With not a whole lot of travelling happening over the past year, that left really only one thing to do locally: EAT. And eat we did. We tried loads of restaurants during that time, and made a list of what was in my opinion, the 10 best restaurants in Dublin! I based this off of not only how great the food was, but staff friendliness, and overall visible appeal and presentation. So if you’re a foodie like myself, then stick around because this one’s for you!
The Betsy
The Betsy located in Swords is an absolutely stunning restaurant and cocktail bar. The interior design is unlike anything else I’ve seen in Dublin, and was really well thought out. It has an elegant, sexy atmosphere about it, and appeals to guests of all ages. Their cocktails are top notch, in fact the best whiskey sour I ever ordered was from the Betsy.
From what I understand, their menu changes frequently, and they are always offering unique specials. We shared this calamari appetizer, which was done just right. We each had a main entrée that we enjoyed equally as much. Prices are reasonable given the atmosphere, and the service was impeccable.
Another fun aspect of the Betsy I wanted to mention is their bottomless brunch menu on Saturdays. This is something I haven’t seen very often in Dublin, especially not with a brunch menu this extensive. So if you are in the area, or just looking to try somewhere new, I highly recommend this spot!
Visit the Betsy website HERE
Pineapple Pink
Pineapple Pink located in Malahide is a cozy little brunch spot, decorated with a tropical aesthetic in mind. It’s bright an airy, and is the perfect spot for a girls brunch or a date.
I love the pink and green color scheme with pops of gold in the décor, it feels very Pinterest inspired, and a nod to Palm Springs, California.
They also do amazing smoothies, coolers, and pitchers, which only adds to the fun, tropical vibe.
Visit the Pineapple Pink website HERE
The Pigeon House
The Pigeon House in Clontarf is another amazing brunch spot. Everything I have tried I have loved, but my favorite would have to be their pancakes with maple syrup and crispy bacon. Nobody does bacon better than The Pigeon House in my opinion.
The staff is very friendly, and there is also a nice covered outdoor seating area, which we prefer. They tend to fill up pretty quickly, so I recommend making reservations a couple days in advance!
Visit The Pigeon House website HERE
The Orange Goat
The Orange Goat in Killester is a recent discovery for me. I went here on a whim, not really sure what to expect. Let me tell you, they do the most amazing sandwiches! I highly recommend the beef brisket sandwich and the pulled pork sandwich. They also offer all day brunch on the weekends!
Something else worth noting is that they are dog friendly! There aren’t too many places in Dublin that are, so that makes them extra unique.
Visit The Orange Goat website HERE
Rosa Madre
Rosa Madre located in Temple bar is a fine dining Italian seafood restaurant. In particular, they do an amazing lobster pasta dish, as well as a clam pasta dish. They have a great assortment of wines to choose from, and honestly you can’t really go wrong with anything on their menu. I went here for my 30th birthday, so that tells you how much I enjoy it!
Their indoor seating is very classy, with dimly lit lighting and wine displayed along the back walls. It really gives off that high end restaurant vibe. So if that’s what you’re in the market for, I definitely recommend checking them out!
Visit the Rosa Madre website HERE
Aqua
Aqua Restaurant in Howth is a fantastic spot for the seafood lover. Located at the end of the pier, you are blessed with a stunning view of the sea, which is even more magical at sunset. This is another spot I have been to for my birthday, and would definitely recommend you try the seafood tower if you are going all out!
They also have a lovely selection of drinks and desserts, so you really can’t go wrong. Overall a great date night or event spot!
Visit the Aqua Restaurant website HERE
Al Fresco
Al Fresco is a little hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant in Malahide. The owner is Italian so the food is really authentic and well presented. I haven’t tried a single thing on their menu I didn’t enjoy. The staff is very friendly, and even though the restaurant is small, they always try to accommodate you. Definitely worth popping in if you’re ever in the Malahide area!
Visit the Al Fresco website HERE
Senbanzuru Izakaya
Senbanzuru Izakaya is a Japanese restaurant located in Fairview. What really drew me to it was the fun interior. They have two projector walls, so no matter which way you’re facing, you have something cool to look at. They did a great job of making the relatively small space feel bold and lively, with the added touches of a cherry blossom tree and other decorations.
We’ve tried most of their appetizers, all of which we enjoyed. My favorite dish is their chicken katsu curry, or really any of their sushi dishes. The only thing I wasn’t a fan of was their ramen, it lacked flavor and was extremely bland.
Visit the Senbanzuru Izakaya website HERE
Arisu
Arisu is an authentic traditional Korean BBQ and sushi restaurant located on Capel Street. It’s the only Korean restaurant I’ve been to in Dublin that does proper Korean BBQ – it’s surprisingly hard to come by. The interior is nothing to write home about, but the food more than makes up for it. They also offer plenty of other main dishes if sushi or BBQ isn’t your style.
Visit the Arisu Restaurant website HERE
Ka Shing
Ka Shing, located in Dublin 2, is the latest restaurant we’ve visited, and I already can’t wait to go back! Their chefs are from Hong Kong, China, and boy do they make some phenomenal authentic Chinese dishes. Their menu is quite extensive, so there is definitely something for everyone. We opted to order an assortment of dim sum bites, all of which were divine.
The staff was extremely friendly, and made it a point to chat with us and get to know us. The atmosphere is cute and cozy, but what really makes this place in my opinion is the fish tank. Self explanatory.
