The best restaurants in Dublin to book right now

What is it? A Michelin-star marvel with excellent service

Why we love it: If you want to go for one super-luxe, blowout meal when you’re in town, then Chapter One is the place to head. Yes, it’s pricey, and you’ll need to book in advance, but this is the pinnacle of fine dining in Dublin. It’s creative, unstuffy and honestly worth a visit for the laminated treacle brioche alone (on one visit, a waiter spotted me mopping up velouté with the bread and instead of raising an eyebrow, brought out both extra bread and sauce for dunking). As with most of the city’s fanciest restaurants, the lunch and pre-theatre menus offer tremendous value. If you want a slightly more budget-friendly option, go at lunchtime, when their set menu is €90 (it does have two Michelin stars, after all).

Time Out tip: Keep an eye out for the day bookings are made live on the system, but bear in mind that while they often sell out, you can often snag a table last minute. 

Address: 18-19 Parnell Square North, D01 T3V8, Dublin

Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday 12.30-2.15pm and 5.30-9.30pm, closed Sunday-Monday

Expect to pay: €90-145 for lunch, €90-215 for dinner 

What is it? A chic wine bar with seasonal fare

Why we love it: At first glance, Note may seem like yet another bog standard wine bar and small plate spot. But look past its effortlessly cool facade and you'll discover a dining spot that successfully marries style and substance. Situated on Fenian Street, it boasts a vibrant, seasonal food menu as well as an expertly curated selection of wines. Visitors can enjoy a casual evening over snacks and small plates or splurge on the whole hog (starter, main and dessert). Either way, this is seriously elevated cooking that wouldn’t be out of place in London, Amsterdam or Paris. 

Time Out tip: On a budget? Head there for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays when the three-course set menu is €45 from 1-3pm.

Address: 26 Fenian Street, D02 FX09, Dublin

Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 5-11.30pm, Friday-Saturday 12.30pm-midnight, closed Sunday 

Expect to pay: €14-21 for starters, €6-7 for sides, €25-37 for mains

What is it? Korean fried chicken at its absolute finest 

Why we love it: A favourite among Dubliners, Chimac is a Korean fried chicken joint that’s handy, cool and (relatively) cheap. And in a city where it can be impossible to get a dinner reservation, it’s surprisingly easy to nab a table there, too. But all that aside, this is the kind of comfort food that’s so good it’ll bring a tear to your eye. There are crisp chicken wings drenched in their signature sriracha caramel, burgers slathered in ssamjang cheddar and gochujang mayo, and slushy frosé served in enamel mugs. Keep an eye out for their brunch specials, too. 

Time Out tip: Go for a pint afterwards in the Long Hall, just a few doors up – it’s one of the best old boozers in Dublin. 

Address: 76 Aungier Street, D02 XR70, Dublin

Opening hours: Sunday-Wednesday 12.30pm-9pm, Thursday 12.30pm-9.30pm, Friday-Saturday 12.30pm-10pm

Expect to pay: €15 for burgers , €5-7 for sides, €11 for nugs. They serve Irish craft beers and frosé, too. 

What is it? A budget-friendly, NY-style pizza joint

Why we love it: Saunter by Bambino on any given day and you’ll see a smattering of very excited looking people patiently waiting for their number to be called out. And with good reason. Since opening, this New York-style pizza shop has established itself as one of the best pizza joints in the capital. The menu is deceptively simple – pizza slices, fountain soda and beer – but manages to hit the spot each time. Highlights include the Hot Pep, a spicy pepperoni number drizzled in hot honey, and the incredibly moreish courgette and ricotta. You can pick up two hefty slices plus a can of their house beer or wine for €15, making it one of the best-value meals in the city. 

Time Out tip: Avoid the evening rush by grabbing a slice later afternoon – the queue isn’t as wild at 4pm. 

Address: 37 Stephen Street Lower, D02 T862, Dublin

Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday noon-midnight, Friday-Saturday noon-2am 

Expect to pay: €4.50-6.50 for slices and €31-35 for pies 

What is it? A modern European restaurant with a casual-yet-sleek interior 

Why we love it: You’re all but guaranteed an amazing meal at this intimate spot on Merrion Row. The Etto menu brims with dishes you’ll be dreaming of for months after you lick your plate clean. Dishes often change by the day, but be sure to order a side of crispy hashed potatoes with Lyonnaise onions, and the red wine prunes with vanilla mascarpone for dessert. If enjoying a romantic dinner for two, consider the Côte de Boeuf. It comfortably serves two and is one of the best in the city. 

Time Out tip: This is one of the few top restaurants that’s open on a Monday, so factor that in for a long weekend or midweek break. 

Address: 18 Merrion Row, D02 A316, Dublin

Opening hours: Monday-Wednesday 5-9.30pm, Thursday 12.30pm-9.30pm, Friday-Saturday noon-9.30pm, closed Sunday

Expect to pay: €15-18 for starters , €6 for sides, €29-42 for mains

What is it? Dublin’s latest sourdough pizza shop 

Why we love it: Dublin is a city that loves its pizza, and one of the newest spots in town just happens to be one of the best. The brainchild of pizza genius Reggie White, this Rathmines joint serves up expertly blistered pies made with a sourdough that’s proved for 48 hours and clever toppings like nduja, homemade ricotta and hot honey, or kale, wild mushroom and a crust brushed in chicken fat. Don’t miss their snacks, either – the focaccia is made in house every day and comes dripping in brown butter and confit garlic. 

Time Out tip: Combine a trip with a visit to the art deco Stella Cinema around the corner – dinner and a show, indeed. 

Address: 221/223 Rathmines Road Lower, Rathmines, D06 A582, Dublin

Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday noon-9.30pm, Sunday noon-9pm, closed Monday

Expect to pay: €3-7 for sides, €15-18 for pizzas  

What is it? A food truck-turned-brick-and-mortar for open-fire cooking

Why we love it: Barry Stephens knows his meat. So while there are a few veggie options at his new spot out in Clontarf – like cauliflower tacos and corn ‘ribs’ – it’s really the meat you’re after. A long running hero of the Dublin food scene, Stephens opened this joint with his wife Jen as an expansion of his old food truck, and the space is cool, buzzy and perpetually booked up (but there are always walk in spots available). The menu changes every day, but you can expect top notch fare cooked over fire, impeccable birria tacos and 10-hour smoked short rib with miso and peanut salsa. Oh, and banging cocktails, too. 

Time Out tip: They’re open from 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays, so do a seaside walk in Clontarf before heading in for a late lunch/early dinner. 

Address: 46 Clontarf Road, D03 A5X2, Dublin

Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday noon-10pm, Monday-Tuesday closed

Expect to pay: €15-37 for mains, €8-9 snacks and €8 for tacos 

What is it? Contemporary Irish cuisine with a French influence

Why we love it: It’s still (inexplicably) a little off the radar, but Mr Fox is serving up some of the finest food in the city, hands down. It operates both, an a la carte and a seasonal set menu, focused on impeccable ingredients served simply – think juicy lamb with smoked ricotta and black garlic or langoustine carpaccio. Save room for dessert, too, as they are serious about that around here. Vegetarians are catered for with a vegetarian set menu, but do note that there is currently no vegan set menu.

Time Out tip: If you’re hungry, then the five course set menu is excellent value at €72.

Address: 38 Parnell Square West, D01 HW96, Dublin

Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday 5.30-9.30pm, Sunday-Monday closed

Expect to pay: starters €14-18, sides €7, mains €29-35

What is it? Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with open-fire cooking and fresh pasta

Why we love it: With funky street art over the open kitchen and booths packed with cool Dubliners, Kicky’s is one of the hottest new openings the city has seen in recent years. Pop in at lunch, and you can get away with ordering a small plate and a glass of wine for a cheapish meal (the rabbit Bolognese is exceptional), or go with a gang in the evening and order as much as your wallet (and bellies) can allow. Either way, don’t miss a side order of their famous focaccia, served with lashings of carbonara butter. 

Time Out tip: Your best chance at a last minute table is to opt for an earlier sitting – there are regularly 5.30pm slots up for grabs. 

Address: South Great George's Street, D02 WK13, Dublin

Opening hours: Monday-Tuesday 5.30pm-9.30pm, Wednesday-Friday 12.30-2.30pm and 5.30-9.30pm, Saturday 1pm-9.30pm, closed Sunday

Expect to pay: starters €16-22, sides €7, mains €39-45

What is it? A mouthwatering burger chain with a small but mighty menu

Why we love it: Craving meat patties? Bunsen is your only man, as Dubliners would say. With multiple outposts dotted across the city, it’s the perfect spot to pop into for a dinner that’s quick and satisfying. The menu is so small it fits on a business card – they only do one thing, but boy, do they do it well. The patties are minced every morning and dripping pink and juicy, while the hand-cut fries are quite possibly the best in town. Wash it all down with a glass of their signature pale ale, developed in conjunction with Dublin-based brewery Whiplash. Outstanding. 

Time Out tip: There are 8 locations in Dublin, so you’re never too far from a dirty burger (and they’re on Deliveroo, if you’re desperate for a fix).  

Address: 36 Wexford Street, D02 PW56, Dublin (multiple locations citywide)

Opening hours: Sunday-Wednesday noon-9.30pm, Thursday-Saturday noon-10.30pm (hours vary by location)

Expect to pay: burgers €10-14, sides €5-5

What is it? Produce-led restaurant with big flavour and organic ingredients

Why we love it: Right, bear with me, because this isn’t a traditional restaurant set up – you’re not going to find tablecloths or even a wine list. But if you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavour and nutritious ingredients, then Sprout is a great shout. Much of their produce comes from their very own organic farm, like the dark green kale for their ‘Kale Caesar’ salad, or the seasonal greens for their miso glazed trout bowl. 

Time Out tip: Their outside tables on Exchequer Street are perfect for people watching, and a suntrap on a nice day.

Address: 3 Dawson Street, D02 E528, Dublin (various branches)

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 11am-8pm, Saturday-Sunday 11am-5pm (hours vary by location)

Expect to pay: salads €12-15

What is it? A small but bangin’ seafood shop with a great wine list

Why we love it: If it’s seafood you’re after, make it your business to stop by Fish Shop in Smithfield. This modestly sized seafood bar does exactly what it says on the tin, serving up everything from traditional fish & chips to Irish oysters and mussels. The Fillet o’ Fish Burger is one of the stars of the menu but don’t look past the delicious snacks, including smoked haddock croquettes and anchovy and Russian salad on toast. Prop yourself up at the counter and enjoy with a glass of wine or sherry from their extensive wine list. Warning: space is tight so be sure to book in advance. 

Time Out tip: Nip down the road to Fidelity for a cocktail before or after your meal – they have a cracking music system. 

Address: 76 Benburb Street, D07 XR70, Dublin

Opening hours: Wednesday-Monday 12.30pm-2.30pm and 4-9pm, closed Tuesday 

Expect to pay: starters €10-15, mains €21-27

What is it? A Tuscan-inspired Italian restaurant with killer pasta

Why we love it: This tiny Italian joint only has a few tables, but the food coming out of the kitchen is exquisite. Terra Madre serves up the kind of earthy food you’d be served in a Tuscan village, with moreish pasta dishes and traditional secondi. From ragout to ravioli, the pasta is and full of flavour, and make sure to order the involtini di bresaola, a starter of lean beef wrapped around celery and aged parmesan. ‘Authentic’ is a seriously overused term in the food world, but this spot deserves the title. 

Time Out tip: Change your life and order the tiramisu.

Address: 13A Bachelors Walk, D01 VN82, Dublin

Opening hours: Monday-Tuesday and Thursday 5pm-10pm, Wednesday 5pm-9.30pm, Friday-Saturday 12.30pm-3pm and 5-10pm, Sunday 5-9.30pm

Expect to pay: starters €14-21, sides €6-7, mains €25-37

What is it? A renovated bistro in the heart of Dublin

Why we love it: Bargain meals are hard to come by in Dublin, which is why everyone is making such a fuss about the lunch special from wine bar Coppinger. From Wednesday to Friday, their lunchtime menu del día offers two courses for €15, or three for €20, and you can throw in a glass of house wine for an extra fiver. Expect dishes like mussel escabeche on toast followed by a brown butter orecchiette with roast chicken. Prices aside, it’s a cool spot to hang out, and if you can get a spot by the window the people watching is top notch. 

Time Out tip: It can get pretty clubby in the evenings, particularly at the weekend, so bear that in mind if you prefer a quiet meal. 

Address: 1 Coppinger Row, D02 Y973, Dublin

Opening hours: Monday-Tuesday 5-10pm, Wednesday-Saturday noon-3pm and 5-10pm, Sunday 1-9pm 

Expect to pay: snacks €4-8, mains €17-36

What is it? Casual Japanese cuisine with sexy sake cocktails

Why we love it: If you’re looking for a buzzy casual dining spot that doesn’t scrimp on high quality food, Daruma is the answer to all your prayers. This izakaya-style spot serves up a range of Japanese small plates designed to be shared with pals. The menu is extensive with everything from melt-in-your-mouth ox tongue to wagyu beef gyoza, as well as daily seafood specials. Go with a healthy appetite and order one of everything for the table. If you’re feeling thirsty, order one of its signature sake cocktails. 

Time Out tip: Daruma claims to be the first in Ireland to serve A5 wagyu imported directly from Japan’s Shiga prefecture, so you can't not give it a try.

Address: 13 Parliament Street, D02 P658, Dublin

Opening hours: Monday-Thursday noon-10pm, Friday-Saturday noon-11pm, Sunday noon-10pm

Expect to pay: starters €14-21, sides €6-7, mains €25-37