The 10 most popular restaurants in Dublin

When searching for new restaurants to try out or fan favourites to add to your own personal foodie bucket list, it can be difficult to find options that are guaranteed to not disappoint. More often than not, we find ourselves sticking to what we’re used to and never broadening our palate or dining horizons. Thankfully, OpenTable has taken the time to analyse a whole lot of reviews and map out the Top 10 Diners’ Choice Winners in Dublin. These restaurants are fast becoming some of the most exclusive spots around, becoming regularly booked out and notoriously difficult to nab a walk-in table at.

Whether you’re a steak stalwart or a fan of Indian flavours, the list reflects Dublin’s variety of cuisines and the one common denominator across all ten is their dedication to top-notch service and quintessential Irish hospitality.

Here are the 10 most booked restaurants in Dublin to get on the waitlist for immediately.

The Ivy, Dawson Street

The Ivy brings relaxed, sophisticated all-day dining to the heart of Dublin. From modern British cuisine to brasserie classics and fantastic vegan and vegetarian dishes, you’ll find something for everyone to love, seven days a week. Located in a lively part of the city centre, the restaurant offers a luxurious haven from Dublin’s everyday bustle.

Hawksmoor Dublin

Hawksmoor was inspired by a labour of love to find the best possible beef and perfect the seemingly simple art of cooking steak. The menu revolves around the best ingredients on offer – whether it be beef from small Irish community farmers, dry-aged for 35 days and simply grilled over charcoal, sustainable seafood from around the isle, seasonal fruits and vegetables or cheeses from some of their favourite cheesemakers in the nation. The setting in the National Bank building boasts a decorative 40-foot cast-iron dome set on dramatic Corinthian columns, an elegant bar, and a private dining room.

Krewe

Krewe is a New Orleans inspired bar and eatery bringing the dirty south to the northside. They’re all about fusing the vibrancy, craic and soul of Southern and Irish hospitality, and the menu — created after a fun-filled trip to New Orleans — takes inspiration from the flavour of Cajun Creole Cuisine while locally sourcing ingredients.

Doolally

Doolally brings a fresh concept of Indian cuisine to Ireland. Expect brilliant flavours, a welcoming service and a hopping atmosphere, all within a beautiful surrounding. The menu can be enjoyed whatever the occasion, be it a quick mid week treat, date night, a celebratory dinner, express lunch, private event, or a long leisurely weekend feast with family and friends.

Café en Seine

One of Dublin’s most iconic and stunning venues, Café en Seine’s extensive dining experiences includes a restaurant, a host of unique bars, and a stunning indoor Parisian street garden with extensive brunch, lunch and dinner menus. The gorgeous restaurant at the front of the building is led by head chef Stephen Gibson, and the food offering is perfect for sharing, sampling and experiencing an array of wonderful flavours.

The Black Forge Inn

Owned by UFC star Conor McGregor, The Black Forge Inn is a premium Dublin 12 venue and the food has been drawing a crowd. Their mantra is to always source local and to always source fresh, with all ingredients being carefully selected from Ireland’s best suppliers.

FIRE Steakhouse & Bar

FIRE Steakhouse & Bar is a restaurant located in the heart of Dublin 2 that’s consistently voted one of the best restaurants in the world. Its central location has the added benefit of neighbouring the capital’s lively bars, theatres and luxury hotels.

SOLE Seafood & Grill

From shore to soil, provenance is paramount in producing a menu wealthy in the best of Irish seafood and meat. Each day the culinary team prepare the very best of products with great passion and care to enhance their pure flavours; among them are fresh oysters from our coastal waters, top-quality Irish beef that is carefully dry-aged in-house by their chefs, delicately smoked salmon from Howth, County Dublin, and the finest Irish lobsters. It’s also Harry Styles’ restaurant of choice when in Dublin.

Mama Yo

The subtle façade of Mama Yo gives little away of what lies behind the intricately designed cast iron gate. Step through the narrow entrance and let Mama Yo welcome you to her home, where great food and hospitality await. Serving up contemporary Chinese food, great cocktails and warm and welcoming hospitality in a beautifully designed space, you need to pay them a visit.

Sophie’s Rooftop @ The Dean Dublin

Sophie’s is a beautiful and modern glasshouse rooftop restaurant, boasting stunning 360 degree views across Dublin. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner daily with a delectable brunch menu on the weekends, and everything from the wood-fire pizzas and pasta favourites to succulent steaks and fish specials, will have your mouth watering.

Featured photography of Hawskmoor.