Best Restaurants in Dublin

Dublin’s food scene is seriously worth exploring. Whether you’re after something Michelin-starred, a cosy local favourite or design-led dining with a difference, the Irish capital delivers. This is a city that does heritage pubs and fusion plates with equal flair.

We’ve rounded up the best restaurants in Dublin, spanning across buzzing central spots and neighbourhood gems such as Portobello, Temple Bar and Stoneybatter. And the best part? You’ll find Locke’s Dublin aparthotels right in the mix, so you’re never too far from your next great meal.

Looking for something special? Top restaurants in Dublin City Centre.

Staying central? These standout spots bring style and flavour in equal measure. Whether it’s date night or a last-minute dinner, these are the best restaurants in Dublin city centre to have on your list:

Chapter One.

This is fine dining without the fuss. Chapter One has earned its Michelin star honestly, with seasonal Irish ingredients, perfectly balanced tasting menus and a sleek, understated space that’s as elegant as the food. The experience feels curated but never clinical, making it a go-to for special occasions and serious food lovers alike.

Etto.

Etto keeps things compact, in space and on the menu, but it delivers big on flavour. You’ll find it tucked just off St Stephen’s Green, serving smart, simple plates that shift with the seasons. The wine list leans natural, and the vibe is quietly confident. It’s the kind of place that Dubliners bring their friends to when they want to impress, but not show off.

The Winding Stair.

Above a riverside bookshop, The Winding Stair keeps the literary nostalgia while championing Irish ingredients. Think Castletownbere crab, wild mushrooms, and rich soda bread. It’s traditional without feeling tired, and the upstairs views of the Liffey don’t hurt either.

Fade Street Social.

This place buzzes day and night. With a menu built around Irish produce and an open-plan kitchen that feels like theatre, Fade Street Social offers serious food in a setting that’s full of energy. Whether you’re after rooftop cocktails or a proper Sunday roast, it’s a crowd-pleaser for good reason.

Looking for an experience? Cool & creative places to eat in Dublin.

If you’re more into mood lighting, heady playlists and chef-led innovation, this one’s for you. For those that crave an unmissable Dublin experience, these cool restaurants go beyond the ordinary:

Bastible.

Tucked away in Portobello, Bastible has built a loyal following thanks to its stripped-back look and standout food. The menu changes often, but it’s always honest and ingredient-led. Think butter-soft meat, clever veg dishes, and sauces you’ll want to lick off your plate. It’s the kind of place you book in advance, but pretend you just stumbled upon.

Coppinger.

Reopened and reimagined, Coppinger is once again making waves in the city centre. The small plates menu blends local Irish ingredients with bold, Mediterranean flavours. Think charred octopus, burrata with blood orange, and hand-cut pasta. The vibe is smart but never stuffy. A lively dining room, great wines, and just the right level of buzz.

Nomo Ramen.

Serious broth. Big flavours. No pretence. Nomo Ramen is a tight little spot with a short, sharp menu. Chicken-based bowls, vegan miso, smoky pork, all made with care and full of soul. It’s comfort food with conviction. Ideal for solo eats or a low-key noodle night.

Two Pups.

Low-key and loved by locals, Two Pups is more than a café, but not quite a full-on restaurant. Come for the brunch, stay for the dog-watching, and maybe pick up a zine while you’re at it. This is Dublin doing daytime right. Bonus: it’s dog friendly, so your four-legged travel buddy can tag along too.

Looking for a certain energy? Great Dublin restaurants with a local vibe.

We bet you're wondering - but where do the locals eat? These great restaurants in Dublin offer a welcoming feel, flavour-forward menus and a laid-back energy:

Forest Avenue.

Bright, calm and quietly confident, Forest Avenue serves thoughtful plates that change with the seasons. The tasting menu is refined but relaxed, and the service feels more like a warm welcome than a performance. It’s what neighbourhood fine dining should be.

Gertrude.

Gertrude is your go-to for everything from early morning coffee to late-night wine. On the menu: comforting classics done well, from eggs and toast to tagliatelle and trout. The room is airy, the staff are friendly, and it all just works.

Spitalfields.

Gastropub doesn’t quite cover it. Spitalfields is more like a cosy living room with better food. Expect rich, meaty dishes, clever takes on old-school favourites, and a wine list that pairs perfectly with everything. There’s also a snug, and yes, you should ask for it.

L. Mulligan Grocer.

Over in Stoneybatter, this one’s a local hero. L. Mulligan Grocer puts Irish ingredients front and centre, from Donegal cheeses to house-made black pudding. The beer list is entirely craft, the vibe is warm and a little bit irreverent.

Close to home: best places to eat near Locke hotels in Dublin.

Locke’s Dublin aparthotels are surrounded by good food. Here are a few standout spots just a short stroll away:

Little Pyg.

Just around the corner from Zanzibar Locke in the Powerscourt Townhouse, Little Pyg serves up wood-fired pizza with flair. DJs, cocktails, and a lush indoor courtyard setting make it the place to go when you’re in the mood for fun without the fuss.

The Woollen Mills.

The Woolen Mills, a Dublin staple on the River Liffey. Inside: exposed brick, stained glass and a menu that runs from spiced sausage rolls to buttery fish pie. Outside: a terrace with a postcard view. It’s history, served with a side of comfort.

Bar 1661.

Five minutes from Beckett Locke, Bar 1661 is the spiritual home of Irish poitín. The drinks are bold, the bar snacks are clever, and the late-night buzz is unmatched. If you’re after something local but a little bit different, this is the place.

Planning a foodie stay in Dublin?

You don’t have to be a chef to enjoy Dublin’s restaurant scene – just curious (and maybe a little bit hungry). With its blend of bold flavours, local favourites and creative cooking, this city is a top pick for food-first travel.

And Locke makes it easy. Each of our Dublin aparthotels has a top-spec kitchen if you fancy cooking your own feast. Or you can wander out and find your new favourite dinner spot just minutes from your door.

Want more ideas near our properties? Check out the Zanzibar Locke area guide for local tips, hangouts and hidden gems.