Dublin has no shortage of incredible restaurants, from MICHELIN-starred gems to charming neighbourhood spots. And when it’s time to treat your special someone or celebrate an important anniversary, you’ll find plenty of must-try dining destinations that are perfect for dialling up the romance. The best romantic restaurants in Dublin are home to memorable date nights and spectacular meals.
In the bustling Temple Bar district, you can share steaks cooked to perfection or traditional Italian seafood dishes. In the heart of the South City Centre, a romantic wine bar offers delightful small plates, while a classic bistro brings a French twist to Irish favourites. Head to the northside to enjoy a romantic evening at a Dublin literary icon. Meanwhile, out in Malahide, you and your partner will be welcomed into a local spot set in a stunning Georgian house.
Wherever you choose to go, expect mouthwatering dishes, indulgent desserts, and romance-filled vibes for a memorable date night. Read on for the best romantic restaurants in Dublin and book on OpenTable now.
The most romantic restaurants in Dublin for date nights – read on for a guide
For one of the most romantic restaurants in Dublin for wine and sharing boards – visit Cellar 22 on St. Stephen’s Green
Contemporary flourishes in a historic 18th-century building create a unique atmosphere at chic wine bar Cellar 22. On the eclectic wine list here, established world-class labels sit side by side with bold, new winemakers focused on sustainable ingredients. Choose a bottle for the evening or sample a range of different vintages, with almost 30 options available by the glass. The all-day dining menu changes throughout the year to use only the finest seasonal produce. Expect delicate dishes like beef tartare with spicy piquillo peppers and Jerusalem artichoke agnolotti served with creamy ricotta. An ever-changing charcuterie selection, meanwhile, includes rich pâté, smoky cheeses and cured meats. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a special dinner or want to share some drinks and light bites before a night out on the town, Cellar 22 is undoubtedly one of the best date night spots in Dublin.
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For fine MICHELIN-starred dining – book a table at Glovers Alley on St. Stephen’s Green
Awarded a prestigious MICHELIN star in 2023, Glovers Alley offers some of the best fine dining fare in Dublin. With a serene, elegant dining room that looks out over Stephen’s Green, you and your partner can easily get lost in each other’s company here. The menu at Glovers Alley uses the best local Irish produce to make dishes like Dublin Bay prawns with peanut rāyu and West Cork John Dory with red pepper and aubergine. Order your favourites off the à la carte menu or let the chef surprise you with a unique tasting menu. If you’re looking for a more adventurous date night, try out Glovers Alley’s Kitchen Experience on Wednesdays and step into the kitchen to watch the chefs at work – sampling dishes along the way – before heading out to the dining room for champagne and a four-course meal. Add on a bread masterclass and it’s sure to be a date to remember.
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For one of the best romantic restaurants in Dublin for Irish steak – try Tomahawk in Temple Bar
Seek out a moment of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of Temple Bar’s streets at Tomahawk. This subterranean steak restaurant cooks the best Irish beef to juicy perfection. Start with some short rib croquettes with onion mayo, before trying your choice of dry-aged beef cooked over a wood-burning grill. The 300-ounce tomahawk for two with a side of crispy onion strings is perfect for date night, followed up by a decadent dark chocolate mousse. Grab a seat at the bar to watch the chefs work, or cosy up in a bright corner, where light streams in through the street-level windows above. Pair your dishes with a glass of wine from Château La Coste, an Irish-owned estate in Provence. Working in harmony with the land, these bottles bring out the unique, natural expression of the grapes for an unforgettable flavour.
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For one of the most romantic restaurants in Dublin for old-school romantic vibes – cosy up at Chez Max on Dame Street
Chez Max‘s intimate and cosy interior, with plush booths, eclectic art and shelves of wine, is the perfect spot to split a bottle with a special someone. The retro-style menu offers a range of lunch and dinner dishes, including set menus of two or three courses. Together, enjoy French classics like slow-cooked boeuf bourguignon or escargots served with garlic and parsley butter. For dessert, try the crème brûlée and the cream-filled profiteroles served with salted caramel ice cream. Just next door to Dublin Castle, there’s no better place in the city to soak up old-school romantic vibes. Take things slow and enjoy the atmosphere with a bottle of French wine sourced from the Rhône Valley, Loire or Burgundy. With a gorgeous front terrace and backyard dining area, Chez Max is also the perfect spot for an alfresco celebration.
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For a romantic restaurant that makes you feel right at home – visit Bon Appetit in Malahide
Housed in a beautiful Georgian-era home, Bon Appetit welcomes diners into a warm and friendly atmosphere. This restaurant offers several different menus throughout the day, including an Early Bird menu for those looking to dine in the late afternoon or early evening. Share a smoked salmon salad with horseradish cream before moving on to a chargrilled ribeye with crispy onions and a creamy cacio e pepe gnocchi with truffle cream. For dessert, the indulgent Valhrona chocolate brownie with a chocolate parfait and salted caramel sauce is always an easy choice. For something a little lighter, try the different flavours of homemade ice cream alongside a strawberry and chilli daiquiri. Establised in Malahide for over 15 years, Bon Appetit is a refined neighbourhood must-try for a charming date night.
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For the perfect date spot for literature lovers – try The Winding Stair at the Ha’penny Bridge
Throughout the 70’s and 80’s, many of Ireland’s finest artists gathered at the iconic Winding Stair, which was then a bookshop-café. In 2006, it converted into a bookshop-restaurant that celebrates both Irish produce and the building’s history. With an eclectic old-school charm, The Winding Stair serves up home-style cooking made with seasonal produce sourced from across the country. This restaurant keeps things simple, with minimal fuss a focus on good food and a welcoming atmosphere. Grab a table by the window and try the black pudding croquette starter, served with Young Buck blue cheese. Highlights from the menu include a roasted wild portobello mushroom and baby spinach gnocchi and a stellar hand-smoked haddock with homemade crisps. For dessert, share a fluffy white chocolate brioche bread pudding and pair it with a glass of Sauternes. After your meal, head downstairs and peruse the bookshop shelves together. Pick up one of the latest bestsellers, a beloved classic, or something a little more unusual – just like the waitstaff upstairs, the employees are always on hand for helpful recommendations.
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For one of the best romantic restaurants in Dublin for an anniversary – book at One Pico just off Dawson Street
One Pico-Dublin’s feeling of relaxed luxury makes it an ideal spot for a romantic evening with your loved one. The restaurant offers two set menus for lunch and dinner, with a choice between two or three dishes for your starter, mains and dessert. Before you dig into the main meal, enjoy a canapé such as the fragrant black garlic miso gougère and the sourdough baguette served with salted farmhouse butter. Go for a seafood starter like pan-fried scallops or grilled mackerel and follow it up with a magret duck breast served with caramelised hazelnut for a main. A velvety coffee crémeux with honey bavarois and Frangelico ice cream is the perfect way to close out your evening. Every dish here is beautifully presented, making for a picture-perfect night out.
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For traditional Italian cuisine – celebrate at Rosa Madre in Temple Bar
Rosa Madre serves up traditional Italian cuisine in the heart of Dublin’s Temple Bar district. Soft, low lighting creates an intimate atmosphere where you can focus on nothing but your partner and your food. Seafood is the speciality here and the fish of the day is always an easy option. Alternatively try lobster, caviar or sausage with the homemade tagliolini pasta or linguine with local Irish clams. Other must-tries include the sea bream tartare for a starter, served with trout caviar. Keep the Italian classics going by finishing off with a creamy tiramisu or indulge in the different flavours offered on the cheese platter. With bottles lining the walls, it’s obvious from the moment you step into Rosa Madre that this restaurant takes its wine seriously. The drinks menu is over 40 pages long, with a wide selection of wines by the glass or bottle. If you’re not sure what to pick, just ask one of the knowledgeable waiters.
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For a romantic fine dining experience with French-Asian fusion flavours – book a table at Pearl Brasserie near Merrion Square
Treat your partner to a relaxed fine dining experience in the heart of Dublin at Pearl Brasserie. Head chef Sebastien Masi spent his formative years working with MICHELIN-starred chefs in France before coming to Dublin in 1994. With his background in French fine dining and the inspiration of Irish produce, he opened Pearl Brasserie in 2000 alongside his partner Kristen. Together, they curate a seasonal menu of modern French-Asian fusion cuisine and a warm atmosphere that makes every guest feel right at home. Fresh avocado stars in some of the restaurant’s most popular starters, including tangy avocado ponzu with wasabi sorbet and the Castletownbere crab served with a creamy avocado mousse. Enjoy fragrant truffle flavours with the pigeon Rossini cooked two ways, or try slow-cooked venison served with sweet and sour cherry. Or you could ditch the à la carte menu and let the kitchen take care of the food with the six-course surprise tasting menu. Then, all that’s left to do is focus on your partner and let the dishes (and wine) flow.
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For an unforgettable awarded meal at one of the best romantic restaurants in Dublin – head to Pichet just off Dame Street
For the refined comfort of a French bistro right in the heart of Dublin, Pichet ticks all the boxes. If you love to share unique experiences with your partner, book a table in the main room, where you can watch the theatre of the kitchen at work. If you just want to get lost in each other’s company, book a table in the cosy lounge. The menu brings a French twist to modern Irish favourites and was awarded a Bib Gourmand by MICHELIN in 2023, just a few months after opening. The ever-changing menu includes fresh seafood dishes like roasted halibut served with pickled golden raisins, while Irish beef shines in dishes like sweet glazed short ribs with cheesy agnolotti. Chocolate mousse is always a popular date-night dessert, and Pichet’s is one of the best you’ll find in Dublin. Served warm and made with 70% dark chocolate, the rich salted caramel and coffee ice cream on the side take this romantic classic to a whole new level.
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The best romantic restaurant in Dublin will look a little different for every couple, but this city has something for absolutely everyone. From French fine dining to hearty, home-style cooking, the welcoming and refined atmospheres at these restaurants make it easy to relax and enjoy your partner’s company. So, whether you’re toasting a special anniversary, going on a first date, or just want to treat your partner to a romantic evening, these Dublin restaurants are ready to welcome you.
