Posted 4.1.23

Il Vicoletto

Temple Bar

This self-proclaimed “heart of Italy in Dublin” is a great place to bring a date who appreciates Italian food. They have creatively combined the flavours of Italy and Ireland in their curated menu. They offer traditional Italian dishes that have been infused with the unique flavours of Ireland, using local ingredients such as Irish cheeses, vegetables, fish and Angus beef. For example, their Linguine cozze e pomodirini is a twist on a specialty dish from central Italy, featuring spaghetti served with plump and flavourful Kerry muscles. They also serve a mouthwatering Risotto made with succulent Glemar scallops. Experience the best of both worlds at this restaurant, where Italian and Irish flavors come together in delicious harmony. They also pride themselves in bringing Dublin the finest Italian wines that won’t be found anywhere else in the city. Their staff are well educated in the wines offered so be sure to ask them for recommendations. 

La Maison

Castle Market 

French restaurants can be a fun and exciting place for couples to try new and unfamiliar dishes. Since it opened over 20 years ago, La Maison has earned its place among Dublin’s top dining experiences for foodies. This French brasserie offers a range of traditional French classics, as well as some innovative and modern cooking using locally sourced fresh ingredients. Share a romantic experience together in a chic and classy setting paired with fabulous French wine and classic French dishes like coq au vin and risotto. You will instantly be transported to the city of love. 

Vintage Cocktail Club

Temple Bar

You may have to search a little harder for this one, but it is definitely worth it. This speakeasy type bar is accessed through a near miss-able, almost invisible black door on Temple Bar, marked by the lettering VCC. When you ring the doorbell, a hostess will step out to welcome you both into a gorgeous speakeasy-style vintage cocktail club. In keeping with the prohibition era and secret drinking establishments of the 1920s, the venue features plush seating areas, curtains on the walls, and candlelit tables. Their food menu offers sharing platters and small bites to accompany their extensive drinks menu. Take a look at their cocktail menu to learn about prohibition times and the origins of some well-known mixed drinks.

The Blind Pig Speakeasy

Suffolk St

At this restaurant, you and your date will get an experience you’ll both never forget. Once you make a reservation, you will be given instructions on how to find the entrance and get in. Keeping with the speakeasy style, gaining entry involves a hidden sliding door disguised as a bookshelf and a pig’s head as a button to reveal the restaurant. Once inside, you both can sit back and enjoy the authentic prohibition bar’s live music. The live entertainment is usually classic jazz or blues in keeping with the music of the 1920s. This small intimate venue is a quirky gem and a real find in Dublin – your date is bound to be happy with your choice. A delicious menu of food and drinks completes the unique experience this bar has to offer.

Pichet

Trinity St 

If your date is a foodie, treat them to a trip to this Parisian-style, Michelin-awarded bistro. Within six months of opening, they received a Bib Gourmand from Michelin’s coveted guide, which they have retained for eight consecutive years. The Dubliner Magazine also named Pichet the number one restaurant in Dublin in 2012. Pichet serves many traditional French dishes with an Irish twist. They use in-season, fresh ingredients only, all to be paired with an extensive list of French wines. To keep the romance going, stay after your meal but move to the restaurant’s marble-top cocktail bar for classy cocktails like a Negroni or a Kir Royale.  

Delahunt

Camden St

This is a good option for a cosy date night as the mid-century furniture and architecture create a warm, homely atmosphere. In their cocktail bar, located in the “Sitting Room”, you can both indulge in their carefully crafted cocktail list before entering their restaurant.  There is a five-course tasting menu available here, that takes the pressure off of trying to decide what to eat for both of you. You and your date will also be able to try dishes that you may not have tried before like purple sprouting broccoli and barbecue peach. 

Etto

Merrion Row

Take your date to this Italian-inspired restaurant that is popular in the Dublin food scene. Their menu offers unique dishes at reasonable prices, earning them the Bib Gourmand award, given only to restaurants that provide the best value for money.  Discover a variety of modern food, from delectable appetisers and snacks to a stunning à la carte menu. Etto offers a well-curated wine collection that is always changing and focuses on intriguing grape varieties from small producers. Their unique food and wine menu is topped with a warm, romantic atmosphere, perfect for an anniversary or special occasion.

Uno Mas

Aungier St

This sister restaurant to the much-loved Etto opened to a landslide of great reviews in 2018. The name of this restaurant is in Spanish and it translates to one more, which is what you and your date will be saying when you try the dishes offered here. Their wine list breaks down the unique offers of each of the famous wine regions in Spain. If you find there are too many to choose from, their staff are well informed on the list and would be happy to share their knowledge. 

Mama Yo

Camden Street

With its unique aesthetic and beautifully designed interior, this Camden Street restaurant has earned its place on the list of best romantic restaurants in Dublin. This enormous restaurant is styled in rich red tones and soft wood panelling, with intimate booths perfect for romantic dates. Don’t be shocked when you step inside and see two large trees amongst the interior decor. Be transported to the exotic world of the far east with low hanging lanterns, colourful art pieces and bespoke silk hanging lights. You and your date must try their dumplings which are made from scratch by their kitchen staff.

NoLita

South Great George’s St

You are destined for a great night in NoLita, you’ll both be blown away by a unique New York inspired bar and restaurant.  The food offered here is Italian and they’re famous in Dublin for their signature cocktail menu. If you are in the mood for dancing, NoLita could be the place for your date, as there’s usually a DJ after table service has stopped.