You recall that feeling when you have a wonderful milestone to celebrate, or maybe you just want to transcend the routine and treat yourself to something sublime? Dublin has a wonderful food scene, but finding a location that is a true experience, where the moment is as ideal as the food is, is another kind of mission.
To me, it’s not so much what’s actually on the plate; it’s the whole ambiance: the golden glow, the hum of happy chatter, the clink of glasses, and the feeling that you’ve been swept into a small bubble of decadence. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, be served, and create a memory to hold on to.
I’ve been lucky enough to find some of Dublin’s best over the years, the ones that go the extra mile. So, whether you’re there for a big win, a birthday, or just because it’s the weekend, I’m here to spill the tea on the fancy restaurants Dublin has.
Trocadero Restaurant Dublin
If you’re looking for genuine old-Hollywood vibes in the heart of Dublin, Trocadero Restaurant on St Andrew’s Street is the place to go. With an excellent 4.6 on Google and a reliable 4.4 on TripAdvisor, it’s one of the crème de la crème of Dublin’s high-end restaurants, no question. I ate here before attending a show in Vicar Street, and it was the perfect start to the evening.
I was able to just walk in, and they sat me right away, which was fantastic. The actual restaurant is beautiful, five rooms of art nouveau and modern decor that just give it such a really intimate, romantic, and high-end vibe. The staff were just so friendly and welcoming and made me feel completely at home.
Our server, Arthur, was particularly fantastic; he was friendly, professional, and humorous, which just added to the experience. For supper, I started with the pâté, which was awesome, and then had the cannelloni. The cannelloni was amazing; it was absolutely the best food I’d had in months. My partner had a fish meal, and although he wasn’t as wowed, he told me he hadn’t even looked at the description on the menu.
They even serve a great vegan steak that just blew me away! It was quite expensive, but it was worth every cent for the quality and the experience. It was my birthday, and the service staff went the extra distance. They sang “Happy Birthday” in earnest when they served dessert and even gave us two baby Guinness on the house, which was such a lovely touch.
I would highly recommend this stunning and fancy restaurant in Dublin and will definitely be back. It’s just the right treat, especially if you’re going to a show. You can book a table by calling them on 016775545 or at trocaderoireland@gmail.com.
Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen
As I first walked by Parnell Square North and saw Chapter One’s understated façade, I had no idea what I was in for. This is not just a restaurant; it’s a hidden gem that utterly reinvents haute cuisine in Ireland. With an incredible 4.8-star Google review (1,135+ reviews) and a perfect 4.7 on TripAdvisor (2,531+ reviews), it’s a place that has well-deservedly earned its two Michelin stars.
The moment you step in the door, you’re welcomed by a team of absolutely lovely and friendly people. They treat you like family, making you feel totally at home, with that nice warm Irish welcome that some of the upmarket establishments seem to forget to provide. It’s a gorgeous place inside, too, with exposed stone walls and candelabra lighting, creating this perfect bubble of unostentatious comfort.
It’s that sort of place that you feel happy just being. Every dish was a work of art, and it was nearly as if a story in a plate. We began with specially made handcrafted cocktails that were so vibrant and citrusy that they led the way for the entire evening.
The bread service was so heavenly that I literally considered skipping the remainder of the meal and requesting seconds on the butter! But oh dear, I’m glad I did not. The lobster with roe, which was flaky, was one of the standouts, and the venison loin was so tender I started wondering about every other meat dish I’ve ever had.
And to think things couldn’t get better, the desserts were a spectacle, with gorgeous, sculptural sweets that were out of an art gallery. The food was so dainty, delicious, and innovative. The service staff treated us so graciously, and as a special, wonderful surprise, we even got to venture into the kitchen!
For a truly fancy and superlative dining experience that is very much worth every penny in Dublin, I couldn’t recommend it more. You can reserve a table by calling them at 018732266 or by contacting them via email at info@chapteronerestaurant.com
Hawksmoor Dublin
Hawksmoor, located on 34 College Green, is the kind of place that lives up to the hype. I’d been wanting to eat here for a long time, and with a fantastic 4.3-star rating on Google (1,458+ reviews) and a 3.8 on TripAdvisor (371+ reviews), it did not disappoint. This spot is an absolute must-visit for any steak lover looking for a top-tier fancy restaurant Dublin has to offer.
First of all, you’ll notice the ambiance; it’s amazing. The restaurant is huge and open with plenty of natural light that makes it both grand and cozy. We celebrated my husband’s and my anniversary with the kids, and the staff was so nice and hospitable, even with the kids. They even took us out some delicious chocolates to mark the occasion, which was such a sweet gesture that made the whole experience feel so intimate.
The food was really top-notch throughout. To begin with, we had the bone marrow toast and steak tartare. But the crowning glory has to be the Sunday roast; the rump steak was cooked to the absolute medium rare and was of sheer quality. We also had the chateaubriand, which was cooked perfectly and to the right consistency and flavor, which really went well with the anchovy hollandaise.
The triple-cooked chips were a dream, crispy outside and light inside, and the kids couldn’t get enough of them! The Irish coffee tiramisu was the perfect dessert to round off the meal, just absolutely beautiful. And whatever you do, do not, do not miss out on the stuffing. It’s a game-changer.
We completed our meal with a round of pint, and the doctor had surely made the experience even better. Everything was top-notch, and I’m just sure to go back there. You too can book a table by calling them at 014854720 or simply reach out on their website.
FIRE Steakhouse Restaurant & Bar Dublin
Some restaurants are just made for special occasions, and FIRE Steakhouse (in the Mansion House on Dawson Street) is one of those restaurants. With an astounding 4.4-star rating on Google (3,951+ reviews) and a gigantic 4.7 on TripAdvisor (2,204+ reviews), it is not just one of the best steakhouses in Dublin, but one of the best “fancy” restaurants in the city, period.
As a guy from a small town, being at a fancy restaurant can be intimidating, but the staff at FIRE made my fiancée and me feel at home. I told the waiters about my proposal plan, and they were all in favor. After she said yes, the team collectively filmed the proposal and all applauded. They even arranged for us to have complimentary champagne and dessert after the proposal.
Honestly, my only complaint is how well they treated us; their service was like nothing I had ever experienced! And that was all before we got into the food! I had the three-course Christmas menu, starting off with the Butternut Squash Soup, which was amazing. Then came the turkey.
It was a total 10/10; perfectly cooked, wrapped in bacon, and served with beautiful mash and cabbage. The dessert was a Gateau, which was really good but maybe an 8/10, only because I am not a big coffee guy – that was my own fault. But all in all, it was a definite 10/10.
The restaurant is more than just a meal; it is a place for cherished and unforgettable experiences. I would recommend this fabulous restaurant to anyone and will definitely be back again. You can reserve a table by calling them on 016767200 or by emailing them at fire@mansionhouse.ie.
La Maison
A chance to celebrate an occasion calls for a special place! If you even remotely want to impress someone, particularly with wine and French cuisine, you want something stylish, yet welcoming.
La Maison is an adorable French restaurant located at 15 Castle Market, which happened to be the case; we were that lucky couple. La Maison has an impressive 4.6-star rating on Google (1,076+ reviews) and a 4.5 on TripAdvisor (978+ reviews). This place is a lovely spot and is one of the best fancy restaurants Dublin has to offer.
You are greeted at the table with delightful homemade pesto and fresh bread. One detail that is easy to repeat, like almost every detail, is clearly spectacular. The decor is nice but subtly upscale. It has a homely, European older vibe to it.
The service was, as it should be in a restaurant like this, impeccable. Our server, Joseph, was brilliant, and another waitress, Valentina, was lovely and provided us with a delightful recommendation for dessert. So welcoming and attentive, as were every member of the team, it really did add to our night out.
Each food item that we had was delectable. We had a little of everything: the onion soup, scallops, sole fish of the day, and a shared app of foie gras. The flavors were good and complicated, and everything was perfectly prepared. My favourite, hands down, was the Creme Brule, but Valentina’s rec of the apple tart was pretty close. It was honestly the best French food we have ever eaten.
Everything at La Maison was charming and perfect. We are already arranging to go back before we leave. It is an ideal location for a celebration or just a dinner out. You can call them to book a table at 016727258, or email info@lamaisondublin.com.
In Conclusion
The hunt for the best fancy restaurants in Dublin is a fun one! From the vintage glamour of Trocadero to the excellence of a Michelin-starred restaurant, Chapter One, to the more refined French fare of La Maison, dining at these extravagant options is far too easy.
Dublin has many amazing restaurants to explore, and a unique experience awaits you at each of them, whether you’re celebrating an occasion or simply enjoying a nice meal! As I said – treat yourself! None is worth the miss, and each will leave you a memory you will relive many times!