Looking for the best Irish restaurants in Dublin? From historic pubs serving hearty Guinness stew to lively venues filled with traditional music and local charm, Dublin is packed with places where great food and Irish hospitality go hand in hand.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or planning your next meal in the city, these restaurants offer a genuine taste of Irish culture. Many are known for traditional favorites like Irish stew, fish and chips, and slow-cooked lamb dishes, while some also feature live music and centuries of history. If you’re building a food itinerary, you may also want to explore our guides to the best pubs in Dublin and traditional Irish food in Dublin.
Below, you’ll find our top picks, what to order, and why these restaurants continue to earn praise from both locals and visitors.
Best Irish Restaurants in Dublin at a Glance
Whether you’re craving a hearty Irish stew, fresh fish and chips, live music, or a cozy pub atmosphere, these restaurants offer some of the best dining experiences in Dublin.
| Restaurant | Best For | Location |
|---|---|---|
| The Brazen Head | Historic pub, live music, and Irish classics | Dublin 8 |
| The Old Storehouse | Traditional Irish dining and live music | Temple Bar |
| Brannigans | Authentic local atmosphere and Guinness stew | Dublin 1 |
| The Shack Restaurant | Lively dining and classic Irish dishes | Temple Bar |
| Darkey Kelly’s | Live Irish music and traditional pub experience | Dublin 8 |
| Old Mill Restaurant | Irish stew, lamb shank, and generous portions | Temple Bar |
From centuries-old pubs to lively Temple Bar favorites, these restaurants showcase the food, history, and hospitality that make Dublin’s dining scene so memorable.
The Brazen Head
If you want one of the best Irish restaurants in Dublin, you just can’t miss The Brazen Head on Bridge Street. It’s officially one of Ireland’s oldest pubs, dating back to 1198. Even better, it rates a 4.5 on Google (19,335 reviews) and 4.4 on TripAdvisor (5,694 reviews). Mains begin at €20–30, so you see… what you’re getting here is not just supper but centuries of Irish tradition.
As soon as you walk in, you’ll see the lanterns, flags, and warm niches that set the tone, and the staff are welcoming and keen to make you feel at home. At night, the warm pub rooms were packed to capacity, so I went during the day, and the courtyard was buzzing, pints freely passed around, and people chatted.
Food-wise, it’s traditional Irish fare done well. I had the cod, which was cooked to perfection and in a large enough portion, and the rest of my group had other mains that cleaned plates all around. The taste is just what you’d expect from an old-fashioned Irish pub… warm, comforting. Add a pint of Guinness or Kilkenny to accompany it, and you’re in for a delight of taste.
It’s the live music that makes The Brazen Head just unbeatable to me. On the first visit, we went on a night visit, and there was a trio playing Irish folk songs in the corner of the snug. And I must say, the passion and soul in playing made the night magical, and it’s the kind of night that stays with you.
For me, The Brazen Head is a must-see if you’re in Dublin. For lunch, a beer, or the live music, it’s Ireland in a nutshell. They accept reservations, so make sure to reach them at 01 679 5186 or email info@brazenhead.com before paying them a visit.
The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant
Located in Temple Bar, The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant is one of the best Irish restaurants in Dublin. It is known for its traditional food, live music, and friendly atmosphere. With strong ratings on Google and TripAdvisor, it remains a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
I visited for lunch on a weekday with my two-year-old. The staff were kind and quickly helped us find a comfortable table. The restaurant felt warm and welcoming, making it a great place for families and visitors.
I ordered the Traditional Guinness and Irish Beef Casserole. It was rich, filling, and full of flavor. The portion was generous, and it tasted like a true Irish home-cooked meal.
The live music made the visit even better. Traditional Irish songs played in the background and added to the experience. It gave the restaurant a fun and authentic feel without being too loud.
With tasty food, friendly service, and great music, The Old Storehouse is well worth a visit. If you plan to go during a busy time, it’s a good idea to book a table in advance by calling 01 607 4003 or emailing info@theoldstorehouse.ie.
Brannigans
Talking about the best Irish restaurants in Dublin that feel more like a cosy local’s living room than a tourist stop, how can Brannigan’s on Cathedral Street not get a mention! It pulls an impressive 4.6 on Google (2,475 reviews) and the same score on TripAdvisor (422 reviews). With a budget of just around €20–30 per person, you’d be in for a treat.
I stumbled upon it by luck, just in search of a proper Irish meal, and what I found was a gastro pub as authentic as it comes. It’s cozy, family-friendly, and relaxed with none of the city centre tourist throng you occasionally find. Service was also quick. I was served my stew in literally four minutes, which set the whole evening up to be a very relaxed one.
The Guinness and Beef casserole was delicious, with crunchy vegetables like celery, onions, carrots, and lovely soft mashed potatoes subsiding into the rich sauce. The meat was nice and tender but not overdone, and it all worked together really nicely. On my second visit, I had the Guinness stew with a pint, and my sister had the roast beef sandwich and a drink. Altogether it cost around €40–45, which was fantastic value for the quality.
I can safely say it’s a place that I will be returning to over and over again for more. If you want to book ahead, you can reach them at +353 1 874 0137 or by email at info@brannigansbar.ie.
The Shack Restaurant
If you’re wandering through Temple Bar and searching for one of the best Irish restaurants in Dublin, The Shack is a spot that always draws a lively crowd. Found at 24 Essex Street East, right in the heart of the action, it carries a solid 4.5 on Google (1,737 reviews) and 4.1 on TripAdvisor (1,331 reviews), with most mains in the €20–30 range.
I visited on a summer evening and was at once struck by the funky interior and lively atmosphere. The Shack is both stylish and cozy, the kind of pub where families, groups of friends, and tourists meet together easily. The staff was welcoming, the music was just so, and it was one of those pubs that gets the balance of fun and authentic Irish welcome just right.
Even though we had arrived for pints and the vibe, the fare appeared hefty and not to be missed on a return visit. Their menu features Irish standbys like beef and Guinness stew, fish and chips, and braised lamb shank, along with international bites for patrons who desire to mix it up. Plates that landed on the table near us were plentiful, well presented, and packed with flavor.
If you’re in Temple Bar and want a sit-down meal in a spot with character, The Shack makes a solid choice. Grab a pint, settle in, and enjoy the energy of one of Dublin’s busiest quarters.
And yeah, if you want to reach them beforehand for a booking or other info, you can easily reach out on 01 679 0043 or by email at info@shackrestaurant.ie.
Darkey Kelly’s
If you’re looking for one of the best Irish restaurants in Dublin with a lively atmosphere, Darkey Kelly’s beside Christchurch should be high on your list. Sitting at 19 Fishamble Street, just a short walk from Temple Bar, it pulls an impressive 4.7 on Google (5,039 reviews) and 4.7 on TripAdvisor (2,232 reviews), with mains generally €20–30.
I went on a Friday afternoon in June and found the perfect combination of native pub ambiance and tourist-friendly venue. Live music started at 16:30, and we stayed for two different sessions. Dublin Bards had the whole room in stitches and singing along, blending trad Irish with irreverent pub classics. Trad Rocks followed with a session involving folk and rock influences, keeping the energy up. Pints were served, the price was acceptable considering the location and the enjoyment, and the wait staff kept things moving quickly.
We didn’t order food this time, but the plates flying past us looked hearty and delicious. The menu offers classics like fish and chips, beef and Guinness stew, burgers, and braised lamb shank, exactly the kind of traditional dishes you’d want in a place like this. Judging by the buzz, people weren’t disappointed.
If you are in town, my recommendation is to arrive early to get a prime spot in place before they go on. It is that sort of pub where the music, crowd, and atmosphere all mix together for an evening you will never forget.
If you are planning to book ahead, you may call them at 083 346 4682 or e-mail them at darkeykellys@gmail.com.
Old Mill Restaurant
When searching for the best Irish restaurants in Dublin, Old Mill Restaurant is a name that often comes up. Located in the heart of Temple Bar, it has earned strong ratings on both Google and TripAdvisor. With most meals priced between €20 and €30, it offers great value for a traditional Irish dining experience.
I first visited to try a traditional Irish breakfast, and it quickly became one of my favorite meals of the trip. The restaurant is small and cozy, with warm wooden interiors that make you feel at home. The staff were friendly and attentive, which made the experience even better.
We ordered the “Taste of Ireland” platter for two, and the servings were large enough to have fed three with ease. The Irish stew, beef and Guinness stew, and Bailey’s ice cream stood out, comforting, rich, and full of real flavour. I loved it so much that I went back the very next day for dinner. This time, the Irish lamb shank was the star, tender and flavorful, while the chicken salad was light and refreshing by comparison.
The Old Mill is the kind of place that will leave you wishing you could linger longer, whether you stop by for brunch, dinner, or a satisfying traditional meal after spending the day exploring the city. It is not the biggest place in Temple Bar, but the atmosphere, food, and service truly distinguish it in all the best ways.
You can make a booking ahead if you like by calling 01 671 9266 or directly emailing info@oldmillrestaurant.ie.
Bottom Line Is
The best Irish restaurants in Dublin offer more than just a good meal. They bring together great food, live music, local history, and the friendly atmosphere that makes the city so memorable.
From hearty Irish stew and fish and chips to lively pubs filled with traditional music, every restaurant on this list has its own charm. Whether you’re visiting Dublin for the first time or you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot, there’s something here for everyone.
So the next time you’re hungry in Dublin, step inside one of these restaurants, order a classic Irish dish, and enjoy the experience. You might come for the food, but you’ll leave with memories that last much longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest Irish restaurant in Dublin?
The Brazen Head is widely known as one of the oldest pubs in Ireland, dating back to 1198. It remains a popular spot for traditional Irish food, live music, and historic charm.
How much does a meal cost at Irish restaurants in Dublin?
Most Irish restaurants in Dublin charge between €20 and €30 for a main course. Prices may be higher in popular areas like Temple Bar or for premium dishes.
Are Irish restaurants in Dublin family-friendly?
Yes, many Irish restaurants welcome families and children. Places like The Old Storehouse and Old Mill Restaurant offer a relaxed atmosphere and spacious seating suitable for family dining.
What is the best time to visit Irish restaurants in Dublin?
Lunch is often quieter and easier for finding a table. If you want to enjoy live music and a lively atmosphere, visiting in the evening is usually the best choice.
Do Irish restaurants in Dublin serve vegetarian options?
Most Irish restaurants now offer vegetarian and vegan dishes alongside traditional meat-based meals. Menu options vary, so it’s always worth checking ahead if you have dietary preferences.
Comments are closed.