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Booked 35 times today
Charming
Good for special occasions
Great for fine wines
The Winding Stair Bookshop & Café became a famous Dublin landmark in the 1970s and 1980s. Named after the Yeats poem and in honour of its winding staircase, it is overlooking the river Liffey, with an iconic view of the Ha'penny bridge. As a popular meeting place for writers, musicians and artists, it was a well known hub for debate and creativity with many poems written, novels penned and movies shot within its walls. In 2006, Elaine Murphy brought this much-loved spot back to life as a restaurant, championing seasonal, Irish produce. The bookshop, located on the ground floor, was retained, as were many of the old bookshelves, photos and memories. The room retains its timeless charm with stripped wood tables and floors, and Bentwood café chairs.The view remains as quintessentially Dublin as ever. The food is good, old-fashioned home cooking, with produce sourced from artisans within the island. Drink sare local and international craft beers & wines from stellar producers.
Recommended with a drop of Badajo, Verdejo, Rueda, Spain €10
The Wooded Pig Irish charcuterie board with house-cured vegetables & breads€20.00
Recommended with a drop of Kaiken Malbec, Argentina, €11
The Winding Stair Fish Plate: Belvelly, Goatsbridge Farm & home-made smoked fish pâté, chive crème fraîche, treacle bread, cornichons & caper berries, good for sharing€25.00
Recommended with a drop of Azevedo, Vinho Verde, Portugal, €11
Potted Dingle Bay crab with pickled cucumber, toasted soda bread & organic leaves€18.00
Recommended with a drop of Macon Villages, White Burgundy, France, €13.75
Recommended with a drop of Ca Di Alte, Pinot Nero, Veneto, Italy, €10.25
Snacks & Sides
All €7
Homemade chips with garlic aioli
Legal Eagle homemade crisps with salt & vinegar
Steamed greens or Mixed green leaves
Irish spud buttery mash
What 2,441 people are saying
Overall ratings and reviews
Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant
4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value
Noise • Moderate
Loved For
Dublin
Great for scenic views
Dublin 1
Best Overall
Dublin 1
Best Food
Dublin 1
Best Service
Dublin 1
Best Ambience
Dublin 1
Healthy
Dublin 1
Neighbourhood gem
Dublin 1
Great for fine wines
Dublin 1
Vegetarian-friendly
Dublin 1
Most Booked
Review summary
AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Winding Stair offers a delightful dining experience in Dublin, praised for its "excellent food" and "exceptional service." Diners enjoy the cozy atmosphere, enhanced by views of the River Liffey. Highlights include the "potted Dingle crab" and "smoked haddock," with a notable wine selection. Perfect for a memorable meal.
2,441 Reviews
P
Philippa
VIP
Dublin
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
One of our favourite restaurants in the world. Fabulous food, lovely staff and great ambience
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L
Laura Boennelykke
Dublin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 18 January 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Everything was very delicious. We shared the burrata which was very nice and well balanced. We then had the pork chop and the vegetarian dish and both were perfect. The portion were a little bit big for us but we got great value for price. We would definitely recommend!
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C
Clint
VIP
Dallas
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 18 January 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 4
No frills ambiance with excellent food and service. Definitely worth going back to the next time we’re in Dublin.
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R
Rose
Yorkshire
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 17 January 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
We went for lunch and it was truly incredible.
Soup, scotch egg, chips and the crab dish. Every single bite was heavenly.
The service was impeccable and the atmosphere delightful. Thoroughly enjoyed it here
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P
Paul
Dublin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 14 January 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Friendly chatty restaurant with a varied menu and excellent staff & chefs
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m
marie
Wicklow
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 12 January 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
We love this place. Anytime we are in town we go here. Lovely food. Lovely staff
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D
Dr Clifford
Frankfurt
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 7 January 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
REALLY EXCELLENT FOOD. HIGH ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND INGREDIENTS. LOVELY ATMOSPHERE. GREAT VIEW OVERLOOKING HALFPENNY BRIDGE. HAS BECOME ONE OF MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS. FIVE STARS OUT OF FIVE.
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J
Josiane
Dublin
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 31 December 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
The food was marvellous and really well cooked.
The wellcoming by the waiters was very nice and efficient.
Please send our thanks
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S
Sofia
Western NC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 31 December 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 3
Ambience 4
Food was outstanding. Would recommend the Guinea Fowl, the Sirloin, and the Bread Pudding for dessert.
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D
Donna
Manchester
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 31 December 2024
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Glad we booked The Winding Stair for our New Years Eve meal before the festivities. Fantastic food and great service.
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FAQs
The Winding Stair is rated 4.7 stars by 2441 OpenTable diners.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.