Dubliners really are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a date night dining spot. We have lined up nine of the best romantic restaurants for you – what’s your favourite?
Amuse – Located at the St Stephen’s Green end of Dawson Street, Amuse is a chic, intimate spot perfect for a romantic date night. Chef Conor Dempsey, who has previously worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK and France, guarantees to make your mouth water with perfectly executed French-style cooking coupled with a strong Asian influence.
One Pico – Located on a small cobbled back lane in Dublin, the restaurant’s location is ideal for a romantic getaway. Sit back in the comfy grey velour chairs lined along tables decked in linen tablecloths and enjoy luxurious and traditional French dining at its best. One Pico does not rely on special gadgets to entertain its guests, but the best classical cooking, where flavour and seasonality are paramount – we think it is one of the rare places where you can still lose yourself in old-school romance. No wonder, the restaurant holds an array of awards to its name such as ‘Best Dublin Restaurant’ (Food & Wine Magazine) and ‘Best Chef Dublin’ (Irish Restaurant Awards).
Rosa Madre – A visit to Rosa Madre feels like a short escape to Italy. Expect the most fresh and wonderful Italian food, including superb fish dishes – those who eat fish live and love longer! Located in the heart of Temple Bar, one of the most vibrant and buzzing areas of Dublin, you can be sure to have a date night that seems to be taken out of a Fellini movie.
Delahunt – Traditional Irish food meets a dream setting. Delahunt is located in an historic Victorian building on Camden Street that has been carefully restored to its former glory. The menu includes hearty but refined dishes like lamb shoulder braised in ale and fish of the day with seaweed boxty and parsley sauce. With its relaxed atmosphere, old-world charm, and a cocktail bar that’s perfect for pre-dinner drinks, Delahunt is a must-visit.
Taste at Rustic – A visit to Taste at Rustic will certainly turn up the heat. Dylan McGrath’s restaurant in the heart of Dublin sends you on a real food adventure and the restaurant’s dishes burst with unique flavours that whisk you away to Japan, Spain and South America. Dining at Taste at Rustic is more than just eating out, it really is an experience for all the senses.
Pichet – Look no further if you are a fan of French romance – Pichet is a modern take on a classic French bistro and holder of a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand. Sitting in this chic eatery on Trinity Street, you will feel like Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg enjoying the finest French cuisine prepared by head chef Stephen Gibson. Tip: try and reserve a table in the quaint conservatory to enjoy an intimate dining experience.
The Blind Pig – Experience the forgotten thrill of secret passwords, false storefronts and just a touch of lawlessness. This underground cocktail bar secretly tucked away in Dublin’s city centre evokes the mood of a 1920s speakeasy. Cocktail lovers will fall in love with the array of great flavours on offer. For a date night with a twist, why not book one of The Blind Pig’s cocktail masterclasses?
Terra Madre – Terra Madre is a small, independent Italian restaurant that puts “soul” into food. This no-frills eatery benefits from its rawness: only a few of the finest ingredients sourced from Italy are used for Terra Madre’s dishes to create truly outstanding food. If you are looking for the perfect place for lovers of minimalism, we have found the spot for you.
The Port House Pintxo – Are you trying to find a secluded, romantic dining experience and only want to have eyes for your loved one without any other distractions? Look no further than Port House Pintxo in Temple Bar. The restaurant’s candlelit tables and relaxed vibe make it a top spot to enjoy Spanish tapas and a glass or two of Sherry.
Still looking for that perfect place? Visit OpenTable to discover more restaurants in Dublin.
This is a guest post from freelance journalist Beatrice Clark. She has written for Vogue, Glamour and Vanity Fair, among others, and has spent the past 15 years living in France, England and Scotland. She is currently based in Berlin and is always on the hunt for the perfect Eggs Benedict.
