The 30 Hottest Restaurants In Dublin - July
It's back! Our list of the most talked about restaurants in Dublin right now, based on column inches, Insta love and the general pain involved in getting a booking. It started at 20, increased to 25, but post pandemic we struggled to get it under 30, so here they are, in alphabetical order, with four new entries...
Allta Winter House
Where: Trinity Street Car Park
The hype for formerly London-based chef Niall Davidson's first Dublin opening was big, and when Allta reinvented itself as Allta Summer House in Slane last summer, and then as Allta Winter House in Autumn, the hype just continued to climb. The €95 tasting menu is meant to be share and one of the best Irish food experiences you can have on the island right now, and there's a new €69 feasting menu that ATF Insiders got a preview of.
Read our Allta Winter House once over here.
Bambino (New)
Where: Stephen Street Lower
When word broke that Reggie White protégé and Little Forest pizzaiolo Shane Windrum was opening an "NY-style slice shop" in the centre of town, food circles and industry bods were close to frenzy. They opened at the end of last month with around 10 different slice options, from triangular to square, red to white, meat to vegan, and daily sell outs became the norm. It's on the pricier side for a pizza slice at €4.50 for cheese to €6.50 for the 'Hot Pep', but it doesn't seem to be putting people off.
Check out Bambino on Instagram here.
Bastible
Where: South Circular Road
A cornerstone of the Dublin dining scene since opening off Clanbrassil House in 2016, Bastible was finally awarded the Michelin star many have been shouting they deserved for years, in the 2022 guide. An impressive tasting menu with an excellent vegetarian option. Refined, modern Irish food that's smoked and cultured, fermented and foraged.
Read our Bastible once over here.
Big Fan
Where: Aungier Street
Big Fan opened mid-pandemic with more of a whimper than a bang, but pretty soon word got out about their bao, jiaozi and corn ribs, and the rest was history. We loved it so much we did our first restaurant takeover there, and the Michelin guide were just as impressed, adding it to the 2022 guide. Don't miss the black dragon bao, cheeseburger jiaozi, and the best enoki mushroom dish in the city.
Read our Big Fan once over here.
Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen
Where: Parnell Square
In the biggest collaboration of 2021, it was announced that The Greenhouse head chef Mickael Viljanen (who'd gained two Michelin stars in the 2020 guide) was going into partnership with Ross Lewis and taking over the kitchen in Chapter One. The result was better than anyone imagined, and it was no surprise that Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen was awarded two stars by Michelin on its first ride out. The €65 lunch is unmissable.
Etto
Where: Merrion Row
Etto has been dream dining since opening mid-recession in 2013. One of the most highly rated, consistent restaurants in the city, we're not sure they've ever had a bad review. Dishes are vaguely Italian, vaguely Irish, with a predominantly European wine list that's a labour of love. The Côte de boeuf with crispy garlic potatoes and Béarnaise set the standard for every other restaurant in the city attempting a sharing steak, and the red wine prunes with mascarpone will never be allowed to leave the menu.
Fish Shop
Where: Smithfield
Simple seafood, sherry and natural wines have been drawing the crowds to Fish Shop in Smithfield since day one, and it's one of the hospitality industry's favourite hang outs. Monday is Wine Club night and probably the best value place to drink quality wine in the whole of Dublin (apart from places that let you BYO). A small space with counter and bar seating, and it's always best to book. If you can't get a table they do fish and chips to go too.
Read more about Fish Shop here.
Forest Avenue
Where: Leeson Street
What was formerly Sandy and John Wyer's spacious dining room on Sussex Terrace has now moved into the space around the corner that used to house Forest & Marcy. The tasting menu has increased in price and ambition, and what was Forest Avenue is now Forest Avenue Wine Bar, perfect for a few plates of food and glasses of wine if you don't want the whole hog.
Read our Forest Avenue Wine Bar once over here.
Grano
Where: Stoneybatter
We don't remember an Italian restaurant ever having the impact Grano had on Dublin almost immediately after opening. Within a few months they were booking out weeks in advance, every occasion we've eaten there people have been turned away all evening, and it still takes meticulous planning to get a booking. Pasta is handmade in house, much of the produce is imported from Italy (including from some farms of family friends), and the wine list is as good as the rest.
Read our Grano once over here.
Hang Dai
Where: Camden Street
Buzzy modern Chinese Hang Dai has always drawn the crowds for their subway seating, whole wood-fired roast duck, and after hours partying, but in the past year or two the fawning over their food has gotten louder. Last summer's streetside pop up Hawker was a smash hit for cheeseburger spring rolls, pork dumplings and strong cocktails, and even though that's currently on hiatus, Hang Dai's menu features much of the same.
Read our Hawker once over here.
Hen's Teeth
Where: Dublin 8
Hen's Teeth opened as a cultural hub for the city (thanks to numerous backers on Kickstarter), complete with gallery, lifestyle products and a café - but soon the café was all anyone wanted to talk about. Chef Killian Walsh has departed, with his 2IC Kevin Milson taking over, but the flavour-packed food doesn't seem to have suffered. Natural wines and great cocktails complete the picture.
See more about Hen's Teeth here.
Host
Where: Ranelagh
Host opened in Ranelagh in 2017 and was like a corridor of London transported into a street in need. Soon the neighbourhood had a new favourite hangout for handmade pasta, sharing steak and great wine, and more than one critic complained about not being able to get a table. Host is still crazy popular and getting a table can be tricky, so make sure you're ready and willing when booking are released.
Read our Host once over here.
Liath
Where: Blackrock
When Damien Grey split from Heron & Grey business partner Andrew Heron it was a big shock, but Grey revamped and reopened as 'Liath', and reviews soon confirmed it was better than ever. The pandemic dealt them a major blow, coming just a year after they reopened, but some meal kits, adapting to circumstances and using the time to research and refine clearly paid off, as Michelin finally awarded them two stars in the 2022 guide.
Read about Liath's Michelin win here.
Library Street
Where: Setanta Place
Chef Kevin Burke worked with Allta when he returned home from London mid-pandemic, but the former head chef of Michelin-starred The Ninth in London always planned to do his own thing. That opportunity came quicker than planned, when Allta decided to move out of their Setanta Place space and relocate to the top of Trinity Street carpack. Library Street was a hit from day one, with the horseradish choux bun, stuffed chicken wing and Paris Brest three very good reasons to go.
Read our Library Street once over here.
Lock's
Where: Portobello
Lock's has been one of the mainstays of Dublin dining for years, but the arrival of new head chef Andy Roche (ex-Aimsir) has given them a new lease of life. The Delmonico steak for two with onion rings, malt vinegar and Bordelaise sauce remains, but new additions like a waffle topped with ox tongue, and a parsnip custard tart have all the right heads talking. The Sunday lunch is frequently said to be the best in the city, and two private rooms upstairs make it great for groups.
Read our Locks once over here.
Mae
Where: Ballsbridge
Chef Gráinne O'Keefe's first solo restaurant, in partnership with wine shop The French Paradox, which is downstairs. Named after her grandmother, the tasting menu focuses on her favourite Irish ingredients, with optional wine pairings at two levels and prices. They were entered into the Michelin guide within six month of opening, which is quite an achievement.
Read our Mae once over here.
Mamó
Where: Howth
Husband and wife team Killian Durkin and Jess D'Arcy have created something special in Howth with their first restaurant Mamó, with the only issue being trying to nab tables away from the locals. Their snack take on fish and chips - taramasalata on confit potato - quickly reached cult status, and Durkin likes to use what's fresh from the boat in his ceviches, tartares and snacks. Every time we've been (and that's a lot) it seems to have gotten better, with the service and wines amongst the best in the city.
Read our Mamó once over here.
Michael's
Where: Mount Merrion
Are you even a Dubliner if you haven't had a seafood platter at Michael's in Mount Merrion? Lobster fresh from the pots, crab that was swimming around Lambay Island hours earlier, and an array of other seafood, arancini, homemade chips, and a lot of garlic butter. Go hungry. Their steak game is just as good for the fish-averse, and service is known for its warmth and ebullience.
Read more about Michael's here.
Mister S
Where: Camden Street
When the guys from Featherblade said they were bringing real open-fire barbecue to Camden Street we were cautiously optimistic because of everything that's come in that genre before, but Mister S surpassed all expectations. Every dish is knockout, but don't miss the burnt end Rendang spring rolls, smoked beef shortrib, and fried potatoes with onion salt and aioli. Good drinks, and the laid back vibe makes it perfect for catch ups with friends.
Read our Mister S once over here.
Nomo Ramen (New)
Where: Charlotte Way
Former IT worker, now chef, Kevin Hughes, opened Nomo Ramen just off Camden Street in April to all the buzz. He says Nomo was years (and lots of ramen-focused research trips) in the making, and the decision to import David Chang's favourite noodles from the US also had eyebrows raised. From day one plenty of their customers were declaring it best in class, and they've been slowly adding to the limited menu. Currently no bookings.
Read our Nomo Ramen once over here.
Note Bistro (New)
Where: Fenian Street
Chef Essa Fakrhy's bistro menu at wine bar Note would be just as at home in Paris or London as it is in Dublin. It's a pick and mix of plates small and large - sweet relief in a city laden down with set and tasting menus. We love his ceviche/aguachile style raw fish, anchovy toast and giant pork chops, and the wines here just make everything taste better.
Read our Note Bistro once over here.
Orwell Road (New)
Where: Rathgar
There was much sadness and reminiscing when Coppinger Row announced they were closing at Christmas due to the building being redeveloped, but better news followed when they announced they were opening a new restaurant in Rathgar, Orwell Road, with Daniel Hannigan (formerly at Mister S) leading the kitchen. Reviews have been wholly positive, with Corinna Hardgrave in the Irish Times saying Rathgar doesn't know what's hit it.
Read more about Orwell Road here.
Potager
Where: Skerries
There was a lot of excitement in the industry when it was announced that ex-Chapter One head chef Cathal Leonard was taking over the old Red Bank in Skerries. He and partner Sarah Ryan opened the doors in 2019, with a menu swimming in North Dublin produce, and almost immediately Catherine Cleary in the Irish Times called the evening tasting menu "the best money you'll spend on food in Dublin". After eating there we'd be inclined to agree, and we'd be surprised if there isn't a star in Potager's future.
Read our Potager once over here.
Shouk
Where: Drumcondra
We've never found better Middle Eastern food in Dublin than Shouk in Drumcondra, and probably the most impressive thing is their consistency. Day or night, Wednesday or Sunday, the pittas are soft and puffy, the beef and lamb filled arayes are heaped with flavour, and the brightly coloured mezze will make your eyes (and tastebuds) pop. Owner Alon is Israeli and wanted to bring his food from home to Dublin, and Shouk is a hard act for anyone to follow. Great outdoor terrace for milder days.
Read our Shouk once over here.
Spitalfields
Where: Dublin 8
This revamped pub in Dublin 8, taken over by the owners of The Pig's Ear, hit the ground running, with critics loving the cut of their jib from week one. It's comfort food for the Michelin generation, with roast bone marrow bao buns, Iberico pork secreto schnitzel, and a huge cock-a-leekie pie to share. Nostalgia continues into desserts blackcurrant eton mess and an orange & vanilla “super split”, but sadly they don't allow children on site, so the kid friendly desserts are for adults only.
Read more about Spitalfields here.
Table Wine
Where: Dublin 8
The guys behind natural wine shop and bar Loose Canon and in demand brunch spot Meet Me In The Morning, had designs on opening a Parisian style wine bar for years, but the pandemic put a halt to their plans. Once things started to open up they did a bit of juggling, announcing their brunch days were over, and that MMITM would become "Table Wine", a wine bar serving "local produce and juicy wine". Low lighting, daily changing menu, and all the hipster vibes.
Read our Table Wine once over here.
Uno Mas
Where: Aungier Street
The second, Spanish-influenced opening from the guys behind Etto and chef Paul McNamara, and it's possibly even harder to get a table at Uno Mas than in the original. Everyone seems to leave awestruck at the gildas, the tortilla, the flan, and the wine and sherry list here is worth a deep dive. Some of the best bar seating in town and some is saved for walk-ins if you find yourself wandering around town without a plan.
Read more about Uno Mas here.
Variety Jones
Where: Dublin 8
The first solo opening from chef Keelan Higgs gave the Liberties in Dublin 8 its first Michelin star in the 2020 guide, and it's been on a steady ascent ever since, pandemic or no pandemic. They opened quietly in 2019, got the fire going in the hearth at the back and started cooking, and pretty soon reports were coming in about some of the most exciting cooking in the city. It was hard to get a table before Michelin took notice, now it can feel impossible, but if you're organised and patient it's worth the effort.
Read our Variety Jones once over here.
Volpe Nera
Where: Blackrock
Ex-Etto head chef Barry Sun's first solo restaurant was the subject of much excitement in the industry when it was announced, with our article on its opening one of the most read that year. The food has echoes of what he cooked at Etto, along with some Asian influences in dishes like the cep dumplings with aged soya. It's had a straight smash of reviews from every critic on the circuit, and is the suburban restaurant every suburb should have.
Read our Volpe Nera once over here.
Woodruff
Where: Stepaside
Chef Simon Williams and Colin Maguire have big ambitions in Woodruff, the restaurant Stepaside at the foot of the Dublin mountains is very lucky to have. The work that takes place in the kitchen would put most others to shame, with foraging, curing, fermenting and even in-house koji making all part of the quest for ultimate flavour. The wine list is first rate and compliments the food perfectly, as is the service, and it's somewhere worthy of a special trip.
Read our Woodruff once over here.
3 Leaves
Where: Blackrock
Tiny Indian 3 Leaves in Blackrock Market exploded in 2018 with zero PR attached - just word of very satisfied mouths. Words like "outstanding" and "a revelation" were soon being bandied about by critics, and it was firmly on the Dublin food map. Owners Santosh Thomas (chef) and Milie Mathew (front of house) give the warmest welcome to customers, and expect very tasty, very good value food, that will change how many people think of 'Indian food'.
One to watch...
- Margadh RHA is quietly climbing the cool ranks, and we think it might be the best value tasting menu in town. Read our once over here
- Another of our recent discoveries, we think CN Duck in Ranelagh is going to draw diners from across the city once word gets out about their roast duck, BBQ char siu pork and Cantonese soy chicken. Read our once over here
- More details were announced last week about the new restaurant from Mr Fox owner Anthony Smith and couple James Moore & Jane Frye, who've just moved back from New York. Church & Chambers in going to be in the historic D'Olier Chambers on D'Olier Street and is due to open in Autumn
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