Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. Ireland, Republic of
  3. Dublin
  4. Dublin 1
  5. North City Centre
The Winding Stair, Dublin, Co. Dublin

The Winding Stair

4.7
4.7
2465 Reviews
€31 to €50
Irish

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 37 times today

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for scenic views
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.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    €31 to €50
  • Cuisines
    Irish, Seafood, Vegetarian
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Wed–Sun 12:00–15:00 Dinner Mon, Tue, Sun 17:30–21:00 Wed–Sat 17:30–22:00
  • Phone number
    (01) 872 7320
  • Payment Options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress

What 2,465 people are saying

The Winding Stair reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Dublin

    Great for scenic views

  • Dublin

    Irish

  • Dublin 1

    Best Overall

  • Dublin 1

    Best Food

  • Dublin 1

    Best Service

  • Dublin 1

    Best Ambience

  • Dublin 1

    Best Value

  • Dublin 1

    Innovative

  • Dublin 1

    Healthy

  • Dublin 1

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Dublin 1

    Great for fine wines

  • Dublin 1

    Romantic

  • Dublin 1

    Vegetarian-friendly

  • Dublin 1

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Winding Stair offers an enchanting dining experience with "amazing food," a "great view" over the Liffey, and a "charming" atmosphere. Known for its "excellent service" and "delicious" local dishes, this Dublin gem is perfect for any occasion. Guests rave about the "wonderful" wine list and "attentive" staff.

2,465 Reviews
  1. Emma

    Dublin2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Thank you for a delicious lunch with a fabulous view.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Christine

    Dublin1 review

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    À very enjoyable meal, service and company (at the neighbouring table!)

    Is this helpful?

  3. Margaret

    Oxford2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fresh and quite innovative food with quality ingredients (potted crab starter, roast cauliflower cassoulet with a lovely crunchy texture, and pannacotta and rhubarb dessert), plus great wine pairings. I loved that The Winding Stair made me feel so welcome as a single diner, with a great table overlooking the Liffey and service that was prompt and friendly in the very best low-key way.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Teresa

    London2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely restaurant cozy and has a great view of the river.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Alec

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Exceptionally good food at a very fair price for the quality. Attentive, friendly service and our host provided a bang-on wine pairing. Lovely atmosphere and memorable dining experience!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Philip

    Dublin1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 5 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Booked a table for 5 for an informal business dinner with 2 colleagues visiting from Spain. Everything was excellent. Great table. Great atmosphere. Attentive and friendly staff. Food was amazing - crab starter was delicious and the sole main course was one of the best seafood dishes I’ve had in years. Our guests were delighted with the evening.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Robert Scott

    Philadelphia13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 5 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Second time in many years. Excellent food and service.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Jean

    Greater Boston3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 5 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent range on the nenu, food was delicious, service on the ball and warm. Yet again a great experience.

    Is this helpful?

  9. David VIP

    Dublin5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 4 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic restaurant; great food with great service,

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 4 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Incredible meal. The haddock and cheese potatoes were amazing! The staff was extremely attentive.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Winding Stair is rated 4.7 stars by 2465 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 37 times today
Google Map for The Winding Stair

40 Ormond Quay Lower, Dublin, Co. Dublin D01 R9Y5

Additional information

  • Area
    North City Centre
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Wed–Sun 12:00–15:00 Dinner Mon, Tue, Sun 17:30–21:00 Wed–Sat 17:30–22:00
  • Price
    €31 to €50
  • Cuisines
    Irish, Seafood, Vegetarian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment Options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, View, Wine
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo