While we Dubs love a good value meal, there is a time that truly calls for something slightly more. well, upscale. You know, the kind of place where the napkins are linen, the wine list reads longer than a forearm, and each meal is a work of art.
As a native Dubliner myself, I’ve had the opportunity to sample some of the best fine dining restaurants in Dublin, and let me tell ya, Dublin’s high-society dining scene is just buzzing with it. I’m referring to restaurants where tradition is merged with creativity, and excellent service is matched with a genuine Irish welcome.
From Michelin-starred masterpieces through to more hidden gems that promise an unforgettable evening out, I’ve handpicked some of the best fine dining restaurants in Dublin that truly stand out.
Get ready to be introduced to venues where each and every aspect, from atmosphere to last bite of dessert, is given consideration and delivered to perfection, promising an exquisitely special experience well worth every euro.
Mr Fox
So my mum doesn’t really go out for dinner, but the other day she mentioned that she’d absolutely love it if we went somewhere really special. So, I thought of Mr. Fox… a Dublin fine dining must-do. It’s tucked away on 38 Parnell Square W, and it’s an absolute gem with a great 4.7 stars on Google and TripAdvisor.
The ambiance is just great—warm and classy without being pretentious. The service forms a big part of the experience; very welcoming with wonderful attention, takes care of you, you know. We went for a weekday dinner, and it was superb. And I’d steer clear of a weekend night that’s very busy because the noise level gets a bit too much. They were very accommodating of my requirements, so that’s always a plus.
The food was just out of this world. I’m a bit of a miser usually, but this was value for money. The halibut in curry sauce with basil oil was perfectly cooked and so flavoursome—I could have drunk the basil oil on its own, it was that tasty. And the PB&J dessert was a class act, so playful and not too sweet. The flavours of the berries were prominent, and all of the ingredients tasted fresh and well-seasoned.
Mr. Fox is the type of establishment you visit for a proper treat, a special occasion, or if you simply wish to get your fine dining on. It’s an excellent experience with food that’s not only tasty but also good value for the price you’re paying. You need to book ahead for lunch and dinner, so be sure to give them a shout on 018747778 or email info@mrfox.ie.
Pearl Brasserie
For my husband and me, a truly special night (our date nights) calls for something just a bit more intimate. So we booked a table at Pearl Brasserie. Located at 20 Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2, it’s a true gem of fine dining in Dublin. The ratings are evidence, with a 4.7 on Google and a 4.5 on TripAdvisor.
The atmosphere is just fantastic. They have these little private vaults that would be perfect for a dinner by candlelight. The whole venue is très chic, with a hip and cozy vibe, and they even have peat-burning fireplaces. The service was flawless; everyone was really friendly and courteous, and we felt at home.
The food is where this place really shines. It’s French-Asian fusion, and every meal is a gastronomic work of art. The taste was so fine you’d rather lick your plate clean, but you’re in too uptown a joint for that! There’s a comprehensive wine list, too, but be warned, some of the prices will bring tears to your eyes.
This is the perfect spot for a night out. The only thing I would condemn was the bread served before the starters; it had a rather toasted taste. But in all seriousness, everything else was so impeccable that it’s an insignificant detail. If you’d like a meal you’ll never forget, get to Pearl Brasserie. It’s a proper gem. You will need to book a table in advance for this one, calling 016613572 or emailing info@pearl-brasserie.com.
One Pico
On another foodie day of mine, I was looking for another special occasion. My friends and I were celebrating a milestone anniversary, so we wanted to indulge in what I’d heard was another one of Dublin’s finest fine dining restaurants, One Pico. It’s tucked away in an 18th-century coach house at 5 Molesworth Place and has a great reputation with a 4.6 on Google and a 4.4 on TripAdvisor.
The atmosphere is stunning, elegant, and romantic. The service was absolutely flawless; the staff were so professional and friendly, and they even added some nice personal touches to our celebration. It’s not the kind of place for young kids, but it’s perfect for a special night out.
The food was absolutely heavenly, a masterpiece. I started with the scallops, and they were cooked to perfection. My main dish was venison, and it was amazing and complemented the sides perfectly. The menu is so well thought out and caters to both vegetarians and carnivores, which is great.
Something that especially impressed was their wine list. The sommelier was knowledgeable and helped us choose a wine that was ideal for our meal. Generally, One Pico definitely lives up to its reputation and is more than deserving of its Michelin star. It’s a great place for an elegant meal that you quite simply will not forget. If you’d like to book a table, phone them on 016760300 or email book@onepico.com.
Chapter One Restaurant
After our lovely anniversary dinner at One Pico, I thought that it would be a while before I’d get another opportunity at a fine upscale meal. That was until a friend from abroad was in town, and I thought I had to take them to the best that Dublin has to offer. That’s where we ended up at Chapter One on Parnell Square N. It’s a restaurant that completely turns the tables on what you’d think Irish food is like. With a stellar 4.8 on Google and 4.7 on TripAdvisor, it’s among Dublin’s best fine dining experiences for sure.
From the moment we arrived, we were treated like old friends. The staff are absolute sound and get the balance between professionalism and good old Irish charm just right. The venue itself is beautiful, classy, and cosy at the same time, with exposed stonework and lovely artwork. It’s the kind of place that feels posh but still makes you feel instantly at home.
The food is nothing short of incredible, a work of art. We started off with some cocktails that were stunningly presented and packed with flavour. The subsequent courses were all Irish ingredients but completely reinvented. Highlights included a lovely beetroot amuse-bouche and a flaky lobster dish with peas and carrots that was pure perfection.
Honestly, a lot of Michelin-starred restaurants can be a bit overrated, but Chapter One blew expectations on every conceivable level. The venison loin was beyond tender, and the desserts were a production in themselves. It’s a world-class experience with heart, and it’s well worth the price. To book a table, which you absolutely must do, you can call 018732266 or email info@chapteronerestaurant.com.
Patrick Guilbaud
After enjoying that magnificent meal at Chapter One, I thought I had seen the crème de la crème. Then, I came across Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, and I was sure that I had to taste it myself. This one is a Dublin institution, and it is one of Dublin’s best fine dining restaurants with ease. Discreetly tucked away beside The Merrion Hotel at 21 Merrion St Upper, it has a fantastic 4.7 on Google and a 4.5 on TripAdvisor.
The moment you walk in, you’re welcomed with an atmosphere of raw class. The environment is so classy and romantic, and the service staff are straight-up top-notch. They treated us so special and like we were home. I was celebrating with my partner, and the service was just amazing; it really puts the experience on a whole different level of art.
The food is truly something else. It’s flawless French fine dining with an excellent wine list to match. I ordered the Lobster Ravioli and the Suckling Pig Croquettes, and every bite was a dream come true. The flavors were just out of this world. As icing on the cake, the man himself, Patrick Guilbaud, went out of his way to come over to our table to chat with us. He was such a humble and sound man, and such a nice way to end an absolutely perfect night.
This restaurant is every penny and more well worth it. The ideal place for a truly special occasion. Warning: you will need to book a table well in advance, because this restaurant is always popular. You can call them on 016764192 or email them at info@restaurantpatrickguilbaud.ie.
BANG restaurant & wine bar
I thought I’d hit the bar by now for the best fine dining restaurants in Dublin. But what do you know! We realized that wasn’t it after all when my cousin and I were out for a girls’ night with my four-year-old daughter and paid a visit to BANG Restaurant & Wine Bar. It’s a big-time classy establishment on 11 Merrion Row, with a whopping 4.7 rating on Google and a respectable 4.3 on TripAdvisor.
As soon as we arrived, the service staff were just great. They were so polite but not intrusive. They even made us feel so comfortable with their sense of humour. And to add to that, our waiters, Adra and Dom, were so polite and patient with my child the entire evening. This is truly the most kid-friendly fine dining I’ve ever come across.
The food was a whole adventure. I had ordered Chicken Supreme with potatoes, and this chicken was extremely tender. My partner was brave enough to be a bit different and ordered the ox tongue, and she was astonished at how yummy and well-cooked it was. The flavor in each of the dishes was just exquisite. They even have some of their special dishes. I can never forget their olives, which are brined in-house.
For dessert, we had a white chocolate cheesecake that was absolutely heavenly. The chef is indeed an artist; how they go about using flavours on the plate is amazing. The service was impeccable, and we were not rushed at all. This restaurant is a gem and an absolute must for anyone who wants a special meal. If you want to try it out, you will have to book a table by calling 014004229 or emailing info@bangrestaurant.com.
Concluding
And there you have it, all of you – a tour of a few of Dublin’s best fine dining restaurants, all personally guaranteed by me. From the warm sophistication of Pearl Brasserie, to the innovative panache of Mr. Fox, to the timeless sophistication of Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, each and every destination is a foodie journey unto itself.
These are not just meals; they’re waiting memories, perfect for when only the best will do. So when that special occasion comes along, or you just feel like indulging in something really special, remember this guide. Pamper yourself… you’re worth it!