We've updated our Monday night eating list, because it's probably the question that most regularly slides into the DMs (that and where to eat on Sunday night). Feel free to ask, but we've compiled this lovely list so we can avoid repeating ourselves 100 times a month.
For those who work in the hospitality industry (or any others that don't shut down at the weekend), Monday is essentially their weekend, and after an actual weekend of working day and night, a lot of restaurants close on Monday to give their staff a break. For those with that night off, it’s easy to be stuck for somewhere to eat, so here's our guide to where to eat on Mondays, whether you're in need of sustenance on your day off, are looking for an early week excursion, or can't face saying goodbye to the weekend just yet...
1. Etto
Etto must be one of the only restaurants in the city that regularly books out on Monday nights, so don't get cocky and just show up thinking you'll walk straight in, but those nduja mussels, that côte de boeuf and those crispy potatoes feel particularly indulgent on a Monday. Read our Etto once over here.
2. Uno Mas
If Etto's booked out try their Spanish sister restaurant Uno Mas, which luckily for us also opens on Mondays. Gildas, squid á la plancha and gooey Spanish tortillas will alleviate all thoughts of the week ahead.
3. Mister S
The capital's newest spot for food cooked over fire serves tomahawk pork steaks, slow-cooked shortrib and charred hispi cabbage with spicy sausage at Monday night prices. So you can afford to drink more wine. Read our Mister S once over here.
4. Osteria Lucio
Grab a stool at one of the high tables in the front or sink into the cave-like space at the back for some handmade pasta, woodfired pizza or steak tagliata, and if you get there before 18:45 you can take advantage of the pre-theatre menu at €27 for two courses or €32 for three. Read our Osteria Lucio once over here.
5. Chimac
Everyone's favourite Korean fried chicken joint Chimac opens seven days a week, serving kimcheese burgers, Korean barbecue wings and ice-cream cookie sandwiches. An excellent choice if you're still suffering from the weekend. Read our Chimac once over here.
6. Lucky Tortoise
Lucky Tortoise on Aungier Street serve their €20 all in dinner deal from Monday - Sunday, meaning that gyoza, peanut kimchi and okonimyaki are never that far from reach.
7. The Seafood Café
Niall Sabongi’s Seafood Café in Temple Bar is a welcome respite from trad music and pricey pints in the capital’s tourist trap. Reasonably priced with a menu suited for sharing, it’s a friendly, laid-back place to enjoy fresh seafood.
8. Pi
It’s no secret that we think Pi's Neapolitan style pizzas are the best in Dublin (see our once over here). The classic margarita and zuccha are our favourites, and the salty-sweet desserts are as perfect as the pizzas.
9. Fish Shop, Benburb Street
Fish Shop's Benburb location is an easy spot for a seafood dinner and a glass of wine. The menu is short, simple and changes frequently, but the fish and chips and fish burger are always on. Interesting, natural wine list with one of the city's best selection of sherries, and Monday night is wine club night, meaning a limited number of bottles at stupidly good prices.
10. 777
If you’re looking for a more lively night out, 777 always comes with a buzz. The 2 margaritas for €14 on Mondays can be dangerous, but there are plenty of tacos, tostadas and tortilla chips to soak them up. Read our 777 once over here.
11. Loose Canon Cheese and Wine
The city centre natural wine and cheese shop always planned to open on Monday nights to cater to the trade, and it's rare to find it not completely jammed. Being in the tiny shop feels like having wine at a friend's house, and it's perfect if you’re not looking for a full meal. They make charcuterie and cheese plates up from what's in the fridge that day, and also do daily changing small plates, like panzanella with grilled courgette, confit tomato and Toonsbridge sheep cheese.
12. M & L Chinese
One of the few places in Dublin to get authentic Sichuan food, the dumplings and fried green beans with chilli at M&L have been the start of many addictions over the years. Corkage is €5 but go easy on the chilli oil if you're taking something nice. Read our M&L once over here.
13. Piglet
Piglet’s supper menu is easy going, with pasta, fish and côte de boeuf for the very hungry. It's a cosy spot for a plate of food and some great wine, and if you find yourself in Temple Bar surrounded by camera bearing tourists and “The Auld Triangle” ringing in your ears, it's a good place to run for cover. Try the tapas with goat bacon or duck gizzards, with whatever wine pairings the staff recommend.
14. The Pig's Ear
Classic Irish, contemporary dining on Nassau Street from Chef Stephen McAllister. The Pig's Ear has bright, airy dining room overlooking Trinity College, and nostalgia-inducing desserts like hobnob cheesecakes in jam jars and homemade walnut whips.
15. Terra Madre
Rustic country Italian food with no frills, basement level Terra Madre is hidden out of view but worth a trip downstairs. Charming service, seriously good pasta, and many of the wines and ingredients are brought over from Italy especially for the restaurant.
16. Pichet
French style bistro Pichet has been a staple in Dublin for years. It’s always reliable for a good meal with a buzzy atmosphere, and has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for the past nine years.
17. L'Ecrivain
The only Michelin starred restaurant in the city open on a Monday, if you’re looking for a blow out. Derry and Sallyanne Clarke have held onto their star since 2003 and the standard of food at L'Ecrivain is always reliably good.
18. One Pico
Classic cuisine from the same restaurant family as The Greenhouse, with head chef Ciaran McGill serving seasonal dishes like beef cheek with girolles, cep purée and truffle, and mackerel with greengages, almond and yoghurt. The pre-theatre menu is the more affordable option, with two courses for €30 or three for €38.
19. Ananda
Fine dining Indian restaurant Ananda in Dundrum serves innovative Indian food from varying regions using the best Irish produce, like roast Roscommon goat leg with fermented rice patties and chutneys. Head chef Karan Mittal has wowed everyone since taking over the kitchen last year, and won 'Rising Star of the Year' at the 2018 Food & Wine Awards. The dining room is pleasant and service is always first rate.
20. Ka Shing
Our current favourite city spot for dim sum opens seven days a week, so there's no restriction on your ability to get 15 different types of dumplings, barbecue pork buns and fried turnip cake. The wine's not up to much so perfect if you're trying to stay off the booze after a heavy weekend. Read our once over here.
