The best restaurants in Dublin for 2026

Inspired by classic French bistros, Pichet is one of Dublin’s best restaurants for celebrating special occasions. Located off Dame Street, the main dining room is simply designed and effortlessly elegant, with an open kitchen that allows diners to see the chefs at work. Pichet is well-known for its charming atmosphere as well as for its award-winning French and Irish menu, which has held a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand distinction for over 15 years. Kick your meal off with a selection of appetising starters, like organic salmon tartare or crispy hens egg. Popular mains include roasted halibut with dashi broth and shiitake mushrooms or John Stone striploin. The wine list features an eclectic range of vintages from Europe, including less well-known wine-producing areas—perfect if you want to sample a unique bottle with your meal.

Serving juicy steaks and locally sourced produce, FIRE Steakhouse and Bar on Dawson Street is one of the best restaurants in Dublin for meat lovers and serious foodies. The restaurant is located inside the historic Mansion House and boasts a stunningly grand interior, as well as an all-weather terrace overlooking a beautiful, enclosed garden. The kitchen team sources the meat from local Irish Hereford prime beef farmers and specialises in cooking meat and seafood on the wood-fired grill. Popular menu items at FIRE include the massive 35oz dry-aged bone-in côte de bœuf and the wood-fired tiger prawns with chorizo and crayfish butter. You can also start your meal with Irish potted crab and crayfish, while the bar serves a great range of signature cocktails and premium wines.

The magical dining room and luxurious Chinese menu at Mama Yo on Camden Street marks it out as one of the best restaurants in Dublin for a get-together with friends. Chinese artworks line the walls and add to the exotic feel, while large trees grow on the restaurant floor, making it seem as if you are dining outdoors. Mama Yo’s menu offers an appetising blend of historic and contemporary dishes, incorporating ancient cooking techniques. One of the most impressive dishes is the whole roast duck, which is slow-cooked to perfection in a traditional Chinese duck oven (must be pre-ordered at least 48 hours in advance). Light bites, like the pork soup dumplings or the soft-shell crab, are also popular choices. The lively atmosphere makes Mama Yo the perfect spot for groups.

Hawksmoor Dublin, located in the historic National Bank building on College Green, is a stylish steakhouse and cocktail bar serving one of the best Sunday roasts in Dublin. Specialising in high-quality, locally reared beef, the menu includes hearty prime cuts like Chateaubriand and Porterhouse steaks. The popular Sunday roast features dry-aged beef rump served with all the trimmings, including their famous bone marrow gravy. The cocktail menu is carefully curated by expert mixologists and features a range of signature drinks made with Irish whiskey, such as the Hawksmoor Calling with gin and Fino sherry. The lavish yet elegant decor, featuring a 40-foot cast-iron dome, makes this a great spot for a fancy lunch or celebratory dinner.

With its laid-back, brasserie-style aesthetic and focus on seasonal Irish produce, Lottie’s in Rathmines is one of the best restaurants in Dublin for a relaxed meal out. The restaurant was awarded a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, praising Lottie’s for its simple, flavourful food and neighbourhood vibe. As well as the downstairs dining room, Lottie’s features a comfortable upstairs cocktail lounge where you can sip an aperitif or enjoy a drink after your meal. The menu changes with the seasons but often includes elegant starters like Andarl Farm pork belly and mains such as dry-aged striploin or fresh seafood pasta. The casual, welcoming feel here is perfect for an intimate lunch or a relaxed weekend meal.

SOLE Seafood & Grill on South William Street specialises in Irish seafood and is one of the best restaurants in Dublin for fresh, sustainably sourced fish and shellfish. The menu is classic and relies on high-quality ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience. Diners can opt for a tasting menu or choose from the à la carte list. Start your meal with West Cork mussels cooked in white wine or fresh local oysters. For an exceptional seafood feast, the Captain Seafood Tower is a showstopper, serving two people with grilled lobster, brown crab claws, Dublin Bay prawns, and smoked salmon. A juicy fillet steak is available for those who prefer meat, all served in an elegant, chic atmosphere.

Pay a visit to Sophie’s @ The Dean on Harcourt Street and you will immediately notice the incredible views. The venue boasts a top-floor location with a glass-walled dining room that offers panoramic vistas of the city. The menu is a fusion of European and global cuisine, featuring wood-fired pizzas, succulent steaks, and fresh fish specials. A whipped goat’s cheese starter served with prosciutto is a luxurious way to open your meal, while decadent mains include handmade pastas and grilled seabass. The interiors are comfortable and modern, with a large outdoor terrace that is perfect for summer drinks. It is a great place to relax and enjoy lunch with friends while soaking in the Dublin skyline.

The Ivy Dawson Street is known for its extravagant, Art Nouveau-inspired decor and vibrant atmosphere. Focusing on modern British and Irish cuisine, it is one of the best restaurants in Dublin for a lavish meal out. Start your experience with roasted scallops or the crispy duck salad with watermelon and coriander. The traditional fish and chips in The Ivy’s signature batter is always popular, and the shepherd’s pie is a comforting classic. Riffing on its vintage glamour theme, the bar serves a range of classic cocktails with a twist, such as the Salted Caramel Espresso Martini. Located across several floors, The Ivy has the feel of a stylish cocktail bar and a trendy restaurant hotspot rolled into one.

The Port House group brings the warm feel of a Spanish taverna to Dublin, with popular locations including South William Street and Camden Street (The Port House Cava). It is an ideal spot to visit with a group of friends or for a casual date night. Small plates and tapas dishes are perfect for sharing, giving the venue a lively, continental feel. Choose from delicious meat, seafood, and vegetarian tapas dishes, such as croquetas filled with jamón or chicken, and the classic patatas bravas. The Port House also serves a wide selection of Spanish and Portuguese wines and a range of refreshingly distinctive gin tonics. You can also order a pitcher of sangria—perfect for celebrating with friends.

Newly renovated and owned by UFC star Conor McGregor, The Black Forge Inn in Drimnagh serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner made with locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Pair these with a premium selection of beer, wine, and liquor, prepared by expert bar staff creating signature cocktails. The plush, elegant interior features a long bar, cosy booths, and screens showing the latest matches. Dig into a full Irish breakfast or a superfood bowl in the mornings. For dinner, the signature dish is the Steak on the Stone: chargrilled Irish Angus dry-aged steak served with chunky hand-cut fries and Proper No. Twelve whiskey sauce. It is widely considered one of the best gastropubs in the area.

Boeuf and Frites is passionate about doing the simple things well. Located in the bustling Temple Bar district, this French-style brasserie specialises in steak and fries. The concept is straightforward: choose your cut of prime Irish beef—from rump to fillet—and it is served with a side salad, warm bread, and bottomless frites. You can also opt for free-range Irish chicken if you prefer. The fries are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, perfect for soaking up the house sauces like peppercorn or garlic butter. With golden chandeliers and exposed brick walls, Boeuf and Frites boasts a lively atmosphere that is perfect for special celebrations and casual dinners alike.