The Best Restaurants In Dublin 2 (2024)

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While a perfectly poured Guinness and a visit tothespectacular St. Patrick's Cathedral should be on your itinerarywhen visiting Dublin, the Irish capital's dining scene deserves asmuch attention, if not more, particularly in the Dublin 2 area.Covering lively spots like Temple Bar, Dame Street, Grafton Street,and Stephen's Green, this vibrant district located south of theRiver Liffey is a cultural hotspot home to a mix of criticallyacclaimed eateries. On our list of top restaurants in Dublin 2, you'll find everythingfrom extravagant tasting menus to sophisticated French bites anddelicious Neapolitan pizza slices.

Last edited by Izzah Kazi

Last updated on 20th August 2024

The Odeon

184 reviews

The Odeon on Harcourt Street is a beautiful Irish gastropub housed in a Grade A-listed building, boasting gorgeous interiors that set the scene for a memorable dining experience. The menu offers a delightful mix of international flavours, featuring dishes like pork belly with black pudding bon bons, honey soy and ginger chicken skewers, and charred corn ribs. Spread across multiple levels, this stylish venue also serves up a variety of drinks, hosts wine tastings, and even offers live entertainment, making it the perfect spot for a night out.

  • City Centre
  • co*cktail Bar Event Space Restaurant Bar

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The Blind Pig Dublin

The Blind Pig is a hidden speakeasy themed all around the Prohibition era. Tucked away on Suffolk Street, this trendy haunt boasts 1920s-inspired decor, complete with secret menus hidden in books, rich mahogany furniture, and bartenders dressed to the nines in vintage apparel. The intimate atmosphere pairs perfectly with a menu of delectable dishes like creamy porcini mushroom tagliatelle, fresh Irish mussels, as well as roasted salmon fillets, along with expertly crafted co*cktails such as the French Connection and Strawberry Fields, Forever.

  • co*cktail Bar Themed Bar Restaurant Bar

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Zizzi Suffolk Street

On the hunt for Italian restaurants in Dublin 2? Zizzi on Suffolk Street has everything you need for a great meal, featuring a lively open kitchen and modern decor. The menu is packed with delicious options like seared salmon, garlic bread with mozzarella, and classic pizzas or pastas. Our top pick? The rustica chicken with fiery roquito peppers, followed by a decadent salted caramel chocolate brownie and a hearty pour of wine. With plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, this stylish spot has something for everyone.

  • Dublin City Centre
  • Restaurant Bar

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Pacino's

Pacino's is easily one of the most authentic Italian spots in town and one of the best restaurants in Dublin 2 for lunch, delighting diners with the culinary expertise of head chef Luca Mazza. The menu is a feast of Italian classics, brimming with freshly made pasta and pizza dishes crafted from local ingredients and cooked to perfection. Think rigatoni alla norma, fillet of cod in a stew of mussels, and a fully loaded calzone alongside some standout brunch offerings. The sleek and stylish setting featuring mosaic tiles and dim lighting is complemented by an extensive wine list expertly chosen by a sommelier, providing the perfect pairing for every dish.

  • City Centre
  • Restaurant Bar Restaurant Fine Dining Restaurant

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The Market Bar Group

3581 reviews

On the lookout for restaurants near Grafton Street? Nestled in the heart of the Creative Quarter, The Market Bar is a vibrant spot set inside a 19th-century Victorian warehouse. Once a sausage factory, this expansive venue now hosts two restaurants, six bars, and even a nightclub. Settle in for a feast of freshly cooked tapas-style bites, perfect for sharing, with options like gambas pil pil, chorizo al vino, and crispy fish tacos while sipping on a selection of carefully curated wines, beers and co*cktails, including favourites like limoncello spritz and espresso martini.

  • City Centre
  • co*cktail Bar Event Space Lounge Bar

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Café en Seine

0 reviews

Nestled between Trinity College and St. Stephen's Green, Café en Seine is a chic French escape located right in the heart of Dublin. Spanning three stories, this stunning venue whisks you away to the streets of Paris courtesy of art deco-inspired interiors and a striking marble-topped bar serving some of the city's finest co*cktails. The menu is just as impressive, featuring an array of tasty European dishes like roast potato gnocchi, Irish black Angus sirloin, and butternut squash risotto. And for those looking to extend their evening meal into something a bit more special, live jazz fills the air at this charming hangout until the wee hours of the morning.

  • Temple Bar Portobello
  • Restaurant Bar co*cktail Bar Event Space

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Bunsen

Spread across two floors offering stunning river views, Bunsen is all about no mess and fuss, just seriously delicious burgers. Forget mediocre meat— this joint serves only prime cuts of Aberdeen Angus beef, minced fresh on-site for patties that are anything but ordinary. Their no-nonsense philosophy extends to the toppings, too, featuring just the essentials like pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, onion, mayo, mustard, and ketchup. And with three types of fries, hand-cut, shoestring, and sweet potato, you've got the perfect sides to complement your under-a-tenner burger, making it a steal for such mouthwatering goodness.

  • Restaurant Bar

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Opium

Rooftop restaurants in Dublin 2, anyone? Opium is Dublin's ultimate destination for a night out, offering a vibrant mix of a bar, restaurant, roof terrace, and club all under one roof. This hotspot is divided into four distinct spaces, each infused with a Pan-Asian flair. Start your evening in the chic restaurant, where leather booths and striking murals set the scene for a feast of Eastern flavours. From succulent suckling pork and rich red duck curry to savoury clay pot lamb, this joint masterfully blends inspirations from Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan, serving some of Dublin's most authentic Asian cuisine.

  • Restaurant Bar Nightclub co*cktail Bar

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Chapter One

Looking for city centre restaurants in Dublin 2? Chapter One, Dublin's two Michelin-starred marvel in the former Jameson founder's home, is the perfect combination of French flair and Nordic elegance. Chef Mickael Viljanen's menu dazzles with indulgent treats like foie gras and hand-dived scallops, as well as inventive Irish dishes such as roast anjou pigeon with cherries from Céret and liver ganache, all whipped up fresh in the open kitchen. The restaurant's decor, featuring hand-woven baskets, moss-green carpets, white linens, and Irish art, adds a local touch to this haute cuisine haven.

  • City Centre
  • Restaurant Bar

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The Ivy Dublin

The Ivy Dublin on Dawson Street is a chic dining destination that will leave you swooning over both its stunning interiors and flavorful dishes. This stylish spot offers an all-encompassing menu featuring everything from breakfast and weekend brunch to lunch, light snacks, and dinner. Expect to find timeless classics on the menu, like shepherd's pie, crispy duck salad, and an indulgent chocolate bombe alongside various locally inspired creations. The vibrant setting is adorned with floral foliage, striking murals, candy-coloured sofas, and a glamorous mirrored bar, making it as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.

  • City Centre
  • co*cktail Bar Lounge Bar Restaurant Bar

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The Best Restaurants In Dublin 2 (2024)

FAQs

What is the best food to eat in Dublin? ›

Here is a list of the famous food locals love to eat in Dublin.
  • Roast gammon. ...
  • Irish stew. ...
  • Seafood chowder. ...
  • Beef and Guinness pie. ...
  • Boxty. ...
  • Dublin coddle. A meaty stew best consumed on cold afternoons. ...
  • Spice bag. Potato chips, chicken, and chili wrapped up in a paper bag. ...
  • Barmbrack. A Christmas cake-like sweet enjoyed on Halloween.

Where do famous people eat in Dublin? ›

Top 10 Best Celebrity Restaurants Near Dublin, Dublin
  • Ruby Tuesday's. 5.0 (3 reviews) ...
  • Hacienda Bar. 4.8 (25 reviews) ...
  • Shanahan's On The Green. 4.5 (73 reviews) ...
  • The Cobblestone. 4.4 (128 reviews) ...
  • The Pig's Ear. 4.3 (234 reviews) ...
  • Marco Pierre White. 3.9 (84 reviews) ...
  • IL Vicoletto. 4.6 (123 reviews) ...
  • The Old Mill Restaurant.

What time do people eat dinner in Dublin? ›

The Dining Experience in Ireland

The main meal of the day for locals is dinner, meaning making reservations is a good idea, especially if you're planning to dine during peak Irish dinner hours (from 8:00 p.m. onward).

What is the best food to eat in Ireland? ›

12 Must-try Traditional Irish Foods
  • Irish Soda Bread. The comforting aroma of Irish Soda Bread welcomes you after stepping foot into any Irish bakery! ...
  • Irish Stew. ...
  • Ulster Fry. ...
  • Colcannon Mash and Champ. ...
  • Potato Farls or Potato Bread. ...
  • Irish White Pudding. ...
  • Bacon and Cabbage. ...
  • Coddle.
Feb 28, 2023

What is the famous breakfast in Ireland? ›

While it may depend on who you ask and where they are from, a traditional Irish breakfast almost always includes fried eggs with a runny yolk, back bacon (known commonly in the Republic and Northern Ireland as “rashers”), pork sausage, whole or sliced button mushrooms (sautéed in the pork and bacon fat), and tomatoes ( ...

Do you tip in Ireland? ›

Plan to tip around 10-15% in Irish restaurants. However, the exact tip amount when eating out in Ireland depends on the place, occasion, and order size. It's customary to give your waiter or waitress a slightly higher tip than you would a bartender, as they are likely sharing their tip with the kitchen staff.

Does Dublin have any Michelin star restaurants? ›

Whether you want French-inspired classical cuisine or dishes created by the city's most innovative chefs, Dublin has Michelin dining to match. The story of Michelin-starred restaurants in Dublin has seen many twists since the Russell Hotel secured the city's first star in 1974.

Where did Anthony Bourdain eat in Dublin? ›

A pan-fried fillet of hake at The Chop House – a famed Irish “gastropub” where Tony had one of his favorite meals in Dublin. Tony has a porterhouse at The Chop House. “Million-Dollar Fries” at Joe Macken's restaurant, Bear. Tony and his old friend Paddy go for a walk in Dublin.

What do people eat for breakfast in Dublin? ›

They are not all the same but they will start with a couple of eggs (at least) add some very lean back bacon (known as rashers) black and maybe white pudding (a sort of sausage), breakfast sausage, baked beans, bread, ideally Irish soda bread, mushrooms and fried tomato.

What is the most common Irish dinner? ›

1. Shepherd's Pie. A classic found on dinner tables throughout Ireland, shepherd's pie combines beef and vegetables in a crust of mashed potatoes. It's a traditional Irish food that gathers distinctly Irish ingredients in a single dish.

How much does a pub meal cost in Ireland? ›

Average Food and Drink Prices in Ireland

Pint of beer: €5-€7. Glass of wine: €6-€9. Coffee: €2-€4. Pub meal: €10-€20.

Is dining expensive in Ireland? ›

Restaurants in Ireland are surprisingly expensive—even after the economic crash, the cost of eating out here is still well above the European average.

What is the most eaten vegetable in Ireland? ›

Carrot. After potatoes, carrots are without doubt the best-known and most popular root vegetable of all.

What is Ireland's national drink? ›

Over the last three centuries, Guinness has become a legendary part of Irish culture, celebrated as Ireland's national drink. And with over 8,000 years still left on the original St. James Gate brewery lease, there's still a lot more of 'the black stuff' to make and enjoy.

Do they wear jeans in Ireland? ›

Generally speaking, Ireland is quite casual. Most people wear jeans and a shirt or blouse when eating out in restaurants or heading to the pub. However, if you plan to enjoy some fine dining or want to hit up a fancy bar, then this calls for some more formal attire.

What is the national dish of Dublin? ›

Irish stew is a classic national dish that dates back to the early 19th century. Food was scarce in those days, so common folk would cook up a big hearty stew using whatever leftover ingredients they could muster. The original Irish stew consisted of mutton, potatoes, onions, and barley.

What is Dublin's food specialty? ›

Exploring Dublin's culinary heritage: 15 Traditional foods and where to find them
  • Dublin Coddle. ...
  • Fish and Chips: ...
  • Dublin Bay Prawns: ...
  • Corned Beef and Cabbage: ...
  • Traditional Irish Stew Pie: ...
  • Barmbrack: ...
  • Boxty Pancakes: ...
  • Soda Bread:
Sep 22, 2023

What is the number one dish in Ireland? ›

The national dish of Ireland is Irish stew! It's a delicious dish made with lamb or beef, potatoes, onions, and carrots. It's hearty, comforting, and perfect for a cosy meal. You can find it in many Irish homes and restaurants, especially on chilly days.

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