Looking for the freshest and best seafood restaurants in Dublin? You’re in the right place! Dublin is famous when it comes to seafood, the city never disappoints.
I’m sharing my personal picks for the 10 best seafood restaurants in Dublin. Whether you’re craving oysters, lobster, or classic fish and chips, you’ll find your new favorite spot right here. So, let’s jump into the delicious and exciting world of seafood!
SOLE Seafood & Grill
SOLE Seafood & Grill is a restaurant that feels both elegant and modern. They source their own seafood, so you get that real, fresh ocean taste every time. The bar is impressive, with a big wine menu that makes dining here even more enjoyable. SOLE Seafood & Grill has a 4.5 rating on Google and an even higher 4.8 on TripAdvisor.
The atmosphere is bright and classy. One thing I loved was seeing fresh lobsters and fish in a tank right in front of the bar—it looked amazing.
My husband and I went there on a Sunday for our first visit, hoping for some freshly cooked and well-seasoned seafood. Of course, we started with the Seafood Chowder, which we always order at any seafood place. Then we had the whole sole fish and rope mussels with white wine cream. The mussels tasted super fresh, and the mix of herbs and spices made them unforgettable.
The chowder was creamy and delicious, just the way we like it. We finished with a cocktail called “Fire in my Soul,” which was perfect with seafood—it had chili, lime, and coconut, so it was a great match.
SOLE Seafood & Grill also arranges private dining for groups or special occasions. Our meal cost about €60–70 per person. For more info about seating or booking, you can call +353 (0)1 544 2300 or email Jaqueline@sole.ie.
Matt The Thresher Dublin
Matt The Thresher in Dublin is known as one of the best seafood restaurants in Dublin for its top-notch hygiene, food safety, excellent service, and super fresh food. You’ll find it at 31-32 Lower Pembroke Street, Dublin 2, with a 4.5 rating on Google and a 4.4 rating on TripAdvisor.
I’m a huge fan of creamy chowder, so I went for their popular Seafood Chowder with Malt Brown Bread. I also tried Fish and Chips with Mint Peas and the Crab Avocado & Prawn Salad. My sister and one of my childhood friends joined me, and since they’re both careful about seafood, I picked this spot because it’s known for strict health safety and regular HSE inspections.
They both tried the chowder and sandwiches with smoked salmon. Since I love prawns, I had my sandwich with Wild Atlantic Prawn. The fish and chips were fresh and tasty, and the seafood chowder was rich and creamy, packed with prawns, crab, and squid. The food and service were both excellent—everything matched our tastes perfectly!
They offer reservations, walk-in dining, and takeaway. The price per person was about €50–60. So, if you’re looking for a top seafood place in Dublin and want something right in the heart of Georgian Dublin, you should check this out. For reservations, just call (01) 676 2980 or email mattsdublin@gmail.com.
The Seafood Café by Niall Sabongi
The Seafood Café by Niall Sabongi stands out for its sustainable fishing practices, which really inspired us to visit. Their menu is based on daily catches, so everything is fresh. They have a 4.4 rating on Google and are located in Sprangers Yard, Fowness St Upper, Temple Bar, Dublin 2.
We visited on a Sunday afternoon to satisfy my sudden seafood craving, and it was our first time here. The blue and white colors in the café gave off a relaxed, ocean vibe. Mussels need to be super fresh, and their Oysters on the Half Shell didn’t disappoint.
The staff recommended the grilled scallops, which were perfectly cooked and full of flavor. We also tried the prawn linguine, which was like regular spaghetti, but the fresh prawns made it special! Their dedication to serving the freshest seafood is clear, and prices range from €60 to €70.
They even offer masterclasses and events to spread knowledge and bust myths about seafood. For bookings, email cafe@klaw.ie.
Octopussy’s Seafood Tapas
Octopussy’s Seafood Tapas brings a bit of Mediterranean life to the locals and is a great pick for seafood restaurant reviews in Dublin. The focus is on seafood tapas, seasonal fish, shellfish, and a few other tasty meals. It’s probably the best fish restaurant in Howth, Dublin, known for fresh seafood, talented chefs, and beautiful views. Ratings are 4.5 on Google and 4.4 on TripAdvisor.
Our search for amazing fresh seafood was definitely satisfying here. The seafood chowder was tasty, and the mixed shellfish platter came in generous portions. The oysters were so fresh and perfect with lime and Tabasco sauce. The prawn tapas were so delicious that I can’t wait to go back just for those! We also tried soft-shell crab—it was perfectly cooked and really easy to eat.
We had some sliced smoked salmon, and one of our friends enjoyed the rock oysters. I especially liked the chowder here—it was one of the best compared to others I’ve tried. Prices are reasonable, around €30–40, and you definitely get your money’s worth for authentic, fresh seafood.
They use seafood from “Dorans on the Pier,” so you know it’s as fresh as it gets. Prices here range from €80–90. For more info, call (01) 839 0822 or email oneill.lindamary@gmail.com.
Fade Street Social Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Fade Street Social Restaurant & Cocktail Bar is a compact package for an ultimate dining experience. They offer everything from Sunday roast and woodfired dishes to a lively cocktail bar and rooftop garden dining. You’ll find them on Fade Street, Dublin 2, and they have a 4.2 rating on both Google and TripAdvisor.
The ambience was bright but a bit noisy. I went there with my husband and a group of friends, and we picked the rooftop for our meal. We ordered soft shell crabs and scallops with garlic sauce. The soft shell crabs were amazing and so easy to eat, while the scallops tasted more regular. The price was about €60–70 per person, including a few cocktails.
If you’re wondering where to eat seafood in Dublin with a fun atmosphere, this is a great spot. They also host a fabulous Sunday roast event, except in December. To book a table or get more info, call 01 6040066 or email info@fadestreetsocial.com.
Aqua Restaurant
Aqua Restaurant is another award-winning spot and one of the most famous seafood spots in Dublin, especially because of its breathtaking views over Howth Harbour. It’s located on Howth’s West Pier, Dublin 13, and has strong ratings—4.5 on Google and 4.3 on TripAdvisor.
The interior is classy and decorated with ocean-themed paintings, and the warm lights in the evening really add to the special feeling, especially with the view of Howth South through the window. I went there with my best friend on a Sunday evening for a spontaneous hangout, and the view honestly blew us away!
We started with warm seafood chowder, which was tasty but a bit salty for my liking. Next, we had risotto with scallops—the scallops were perfectly seasoned, and the caviar paired so well with them. We also tried fish and chips and oysters. Everything tasted fresh and delicious, but my friend thought the price was a bit high for the portion sizes. Still, if you consider the fresh seafood and beautiful ambience, it’s a solid choice in Dublin.
If you have a group of more than ten people, you’ll need a reservation. You can contact them at events@aqua.ie for more details.
Lobstar
Lobstar is a bistro that offers a casual and relaxing vibe along with some of the best family-friendly seafood restaurants Dublin has to offer. It’s located on Monkstown Road, Dublin, and is known for using only authentic and fresh ingredients. Their ratings are excellent—4.8 on Google and 4.6 on TripAdvisor. The inside feels simple and laid-back, and the staff are both professional and thoughtful.
We decided to try a few different seafood dishes here compared to the other places we visited. We went for the tuna poke, lobster roll, truffle chips, signature lobster, and Ahi tuna tartare. The tuna poke was so tempting and tasted really fresh. The signature lobster as a main course was absolutely delicious and perfectly seasoned, and the lobster roll was super rich and cheesy!
For reservations, you’ll need to contact them about three months in advance. Also, some menu items like oysters change depending on the season and what’s available. You can book by calling +353 1 537 3323 or emailing info@lobster.ie.
La Maison
La Maison, on Castle Market in Dublin 2, is well-known for its French cuisine and carefully chosen menus that give you a timeless dining experience. With ratings of 4.6 on Google and 4.5 on TripAdvisor, it’s easy to see why people love it.
We visited La Maison because we’d been craving French food for a long time. The atmosphere was colorful and bright, decorated with plants and cherry flowers on the ceiling. It’s perfect for a happy get-together or just a good chat with friends.
We started with French onion soup, which was well balanced. Since I enjoyed the tuna at Lobstar recently, I decided to try La Maison’s Tuna Carpaccio. The tuna was even more flavorful with fennel salad, avocado, and lemon dressing. For drinks and dessert, we had a cranberry mocktail and crème brûlée. The crème brûlée was creamy and just sweet enough.
La Maison offers set menus for business meetings or personal celebrations, and they’re famous for their authentic craftsmanship in French food. If you’re looking for an authentic seafood taste in Dublin with a special French twist, this is the place to be. You can call 01-6727258 or email info@lamaisondublin.com to book a table.
Cavistons Seafood Restaurant
Cavistons is located on Glasthule Rd, Sandycove, on the south side of the city. With a changing menu, they guarantee customer satisfaction and have a solid 4.6 rating on both Google and TripAdvisor.
The ambience at Cavistons is warm and cozy. I went there in the evening with four friends to celebrate a small occasion. We ordered a mix of seafood dishes: pan-fried monkfish, seafood chowder with crab claws and tender mussels, and turbot steak. Every bite was enjoyable, especially the perfectly prepared steak.
We also tried baked hake with cherry tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, and cream sauce. For dessert, we finished with a light and delicious orange mousse.
The friendly staff really made our night, and their wine bar has lots of great options. If you’re planning a romantic seafood dinner in Dublin or just want a genuine dining experience, Cavistons is a top choice. For more info or to book, call 01-2809245 or email restaurant@cavistons.com.
Rosa Madre
Rosa Madre is the go-to place for Italian cuisine in Dublin. It’s located right in the lively Temple Bar area at 7 Crow St, Temple Bar, Dublin, with ratings of 4.5 on Google and 4.4 on TripAdvisor.
I’d heard great things about this restaurant, so I booked a table a month ahead to celebrate my husband’s birthday. Rosa Madre has a sophisticated and warm vibe, with service that makes your experience even better.
We both love lobster, so we ordered lobster pasta—the tomato sauce and seasonings went perfectly with the pasta and lobster. My husband also ordered crab, and we both tried the risotto. The dressed crab had a strong jalapeño flavor that was bursting with taste!
The service was outstanding, and prices were around €90–100. If you want to try a top-rated seafood restaurant in Dublin, Rosa Madre is definitely worth it. For details or reservations, call +353 1 551 1206 or email rosamadredublin@gmail.com.
The most important thing about eating seafood is its freshness. That’s why most of the restaurants, cafes, and bistros we visited made sure to serve the freshest fish and real, local ingredients. Whether you’re planning a casual meal or a special celebration, you can always enjoy this protein-rich food.
Many places offer events and lots of menu options, so there’s something for everyone. The recipes were different at each spot, but we had no complaints about the crabs, oysters, or lobsters. There are still more hidden gem seafood spots in Dublin to discover, but these top seafood restaurants are the ones we tried and enjoyed.
If you’re interested in exploring more great food in the city, check out our guide to the 10 Best Pizza Places in Dublin.
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