Bar, Cafe & Restaurant Dublin, Ireland [Travel Tester Checklist]

I LOVE Dublin and I LOVE it’s culinary scene. There is so much to explore! In this Travel Tester Checklist, I’ll keep adding my bar, cafe and restaurant Dublin suggestions for your next city trip to Ireland.

MUST-VISIT DUBLIN CITY RESTAURANTS

Krewe North

When my friend Kev (@thetakeawayman on TikTok) invites you to one of his favourite restaurants in Dublin, you don’t say no. Krewe is a restaurant inspired by a New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA) bar & eatery, blending the atmosphere, fun, and soul of both this American city and that of Dublin itself. The interior is a cheerful mix of colorful murals, plenty of plants, and warm lighting. “BE NICE OR LEAVE” is the neon message on the wall. Ok Then! Winners on the menu here were the Soft Shell Crab and Buffalo Cauli Bites as starters and the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos as the main course.

51-52 Capel St, North City, Dublin 1, D01 DA58 – krewe.ie

The Green Hen

For a quieter dining experience, I suggest visiting The Green Hen. This charming French bistro serves classic dishes in a laid-back setting. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal here (I visited as part of a press trip, so of course they show you only the best places in town – this is not a complaint, haha). The ambiance was delightful, and the staff was incredibly friendly. Plus, I had the most incredible chocolate dessert, in case you were wondering.

33 Exchequer St, Dublin 2, D02 A620 – thegreenhen.ie

Six by Nico Dublin

Kev, who I mentioned earlier, also took me and my friends to one of the best foodie experiences I ever had. Six by Nico Dublin is a unique dining experience – renowned for its ever-changing six-course tasting menu. You get taken on a true gastronomic journey with themes that rotate every six weeks. It’s definitely not cheap, but this immersive experience makes the restaurant a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

1 Molesworth Pl, Leinster, Dublin, D02 WE52 – sixbynico.ie

Rustic Stone by Dylan McGrath

Rustic Stone is another excellent choice for dining and offers a fusion of stone cooking, robata grill and Asian influences (a concept created by chef Dylan McGrath). The restaurant is located in Dublin’s Creative Quarter and to be creative myself, I tried quail for the first time. While it wasnt really for me, I thoroughly enjoyed my main course, which was a tuna steak served on a hot stone. For dessert, I chose the sugarless chocolate soup because it sounded intriguing, but next time, I’d probably opt for something more traditional like ice cream or a brownie – guess I’m more of a sweet tooth than I cared to admit.

17 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2, D02 HD76 – rusticstone.ie

Dash Burger

Another excellent tip by my foodie-friend Kev. At first, I wasn’t too impressed by the looks of this burger joint (it felt like I stepped into a student house bathroom), but once I let my teeth sink into the juicy burger, I knew why this is a go-to place for locals. The menu features various types of ‘smash’ burgers (they look how they sound), with a side of fries (try the parmesan truffle-topped ones!), nuggets or buffalo wings. You might also want to check out their long list of sauce options. Of course their ‘secret sauce’ is a must-try.

159 Capel St, North City, Dublin, D01 FK50 – dashburger.ie

John Kavanagh The Gravediggers

A pub next to a graveyard, this can only be good. This historic venue was founded in 1833 and is still in the Kavanagh family, making it perhaps one of the longest generational pubs in Ireland. It is very often you will find three generations of Kavanaghs behind the bar with no music playing, no HD TVs and where conversation is most important. A great place for a pint, and they serve food as well.

1 Prospect Square, Glasnevin, Dublin, D09 CF72 – google maps

Hole in the Wall (Pub)

The Hole in the Wall pub in Dublin is officially the longest pub in Europe. But we came here for another award-winning feature: their Christmas decorations! Nestled along Dublin’s historic Phoenix Park, this unique pub goes all out when it comes to the holiday season. Add the rustic wooden interior, crackling fireplaces, and a diverse selection of ales, whiskeys, and hearty pub fare, this is the quintessential Irish pub experience you don’t want to miss out on. Make sure to reserve your seat and check that you’re in the right week for their special Christmas menu as well.

Blackhorse Ave, Phoenix Park, Dublin 7, D07 V663 – holeinthewallpub.com

Powerscourt Townhouse Centre

Powerscourt Townhouse Centre is not a specific restaurant, but a specialty dining and shopping destination set within an elegant Georgian house. This elegant centre seamlessly blends historic charm with contemporary flair, offering a diverse array of boutiques, galleries, and eateries spread across its three floors. The centre’s delightful cafes and restaurants provide perfect spots to relax and enjoy a meal or coffee amidst the stunning architectural details. Be sure to check it out!

59 William St S, Centre, Dublin 2, D02 HF95 – powerscourtcentre.ie

The Dining Room (Fallon & Byrne)

From the outside, it already looks inviting with those blue and white striped awnings: Fallon & Byrne on Exchequer Street in Dublin. This Food Hall, Dining Room and Wine Cellar opened in 2006 and has won several awards. This is the go-to place for artisanal products from both Ireland and around the world.

11-17, Exchequer St, Dublin, D02 RY63 – fallonandbyrne.com

Sophie’s

When I stayed at The Dean Hotel in Dublin (which was fantastic, by the way), of course we visited Sophie’s, the hotel’s rooftop glasshouse restaurant. Their breakfast was amazing (loved the bagels and generously portioned pancakes), as was their lunch, haven’t tried dinner here yet, but they serve a range of culinary delights (such as wood-fired pizzas, flavorful pastas, succulent steaks and fresh seafood specials) every day of the week. An added bonus: the restaurant offers sweeping views of the cityscape.

33 Harcourt St, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2 – sophies.ie

LOVELY CAFES IN DUBLIN

Keoghs Cafe

This cafe, nestled in the heart of Dublin, is known for its cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a delightful afternoon treat, Keoghs has something to tantalize every palate. From freshly brewed coffee to homemade pastries (I LOVED their muffins, and I’ve heard their scones are heavenly as well) and hearty sandwiches, each dish is crafted with care using locally sourced ingredients.

1 & 2 Trinity St, Dublin, D02 A440 – keoghscafe.ie

Brick Alley Café

Nestled in a charming brick-lined alleyway (part of Temple Bar), Brick Alley Café is perfect for a leisurely brunch, a hearty lunch, or a comforting cup of coffee. They offer fantastic fruit shakes, sandwiches, and bagels. And they serve the most incredible white hot chocolate you’ll find in Dublin, trust me (okay, okay, I didn’t try ALL the hot chocolates in Dublin, but still!). With free WiFi available, you can even get some work done if needed.

25 Essex St E, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 W560 – google maps

Butlers Chocolate Café

Butlers Chocolate Café is a delightful haven for chocolate lovers – renowned for its exquisite selection of chocolates and decadent treats. You can find them in various locations across Dublin. Go for one of their rich hot chocolates or creamy milkshakes, and take some handcrafted truffles to take with you (if you can controll yourself long enough, of course).

51 Grafton Street, Dublin 2, D02 KD39 – butlerschocolates.com

GREAT BARS IN DUBLIN

Anne’s Bar & Hardware

The best bars are usually those recommended by friends, and this is another one of Kev’s (see above) top tips. We had such a great night here, enjoying some pints and live music! What’s unique about Anne’s is that’s literally both a bar as a hardware store, meaning you can buy a beer as well as a hard hat, some sandpaper and a packet of 40 mm nails. Because why not?

10 Essex St E, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 TF24 – annesbar.ie

Temple Bar Pub

While already pretty busy during the day, in the evening, the Temple Bar area explodes with people looking for a bite and drink. No wonder it’s popular here with the adorable historic streets, the old and lit-up buildings and all the live Irish music pouring out of the windows. The Temple Bar Pub might be touristy, it’s still pretty legendary, with 24/7 live music from bands and solo artists that are different each day.

47-48 Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 N725 – thetemplebarpub.com

Vintage Cocktail Club

Travel guides often talk about ‘hidden gems’, but this time, the gem truly is hidden! VCC (Vintage Cocktail Club) is a speakeasy tucked away behind an unassuming door in the Temple Bar area. Upon entering, it’s like you’re transported to a bygone era, with its elegant vintage decor and intimate ambiance. The cocktail menu is a testament to the artistry of mixology, featuring a curated selection of classic and inventive concoctions crafted with precision and flair. I found the bar pretty pricey (especially the food), but we were here with friends and it was definitely a unique experience for one time.

15 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 E229 – vintagecocktailclub.com

The Church Café Bar

A bar in a unique building always brings something extra, and that is exactly why the Church Café Bar in Dublin is a great place. Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century church, this iconic venue seamlessly blends rich history with contemporary flair. Savour the delicious Irish cuisine and drinks while surrounded by ornate stained glass windows, intricate architectural details, and the church’s serene ambiance. In the evening, you can enjoy some live music and cocktails here! There is traditional Irish live music and dancing every evening from 6:30pm. Don’t miss out!

Jervis St, North City, Dublin 1, D01 YX64– thechurch.ie

Guinness Storehouse

Usually, touristy attractions such as breweries aren’t something I’d recommend, but you just cannot visit Dublin and not go to the iconic Guinness Storehouse.Housed within a historic building at the heart of the St. James’s Gate Brewery, this immersive attraction offers a fascinating journey through the rich history and brewing heritage of Guinness, Ireland’s most famous stout. You can pretty much spend all day here exploring the seven floors of interactive exhibits and multimedia installations, each offering insights into the brewing process, the Guinness family legacy, and the brand’s global impact. Don’t skip the Gravity Bar on the top floor: you’ll be treated with panoramic views of Dublin city.

St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H – guinness-storehouse.com

Jameson Distillery Bow St.

The Jameson Distillery in Dublin offers you a captivating glimpse into the rich heritage and craftsmanship behind Ireland’s renowned whiskey. Located in the historic Smithfield neighborhood, this distillery provides an immersive experience that traces the history of Jameson whiskey from its humble beginnings to its global acclaim. I really loved our guided tour, which leads you through the distillation process and deepens your understanding of whiskey production. Of course you have to taste some whiskey at the end, and there is also a restaurant to enjoy.

Bow St, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 N9VH – jamesonwhiskey.com

Teeling Whiskey Distillery

I have to be honest, when I visited this distillery when it opened back in 2015, I didn’t think the guided tour was that exciting, but maybe that’s improved by now? Still, the Teeling distillery in the historic Liberties neighborhood is an interesting place to visit, as it is Dublin’s only working distillery and they have a very cool interior design and a funky bar and restaurant that is definitely worth checking out. In their Phoenix Café, all food and drinks, pastries, sandwiches, and more, are made with locally sourced ingredients from like-minded producers.

13-17 Newmarket, The Liberties, Dublin 8, D08 KD91 – teelingdistillery.com

WHERE TO EAT, DRINK AND SHOP ON YOUR TRIP?

The Travel Tester loves to review restaurants and shops all around the world.

From (themed) restaurants, bars and cafes with local specialties to the best shops selling regional or handmade artisan products and unique souvenirs… if it looks interesting to us, we’ll test it!

No matter where you’re going, with our reviews you’ll know exactly where to find a fun hotspot!

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