I’ve always enjoyed food more with a nice view. And what can be better than enjoying the mesmerizing Dublin view with a good bite! Dublin may be better known for its snug pubs and cozy coffee shops, but the best rooftop bars in Dublin are the places I personally love for their well-decorated, comfy rooftop spaces where you can soak up sunsets, city lights, and even the odd glimpse of mountains.
I spent the last bit of time exploring the city’s trendiest rooftops, from stylish glass-wall eateries to lively terraces where the music and the cocktails flow as smoothly as the conversation. So, where can you enjoy the best food in Dublin with a mesmerizing view like me? Let’s find out the gems that are worth adding to your list.
Sophie’s Rooftop Restaurant, Terrace & Bar
If you’re looking for one of the best rooftop bars in Dublin, Sophie’s Rooftop Restaurant, Terrace & Bar on Harcourt Street is a must-visit. With a solid 4.3 on Google (3,982 reviews) and 4.0 on TripAdvisor (1,376 reviews), it’s known for its stylish glasshouse setting, panoramic city views, and lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
I had a fantastic evening here, starting with the duck croquettes and gnocchi. The croquettes were crispy on the outside but nice and full of flavour inside, accompanied by a nice dipping sauce. The gnocchi, on the other hand, was rich, perfectly cooked, and full of flavour, a firm favourite starter.
For my main course, I ate the ribeye, and it was exactly as a good steak ought to be, cooked just as I requested it, well-flavoured, and with tremendous flavour in every mouthful. The rooftop setting added to the atmosphere, providing a laid-back, chilled-out environment with fantastic views out over Dublin and into the distance.
Service was just as good as the food. The waiter was friendly and attentive and served to make the evening all the more pleasant. Sophie’s is a class choice for super dishes, fantastic views, and surroundings equal in any conditions. To make a reservation for your visit, telephone 01 607 8100 or e-mail bookdublin@sophies.ie.
Ryleigh’s Rooftop Steakhouse
If you’re after one of the best rooftop bars in Dublin for a special occasion, Ryleigh’s Rooftop Steakhouse on North Wall Quay is a stunning choice. With a 4.5 rating on Google (1,154 reviews) and an impressive 4.8 on TripAdvisor (1,948 reviews), it’s known for its sweeping River Liffey and Dublin Mountain views, refined menu, and warm service.
I recently visited there with two of my best friends to attend a birthday party, and our evening was that much more special because of our waitress, Jess. She was incredibly respectful, made sure we were comfortably seated in the patio area, and even asked for a surprise birthday ice cream with a candle to be sent out for my friend. It was such a personal act and set the stage for the evening as the night progressed.
The quality of the food was far better than we expected, both in flavor and quantity. In an establishment that seemed so fancy, the portions were hearty, and what we had ordered was full of flavor. Even at brunch time, quality and presentation were evident. Little touches, such as having my fork replaced before I even said a word, demonstrated just how attentive the staff were.
For a relaxed night out with a view, Ryleigh’s comes up trumps, with quality grub, beautiful surroundings, and a riverside location that’s against the odds. Call 01 245 7911 or email book@ryleighs.ie to reserve your trip.
Layla’s Rooftop Restaurant
If you’re looking for one of the best rooftop bars in Dublin with a modern, cozy charm, Layla’s Rooftop Restaurant in Ranelagh is well worth a visit. Perched on top of The Devlin Hotel, it holds a 4.2 rating on Google (1,072 reviews) and a 4.5 on TripAdvisor (449 reviews). With panoramic views over Ranelagh and out towards the mountains, it blends style, comfort, and quality dining perfectly.
I went there last week for a business meal, and we all left impressed. We started with the sourdough bread appetizer, which was a hit at the table. I had the fillet, medium, it was slightly more cooked than I like, but still tender and flavorful. The cocktail list was phenomenal, and each cocktail we tried was a hit. For those who drink wine, they had excellent pairing recommendations for each dish.
Dessert was easy with two choices for the table, which were both delicious, but hard to finish off after having so much. The rooftop space itself was tranquil, intimate with a glasshouse feel. Even though the view wasn’t quite so dramatic as had been hoped, the space remained chic and cozy, perfect to linger over a meal.
For a relaxed lunch or night meal with top-notch service, quality beverages, and a rooftop location above the city centre hubbub, Layla’s is worth a bet. Call 01 406 0182 or email book@laylas.ie to book your visit.
Fitzsimons Temple Bar
For a night out with a rooftop view, Fitzsimons in Temple Bar is among the best rooftop bars in Dublin for mixing music, cocktails, and atmosphere. Occupying a prime spot a block from the River Liffey, there’s no way to miss this five-story structure, with a 4.1 Google rating (4,679 reviews) and 4.0 on TripAdvisor (16 reviews).
I opted for the rooftop bar over the pounding live music downstairs when I was there. Great music, but far too loud to converse. It was an exercise to get there with all the stairs, but the bright patio made it a worthwhile choice. We had a strawberry daiquiri (small but delicious) and relaxed on a wooden picnic bench in the sun. The mood was relaxed, with space to spare as it was off-peak season, and the sense of humor of the bartender provided icing to the afternoon.
While the rooftop decor was somewhat dull for the location and price, the atmosphere made up for it. I also got to have a cold cider to drink, and could see why this spot would be perfect on a warm summer day. That being said, I would most definitely book in advance if you want a rooftop table in high season.
For a Temple Bar evening combining music, beverages, and an open rooftop haven, Fitzsimons is a good choice. Reservations are best checked by contacting +353 1 677 9315 ahead of your visit.
The Parnell Heritage Pub & Grill
For a vintage Dublin ambiance and rooftop unwind, The Parnell Heritage Pub & Grill is a treasure. A short stroll from O’Connell Street, this three-level bar earns a top 4.3 on Google (3,041 reviews) and 4.4 on TripAdvisor (1,915 reviews).
I visited on a warm afternoon and up onto their roof terrace, a light top floor with a sunroof letting in lots of light. I started off with a pint of cider and a plate of BBQ chicken wings that arrived in a convenient dozen, served with the finest blue cheese sauce I’ve ever had. Crunchy celery, live pea shoots, and welcoming, attentive staff made it even more worth it. Being a solo female visitor, I was completely comfortable and safe among a laid-back clientele just looking to have a good time.
One of the real showstoppers here is their Tuesday night affair, Candlelit Tales. For €10, you’ll get an evening of captivating folk stories and mythos, interspersed with music and local lore. If you’re peckish, €25 will secure you the storytelling along with a special menu dish, an affair which feels rightly one-off in Dublin.
With great ambient music, a cozy but vibrant atmosphere, and a raised beer garden that is just right for serene afternoons as well as party evenings, The Parnell is well worth a visit. To reserve your spot, just call them at +353 1 878 3380.
Runway 28 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
If you enjoy viewing planes taking off while you’re having a cocktail, Runway 28 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant is the place for you. Located near Dublin Airport, it enjoys a 4.1 Google rating (213 reviews) and 3.6 TripAdvisor rating (43 reviews) and is certainly a one-of-a-kind spot for both aviation enthusiasts and best rooftop bar-goers in Dublin.
The decoration was the first thing that I saw on my visit. Fashionable, with details that were obviously well cared for, and rendered the place contemporary but also welcoming. The food was plentiful in portion and fairly priced for the standard. I visited on an evening when the weather was fine, so there were stunning sunset views and a bit of plane spotting to be enjoyed while the DJ kept things lively with a great selection of tunes.
The highlight was the staff. They were friendly, familiar with their menu, and actually paid attention. In fact, when they got drinks minimally incorrect, they took them off the bill without my even asking, a nice gesture that made an impression. A piece of chicken was a little tough for my partner, but the food was otherwise tasty and highly satisfying.
For a cool evening out with a touch of the extraordinary, Runway 28 offers great ambiance, decent grub, and a rooftop experience like no other in the city. Call +353 1 866 7504 to reserve your spot.
Bottom Line Is
Whatever you’re in the mood for, a trendy steakhouse with skyline vistas, a sun-drenched cocktail patio at night, or a cozy glasshouse where you can relax and linger over a long meal. Dublin’s best rooftop dining offers something for everyone.
Some are perfect for girls’ nights out, others for lazy afternoons spent reading a novel over a pint, but all possess that little bit of magic that you just don’t find when you dine down. So the next time you’re choosing a night out or a lazy Saturday afternoon lunch, take it up top. The grub will be even better when you’ve got Dublin laid out at your feet.