The Best Restaurants In Dublin 2

The Blind Pig is a hidden speakeasy themed all around the Prohibition era. Tucked away on Suffolk Street, this trendy haunt boasts 1920s-inspired decor, complete with secret menus hidden in books, rich mahogany furniture, and bartenders dressed to the nines in vintage apparel. The intimate atmosphere pairs perfectly with a menu of delectable dishes like creamy porcini mushroom tagliatelle, fresh Irish mussels, as well as roasted salmon fillets, along with expertly crafted cocktails such as the French Connection and Strawberry Fields, Forever.

On the lookout for restaurants near Grafton Street? Nestled in the heart of the Creative Quarter, The Market Bar is a vibrant spot set inside a 19th-century Victorian warehouse. Once a sausage factory, this expansive venue now hosts two restaurants, six bars, and even a nightclub. Settle in for a feast of freshly cooked tapas-style bites, perfect for sharing, with options like gambas pil pil, chorizo al vino, and crispy fish tacos while sipping on a selection of carefully curated wines, beers and cocktails, including favourites like limoncello spritz and espresso martini.

Pacino's is easily one of the most authentic Italian spots in town and one of the best restaurants in Dublin 2 for lunch, delighting diners with the culinary expertise of head chef Luca Mazza. The menu is a feast of Italian classics, brimming with freshly made pasta and pizza dishes crafted from local ingredients and cooked to perfection. Think rigatoni alla norma, fillet of cod in a stew of mussels, and a fully loaded calzone alongside some standout brunch offerings. The sleek and stylish setting featuring mosaic tiles and dim lighting is complemented by an extensive wine list expertly chosen by a sommelier, providing the perfect pairing for every dish.

On the hunt for Italian restaurants in Dublin 2? Zizzi on Suffolk Street has everything you need for a great meal, featuring a lively open kitchen and modern decor. The menu is packed with delicious options like seared salmon, garlic bread with mozzarella, and classic pizzas or pastas. Our top pick? The rustica chicken with fiery roquito peppers, followed by a decadent salted caramel chocolate brownie and a hearty pour of wine. With plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, this stylish spot has something for everyone.

The Odeon on Harcourt Street is a beautiful Irish gastropub housed in a Grade A-listed building, boasting gorgeous interiors that set the scene for a memorable dining experience. The menu offers a delightful mix of international flavours, featuring dishes like pork belly with black pudding bon bons, honey soy and ginger chicken skewers, and charred corn ribs. Spread across multiple levels, this stylish venue also serves up a variety of drinks, hosts wine tastings, and even offers live entertainment, making it the perfect spot for a night out.

The Ivy Dublin on Dawson Street is a chic dining destination that will leave you swooning over both its stunning interiors and flavorful dishes. This stylish spot offers an all-encompassing menu featuring everything from breakfast and weekend brunch to lunch, light snacks, and dinner. Expect to find timeless classics on the menu, like shepherd's pie, crispy duck salad, and an indulgent chocolate bombe alongside various locally inspired creations. The vibrant setting is adorned with floral foliage, striking murals, candy-coloured sofas, and a glamorous mirrored bar, making it as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.

Looking for city centre restaurants in Dublin 2? Chapter One, Dublin's two Michelin-starred marvel in the former Jameson founder's home, is the perfect combination of French flair and Nordic elegance. Chef Mickael Viljanen's menu dazzles with indulgent treats like foie gras and hand-dived scallops, as well as inventive Irish dishes such as roast anjou pigeon with cherries from Céret and liver ganache, all whipped up fresh in the open kitchen. The restaurant's decor, featuring hand-woven baskets, moss-green carpets, white linens, and Irish art, adds a local touch to this haute cuisine haven.

Spread across two floors offering stunning river views, Bunsen is all about no mess and fuss, just seriously delicious burgers. Forget mediocre meat— this joint serves only prime cuts of Aberdeen Angus beef, minced fresh on-site for patties that are anything but ordinary. Their no-nonsense philosophy extends to the toppings, too, featuring just the essentials like pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, onion, mayo, mustard, and ketchup. And with three types of fries, hand-cut, shoestring, and sweet potato, you've got the perfect sides to complement your under-a-tenner burger, making it a steal for such mouthwatering goodness.

Rooftop restaurants in Dublin 2, anyone? Opium is Dublin's ultimate destination for a night out, offering a vibrant mix of a bar, restaurant, roof terrace, and club all under one roof. This hotspot is divided into four distinct spaces, each infused with a Pan-Asian flair. Start your evening in the chic restaurant, where leather booths and striking murals set the scene for a feast of Eastern flavours. From succulent suckling pork and rich red duck curry to savoury clay pot lamb, this joint masterfully blends inspirations from Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan, serving some of Dublin's most authentic Asian cuisine.

Located in the heart of Dublin 2, Pickle is a Michelin-mentioned, award-winning Indian restaurant led by executive chef Sunil Ghai and manager Benny Jacob. With Ghai's background in the Oberoi group and his roots in Gwalior, India, the pair opened Pickle in 2016, bringing a sophisticated flair to authentic Indian cooking.

The menu is a feast for the senses, offering slow-cooked curries like the tawa jhinga masala, smoky tandoori favourites, and bold, street-food-inspired starters such as the fiery fauzi chicken wings. It's an unmissable experience for lovers of rich, flavorful cuisine.

Nestled between Trinity College and St. Stephen's Green, Café en Seine is a chic French escape located right in the heart of Dublin. Spanning three stories, this stunning venue whisks you away to the streets of Paris courtesy of art deco-inspired interiors and a striking marble-topped bar serving some of the city's finest cocktails. The menu is just as impressive, featuring an array of tasty European dishes like roast potato gnocchi, Irish black Angus sirloin, and butternut squash risotto. And for those looking to extend their evening meal into something a bit more special, live jazz fills the air at this charming hangout until the wee hours of the morning.