so book ahead if you’re coming on a weekend. Theater lovers will appreciate that Whelan’s music venue is just next door, making this a perfect pre-gig dinner spot. Personally, I was blown away not just by the spice levels, but by the refined balance in every dish. If you think you know Indian food, Pickle will make you think again.

9. Yamamori

• 📍 Location: North / South City
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Japanese / Sushi / Izakaya
• 🔥 Standout Features: Long-standing popular Japanese spots, diverse menu (sushi/ramen/bento), lively atmosphere, different vibes per location.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Japanese food lovers, sushi/ramen cravings, casual group meals, pre-gig eats (near venues), and reliable tasty options.

Craving delicious Japanese food in Dublin? Yamamori has you covered with its multiple popular locations. Each venue has a slightly different vibe, but they consistently deliver a wide range of tasty Japanese favorites that keep people coming back.

Expect fresh sushi and sashimi platters – the “Yamamori Sushi Deluxe” is a great choice. Comforting bowls of ramen or udon, flavorful bento boxes for lunch, or crispy gyoza and tempura are also popular. Yamamori is a reliable go-to.

10. GRANO 

GRANO is a slice of Calabria tucked into Stoneybatter, run by an Italian family who know their craft. Handmade pasta is the name of the game – you’ll regret not ordering the nduja ravioli with ricotta or the tagliolini with fresh truffle when it’s in season. The space is intimate, inviting, and just a bit rustic, with shelves full of Italian vino and buzzing neighborhood energy. There’s no such thing as a bad seat, but nabbing a window table is always a win. After dinner, you can wander Smithfield or grab a pint at The Cobblestone for some live trad music. I loved the passion behind every dish at GRANO – you genuinely feel like you’re at someone’s lively family table.

11. Mary’s Bar and Hardware Shop

• 📍 Location: Wicklow Street (City Centre South)
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person (Drinks/Snacks focus)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Traditional Irish Pub / Hardware Store Theme
• 🔥 Standout Features: Pub combined with functioning hardware shop(!), old-school Irish pub feel, great Guinness/whiskey selection, unique concept.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Unique pub experiences, traditional Irish pub fans, Guinness/whiskey lovers, quirky atmosphere seekers, and buying hardware with your pint!

Need a pint of Guinness and… a hammer? Head to Mary’s Bar and Hardware Shop, a truly unique Dublin institution! This place operates as both a traditional Irish pub and an actual, functioning hardware shop. You can order a creamy pint while browsing tools.

Expect a proper old-school pub atmosphere and friendly locals. Besides a perfect pint of Guinness, their selection of Irish whiskeys is excellent. They offer simple pub snacks like classic Tayto crisps. Mary’s provides an unforgettable, authentically Dublin experience.

12. Hang Dai Chinese

Hang Dai is a wild mashup of Cantonese cooking and Blade Runner aesthetics, tucked above a nondescript door on Camden Street. The house specialty “Disco Duck” – a lacquered half duck served with pancakes and party lights – is basically Dublin legend at this point. The Peking pork is next-level too. Red leather booths, shimmering gold dragons, and a killer vinyl soundtrack make each dinner here feel like a night out. Try to score a coveted booth in the train carriage section for a one-of-a-kind feast. The bars of Portobello are a short walk if you want to keep the night going. For me, Hang Dai is the definition of glam, good-times dining – expect high-energy and zero stuffiness.

13. 777 (Seven Seventy Seven)

• 📍 Location: South Great George’s Street (City Centre South)
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $70 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Contemporary Mexican / Tapas / Cocktails
• 🔥 Standout Features: Dark/loud/energetic atmosphere, excellent tequila/mezcal cocktails, modern Mexican small plates, late-night dining/DJs.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Lively group dinners/drinks, tequila/mezcal fans, fun date nights, contemporary Mexican lovers, and high-energy vibes.

Get ready for a high-energy fiesta at 777 on South Great George’s Street. This place is known for its dark, loud, and buzzing atmosphere – it feels like a cool underground party centered around amazing modern Mexican food and killer cocktails.

The menu focuses on creative, shareable small plates. Consider their inventive tacos, like the crispy pork belly or battered fish. Flavorful ceviches or their popular elotes (grilled corn with cotija cheese and chili) are also fantastic. Their tequila and mezcal selection is top-notch.

14. Etto

On Merrion Row, Etto quietly serves up some of the most consistently excellent food in Dublin. This small, understated restaurant specializes in modern European dishes with perfect technique – think homemade pastas, aged beef rib, and legendary chocolate mousse. It’s all about flavor, not fuss, with an approachable wine list heavy on natural and organic picks. The dining room is compact and candlelit, making it ideal for date nights or post-theater meals after a gig at The National Concert Hall nearby. There’s an unmistakable warmth to the service here, and every visit feels like a special occasion – I still dream about their ricotta gnocchi with sage butter.

15. The Ivy Dublin

• 📍 Location: Dawson Street (City Centre South)
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $100+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern British Brasserie / International
• 🔥 Standout Features: Stunning opulent decor (sister to London Ivy), brasserie classics/comfort food, central location, popular/buzzing.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Stylish dinners/brunches, impressing guests, special occasion meals, classic brasserie fans, and soaking up glamorous vibes.

Experience a dose of London glamour at The Ivy on Dawson Street. This stunning restaurant boasts incredibly opulent, maximalist decor – beautiful floral patterns, polished brass, and plush seating. It feels instantly special and makes any meal feel like an occasion.

The menu offers sophisticated takes on British and international brasserie classics. Expect well-executed dishes like their famous shepherd’s pie. Elegant fish dishes, like seared salmon or cod, or a classic steak tartare, are also popular. The Ivy provides a buzzy setting.

16. Liath Restaurant

Liath is a Michelin-starred experience in Blackrock Market that dials up the drama in all the right ways. Each course is an edible piece of art, blending Irish produce with global techniques. Their signature hay-smoked onion and the playful dessert “Peat” are pure culinary wizardry. The intimate, dark-hued room seats just a handful each night, creating a theater-like atmosphere where chefs personally present each course. Take a detour to the beach or browse the quirky Blackrock shops before your meal. When I last dined here, the sense of anticipation – and surprise with every bite – made it the most memorable night out in ages. Bookings are essential.

17. Sophie’s Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

• 📍 Location: Harcourt Street (Top of The Dean Hotel)
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $80 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern European / Pizza / Cocktails
• 🔥 Standout Features: Rooftop restaurant/bar with 360° Dublin views, stylish glasshouse setting, wood-fired pizzas, popular cocktails/brunch.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Rooftop views, stylish hangs, brunch with scenery, group drinks/dinner, and impressing visitors.

Dine with incredible 360-degree views over Dublin at Sophie’s Rooftop, atop The Dean Hotel. This stunning glasshouse-style restaurant and bar offers fantastic panoramic vistas of the city skyline day and night. It’s a super stylish spot perfect for soaking in the cityscape.

Their wood-fired pizzas are a particularly popular choice – the “Diavola” with spicy salami is a hit. Appealing dishes like pasta with seasonal ingredients, or grilled items such as chicken or steak, are also great. They serve excellent cocktails and do a great brunch.

18. Doolally

Doolally cranks out vibrant, spice-driven Indian cuisine in a seriously stylish setting just off Dublin’s Grand Canal. Their slow-cooked lamb curry packs depth, while the Indo-Chinese chili chicken is perfect for anyone who likes their flavors bold and their Instagram feed colorful. The décor is a fresh twist on Indian kitsch – big murals, rattan seating, and jungle-green pops everywhere. Don’t miss the cocktails, which lean into local ingredients in dangerously clever ways. If you’re heading to a gig at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, this is a great spot to start your night. I found Doolally’s playful style and lively ambiance a fun antidote to any gray Dublin day.

19. La Cave Wine Bar

• 📍 Location: South Anne Street (City Centre South)
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person (Wine/Cheese focus)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Wine Bar / French Bistro Bites / Cheese & Charcuterie
• 🔥 Standout Features: Long-standing cozy basement wine bar, huge wine list (esp. French), classic French bites, intimate atmosphere.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Wine lovers, cozy/intimate dates, French bistro vibes, cheese/charcuterie fans, and pre/post-theatre drinks.

Descend into a cozy, subterranean haven for wine lovers at La Cave Wine Bar just off Grafton Street. This charming, long-standing basement bar feels like a classic Parisian hideaway, intimate and perfect for lingering over a good bottle. They boast an impressively extensive wine list.

Pair your wine with classic French bistro bites. Their delicious French onion soup is a must. Satisfying cheese or charcuterie boards featuring French and Irish selections, or classic escargots de Bourgogne, are also excellent choices. La Cave offers a wonderfully atmospheric experience.

20. Six by Nico Dublin

• 📍 Location: Molesworth Street Area (City Centre South)
• 💲 Price range: $70 – $100+ per person (Set Tasting Menu)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Themed Tasting Menus / Modern European
• 🔥 Standout Features: Constantly changing 6-course themed menus, affordable fine dining concept, creative dishes, popular/reservations needed.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous eaters, trying themed menus, affordable fine dining seekers, unique dining experiences, and foodies loving surprises.

Get ready for a culinary adventure where the theme changes completely every six weeks at Six by Nico. This popular restaurant concept offers a unique and affordable fine dining experience centered around a constantly rotating six-course tasting menu, each inspired by a different theme.

Expect creative, beautifully presented dishes. Past themes like “Ancient Rome” featured dishes like cacio e pepe or pork belly with fennel. “New York” might include a refined take on a Reuben or cheesecake. Booking ahead is essential as it’s always in demand.

21. The Vintage Kitchen

• 📍 Location: Poolbeg Street (Near Trinity College)
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $90 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Irish / Seasonal European
• 🔥 Standout Features: Tiny/cozy restaurant, BYOB policy (with conditions), focus on seasonal Irish ingredients, excellent value, hard to reserve.
• 🎯 Perfect For: BYOB fans, intimate dinners, seasonal food lovers, quality Irish cuisine seekers, and value-conscious foodies.

Discover a tiny treasure trove of delicious modern Irish cooking at The Vintage Kitchen. Tucked away near Trinity College, this small, cozy restaurant is beloved for its fantastic food focused on seasonal Irish ingredients and its appealing BYOB policy (check corkage rules).

Expect beautifully prepared dishes showcasing the best local produce. Fresh Irish seafood, like pan-seared scallops or hake, is a highlight. Perfectly cooked lamb rump with seasonal vegetables, or creative vegetarian options, are also excellent. Getting a table requires booking well in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Unique Places to Eat in Dublin

This section of our Dublin restaurant guide answers all your burning questions about eating out in the city, from famous local dishes to family-friendly spots.

What food is Dublin famous for?

Dublin is renowned for its hearty and traditional Irish cuisine. The city’s culinary landscape is dotted with dishes like Irish stew, made with lamb, potatoes, and carrots, and Boxty, a unique Irish potato pancake. Seafood also plays a significant role, with Dublin Bay prawns being a local favorite. These dishes reflect Dublin’s rich culinary heritage and are a must-try for visitors.

Is Dublin a foodie city?

Absolutely! Dublin has evolved into a vibrant foodie city, offering a diverse range of dining experiences. From traditional Irish pubs serving classic dishes to modern eateries offering innovative cuisine, the city caters to all tastes. Unique restaurants in Dublin showcase global flavors, making the city a melting pot of culinary delights. Whether you’re looking for fine dining in Dublin or casual eateries, the city’s food scene won’t disappoint.

What is a uniquely Irish food?

A uniquely Irish food that stands out is Colcannon, a traditional dish made from mashed potatoes mixed with kale or cabbage, often served with Irish bacon. Another is Soda Bread, a staple in Irish households, known for its distinctive texture and flavor. These dishes are deeply rooted in Irish culture and offer a taste of Ireland‘s culinary traditions.

Can you find international cuisine in Dublin?

Yes, Dublin’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious. The city boasts a wide range of international cuisines, from Italian and French to Asian and Middle Eastern. This diversity reflects Dublin’s multicultural population and adds to the city’s vibrant food culture.

Are there vegetarian options in Dublin?

Dublin is very accommodating to vegetarians, with many restaurants offering creative and delicious vegetarian dishes. From dedicated vegetarian and vegan eateries to traditional restaurants with extensive vegetarian menus, there’s something for everyone.

What are some fun restaurants in Dublin?

Dublin offers a variety of fun restaurants that combine great food with unique experiences. From themed eateries and lively pubs to restaurants with live music and interactive dining experiences, these venues are perfect for those looking for an enjoyable and memorable meal.

Where can you experience fine dining in Dublin?

For those seeking fine dining in Dublin, the city offers numerous options. There are several Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end eateries that provide exquisite menus, elegant atmospheres, and impeccable service. These establishments often feature innovative dishes prepared by renowned chefs, making them ideal for special occasions.

Is Dublin suitable for family dining?

Dublin is very family-friendly when it comes to dining, making it an ideal stopover for families exploring things to do in Ireland. Many restaurants welcome children and offer kid-friendly menus. From casual cafes to more formal dining establishments, families can enjoy a variety of cuisines in a welcoming atmosphere.

Final Thoughts On Unique Dublin Restaurants

As we wrap up our Dublin restaurant guide, we’ve highlighted the city’s diverse and vibrant culinary offerings, inviting you to fly to Dublin. From hidden gems to luxurious fine dining spots, each establishment contributes uniquely to Dublin’s gastronomic tapestry. Whether you’re in search of a lively evening, traditional Irish flavors, or an exceptional dining experience, Dublin caters to every palate, making it an ideal destination for day trips. This guide serves as your portal to the myriad of delicious adventures that Dublin holds. So, ready your appetite and embark on a journey of culinary discovery in this enchanting city. Bon appétit!