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The nicest restaurants in Dublin, Ireland

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The surprise in terms of cities in Europe for me is definitely Dublin; I didn't really expect much from it. The happier I became when I walked around, because this city is so much fun. It has a fairly small center, very nice to stroll through, along the River Liffey for example. Around happy hour, you find yourself heading towards Temple Bar, because that is quite an experience in itself. I thought we had cozy pubs in the Netherlands, but in Dublin they know how to do it too.

But besides having drinks and drinking Guinness, you can also eat very well in Dublin. Where? I've listed the nicest places for you.

1. The Winding Stair
40 Ormond Quay Lower

Do as the Irish do and have lunch or dinner here; they serve typical Irish food and I can tell you, it's incredibly delicious. Whether you go for mussels or the Irish tomato tartare, it's all equally good here. They have various options on the menu (including house wine) and they are all very affordable.

2. Chapter One
18-19 Parnell Square N.

If you're looking for a fine dining restaurant, you're in the right place here. Chapter One has really become a household name in Dublin and is the proud owner of two Michelin stars. The location is almost as special as the food: in the basement of the Dublin Writers Museum. It's quite pricey, but for what you get, it's absolutely worth it. Want to experience it but spend a little less? Go for the lunch menu.

3. Rosa Madre
7 Crow St.

Rosa Madre is within crawling distance of the famous Temple Bar, so if you want to grab a drink afterwards, this is an absolute recommendation. The menu is Italian and especially for seafood lovers, they have a huge number of options. Inside, it's wonderfully cozy, the staff is super friendly, and many celebs have been spotted here.

4. Bread 41
41 Pearse St, Dublin 2

This is not a restaurant where you will have an elaborate meal, but you definitely want to stop by here. It's a bakery with the best sourdough bread in all of Dublin, but they also have amazing pastries and pizza. Trust me: you want to pick up breakfast or lunch here. No late lunch, because they close every day at three in the afternoon.

5. La Ruelle Wine Bar
Joshua Ln, Dawson St.

Shared dining (they also have larger dishes, if you want) and especially a lot, a lot of delicious wines, that's what this hotspot is all about. La Ruelle Wine Bar is a very cozy little place with a too cute terrace; you almost feel like you're in Spain with this atmosphere. So nice.

6. PI Pizza
Castle House, 10, 73 – 83 South Great George’s St.

What is a city trip without a good pizza? For me, it's the ultimate comfort food, but I want to find the best one in the city. According to many locals, you should go to PI Pizza, where the pizzas are made in a wood-fired oven. You can sit here comfortably to eat, but it's not the most ideal place to linger. Perfect to grab a bite before you head to Temple Bar, by the way, because that's just around the corner.

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7. Loose Cannon Cheese and Wine
29 Drury St.

My all-time favorite combination: cheese and wine. And they have understood that at this hotspot in Dublin. They have a mini terrace in front, but it's also very cozy inside. Whether you want to have lunch or drinks; as long as you love cheese and wine, you're in the right place here.

8. Bunsen
Multiple locations

You have several locations of this, the most famous being the one at Temple Bar. Logical too, because these burgers are perfect as a base or if you feel like a good (and greasy) meal after drinks. They may not win any beauty contests, but you can see from all the photos how tender and juicy they are. Really: as a burger lover, you want to try these.

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9. Mamó
Harbour House, Harbour Rd.

You can find this hotspot in the Howth district, which is quite a distance from the center. It's a nice neighborhood to visit, so if you go there for a (mid)day: stop by Mamó for lunch or dinner. The dishes are real works of art, and you're right by the water – a very different atmosphere than the busy center of Dublin, but incredibly beautiful.

10. Alma
12 S Circular Rd, Portobello

This lunch spot is now very well known among the locals; very popular for both breakfast and lunch. The menu is Argentine-oriented. So there's delicious meat but also incredibly tasty guacamole and seasoned potatoes. If you prefer ‘classic’, they also have various types of poached eggs.

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11. Uno Mas
6 Aungier St.

The name says it all a bit, but here you indeed eat delicious Spanish dishes. They have a lot of tapas on the menu, but also larger dishes with their aged Delmonico steak with béarnaise sauce as the showpiece. Delicious (and a lot, but it's really for two people). Sticking to the tapas and/or possibly sharing some appetizers is also highly recommended here.

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12. Bar Italia Ristorante
26 Ormond Quay Lower

Pizza, Pasta, wine, Aperol Spritz: you're good for everything here. So also for that delicious truffle pasta (I personally can never get enough of it) or the classic Italian pasta ragù. Extra points for the beautiful interior; you definitely want to reserve an evening here.

13. Mad Egg
Multiple locations

You might think by the name that they mainly serve eggs, but no: you are at the right place (or multiple, as they are spread throughout Dublin) for fried chicken. The sticky honey variant for example, or the one with soy sauce and chili. ‘The best damn chicken you’ve ever tasted,’ they say themselves and that indeed comes close.

14. Peruke & Periwig
31 Dawson St.

Okay okay, not a restaurant, but a genuine tip. The interior here is already amazing, but the cocktails are too. If you've had enough of the pubs at Temple Bar, then this place is a really nice alternative.

15. Nomo Ramen
4 Charlotte Way

This is also not a restaurant where you will linger long, but their ramen is really *chef’s kiss*, just like their gyozas and handmade Japanese bitterballs/croquettes. Good to know: they don’t take reservations. So just drop by and hope for a spot.

16. Vintage Cocktail Club
15 Crown Alley

One more cocktail bar then, because I really like this one too. The interior here is again insane; as the name suggests: very vintage and classic. It’s a bit of a speakeasy, as you have to press the bell to be let in. This bar is really close to Temple Bar, so a nice change from the busy pubs. Fun: it’s a large bar, spread over three floors, with even a rooftop and a terrace.