Food Spots and Areas to Visit – Dining in Dublin Post Lockdown
As parts of the world moves towards a slow crawl back to normal, the same can now be said for the city of Dublin. Many food businesses such as local cafés and restaurants have been closed since January 2021, with pub closures stretching as far back as March 2020. However, Dublin’s dining scene can soon breathe a small sigh of relief as the government rolls back significant restrictions on June 7th for restaurants to open with outdoor dining areas.
However, finding a spot to eat in post-lockdown Dublin may pose a challenge as outdoor dining will be the new norm. With the revised hospitality restrictions, restaurants and cafés can only provide outdoor dining to groups of up to 6 people. This means if you’re looking to dine out in Dublin city any time soon you will need to make sure your food spot of choice has outdoor seating available. Luckily, we’ve done some of the guesswork for you – here are some must-eat spots you’ll want to check out in Dublin, Ireland post lockdown.
If you’re favourite restaurant doesn’t have outdoor dining options, check to see if they have a click and collect service, or takeaway menu. And if the weather permits find inspiration through the following articles on where to enjoy your dining in Dublin post lockdown experience, out and about … Just remember the motto we live by here at The Life of Stuff … Leave No Trace!
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5 Popular Areas and Neighborhoods for Dining in Dublin Post Lockdown
Dublin has several neighborhoods with a flourishing food scene, but where you decide to go can depend on distance, outdoor seating, and what type of cuisine you’re in the mood for. Below, we’re highlighting five popular areas to eat: S. William Street, Capel Street, S. Great George’s Street, Temple Bar, and Fade Street.
1. South William Street
South William St. is one of Dublin’s blossoming neighborhoods, and if you’re looking for some great dining options, this area is a great choice. S. William St. has plenty of cuisine to pick from but specialises in casual dining and local cafes.
If you’re in the mood for a trendy European restaurant, you may want to try Platform 61. Modeled after an abandoned underground platform, Track 61, in New York, Platform 61 offers both options will open on June 7th for outdoor dining as per government plans. This busy food spot is ideal for brunch and boasts a great outdoor seating space.
Although outdoor seating is limited, Pygmalion is one of S. William St.’s go-to spots for tasty bites and cocktails. Book ahead if you want to grab a sought-after seat outside this well-known food spot for pizza and a cocktail. The seating on offer is terraced so not even some Irish rain could ruin your post lockdown dining buzz.
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SOLE is the spot for all seafood lovers. A sister restaurant to FIRE steakhouse and bar (mentioned below) this tastefully designed restaurant sits in the heart of bustling S. William St. Priding themselves on their menu of Irish sourced seafood and meat, SOLE offers Irish mussels, lobsters and smoked salmon straight from local village of Howth. It was hailed last Summer for its use of outdoor seating to create a vibrant al-fresco dining experience.
If you’d rather grab some coffee and go for something more casual, the Pepper Pot Cafe doesn’t have an outdoor seating area, but you can order coffee, pastries, or treats to go. Use the link on their website to click and collect or organise a delivery from this popular spot.
Within a couple miles of S. William St., you’ll find the famous Dublin Castle and the beautiful St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Both popular tourist attractions are back open to the public with certain restrictions still in place. St. Patrick’s Cathedral will reopen on 20th May to visitors, while tickets can now be booked for Dublin Castle on an individual visit basis.
2. Capel Street
Capel St. is hugely popular with Dubliners and tourists alike for the purpose of dining out. The good news? Capel St. will be pedestrianised at the weekends for a six-week trial run starting on June 25th.
From authentic Korean dining at Arisu to New Orleans inspired dining at Krewe, Capel Street really is your oyster when it comes to food.
One popular restaurant on Capel St. promises Moroccan cuisine mixed with pop culture and it certainly delivers. Excellent reviews give Marrakesh restaurant an edge on Capel St. plus the vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Lamb and beef dishes are some of the most popular options on the menu as these are the most used meats in Moroccan cuisine. If you feel like sampling a variety of options, you could try one of the starter platters to share.
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Brother Hubbard has become somewhat of a household name in Dublin, with three different locations now spread across the city. One of these busy food spots is Brother Hubbard North, located on Capel St. Outdoor dining will reopen on June 7th for an array of dining options – breakfast, brunch, lunch and a set dinner menu on Fridays and Saturdays. Serving morning favourites like avocado and eggs, or more unique options like a mezze box, Brother Hubbard has you covered this Summer.
Just to note: A seven-minute walk from Capel St. to the junction of Mary St. and Jervis St. is The Church bar and restaurant. What makes this food spot so appealing is its great reviews, historical church design and their ideal outdoor garden which seats 300 people. Make al-fresco dining your new hobby in this summer garden space. Whether you feel like a goat’s cheese salad, a pulled pork sandwich or prawn skewers from the barbecue, add a drink from the menu and your evening is complete.
And one place we’re looking forward to seeing reopen is the award-winning Madina – serving delicious authentic Indian cuisine and currys, including one of our favourite dishes – dosa.
3. Temple Bar
If you live near central Dublin, you may want to check out a few hotspots near Temple Bar. Many people view this area as Dublin’s ‘cultural quarter,’ and if you’re looking for a variety of bars serving food then you’re sure to find somewhere to fill your belly – from bacon and cabbage to spicy chicken wings.
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Klaw by Niall Sabongi is as he says ‘bringin’ Crabshack dining to the city, and more specifically Crown Alley. Take your pick from Lobster Rolls and Oysters to Chowders and ‘Crab of all kinds’. And if his Oyster and Crab Shack is a little too low key for your big night out, then keep an eye out for reopening updates in July for Niall’s ‘The Seafood Cafe’ at 11 Spangers Yard.
Piglet Wine Bar is one food spot which offers the essential outdoor seating needed for dining out in Dublin right now. Located in Temple Bar this wine bar offers an ever-changing menu to guests as well as – yes you guessed it – wine! Seating is conveniently terraced too for your dining comfort. As the tables outside are limited you can always get a takeaway from this bar if there is no seating available.
A six-minute walk from Temple bar and you will find The Palace Bar. Enjoy a casual meal out at the Palace Palazzo where you can sample some Porter, order some wings and relish in the al-fresco vibe.
Although many places in Temple bar are still closed to diners due to current restrictions, there are still plenty of places that are open for takeout or delivery. If you’re looking for a good cup of coffee, the Stage Door Cafe is open for takeaway. Grab a coffee and take a stroll through Dublin city.
4. Dawson St.
FIRE Steakhouse and Bar is the perfect outdoor dining option for a small group dinner date. This food spot is a long-running success which updated their outdoor seating just last year. FIRE offers a terraced seating area and a snug also. Irish Hereford prime steak and jumbo prawns are among the signature dishes of this steakhouse.
Also, as per their website and in line with recent government guidelines, a party of 6-8 guests can dine in one of three private areas inside. So, if you’re looking for an intimate wedding venue with great food simply contact FIRE steakhouse directly.
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Balfes, a fabulous, terraced bar is a short three-minute walk from Dawson St. Located in the Westbury hotel on Balfe St. this outdoor bar offers great food in a people-watching haven. From plant-based burgers to salads and steak, this open-air food spot offers cocktails with your munch.
5. Fade St.
For such as small street, Fade Street packs a punch. And there are plenty of dining options to choose from. You can even go grocery shopping in the Asia Market and cook up your own five-star meal – but that’s for another article. From the Market Bar to Fade Street Social by Dylan McGrath (we’re big fans of Taste of Rustic here), to the Drury Building around the corner on Drury Street, you’re sure to find a dining experience to tickle your tastebuds in this area,
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One of the most popular local hotspots must be l’Gueuleton. Look no further than this Fade St. favourite if you want to watch the hustle and bustle of Dublin from the comfort of their outdoor seating. This award-winning French bistro is a haven in the heart of the city, serving French cuisine plus cocktails and beers to passersby through their Hatch Bar. But now taking bookings for their new table menu by Chef Ben.
If you’re looking for an Asian dining vibe than walk just two minutes from Fade St. to Exchequer St. Here you’ll find Ukiyo – meaning ‘floating world’ in Japanese. Serving excellent sushi and popular bento boxes to diners this food spot is another option for diners post-lockdown in Dublin city. A heated terrace will keep you cosy while you enjoy while you sip a cocktail and snack on sushi.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got a restaurant or cafe in mind that you’d like to try, it’s never a bad idea to call ahead of time and double-check their hours as well as what their dining options are. With changing restrictions come changing business hours. So, before you plan your first outdoor dining experience post – lockdown make sure to ring ahead, wrap up and bring your mask. Happy dining!
Further Reading: 70 Things to Do in Dublin this Summer
Feature photos by: Ving N – CCO Licence | Dan Silva – CCO Licence
PIN: 5 Fabulous Food Spots to Visit in Dublin Post Lockdown
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