The weekend that just was sums up the wildness of life in Dublin, with scorching sunshine and stormy showers all liable to occur within the time it takes to eat two courses. That’s partly why our outdoor dining scene has lagged behind many of our European cousins, not to mention restrictive regulation, but the pandemic twisted the arms of many places and now we’re comparatively spoiled for choice.
But where are the really good suntraps, and more to the point - which of them have the best food? Here’s your one-stop guide for where eat outdoors in the city this summer, with the suburbs coming in our next mail out...
City Centre
Library Street, Setanta Place
"Everything is made to be shared" says the sign over Library Street's door, and that goes for the sunshine too. Their scattering of outdoor tables are back and available for wine and small plates. Sure to be a very hot seat of a summer evening, you'll have to rock up and try your chances for these.
The Champagne Terrace At The Shelbourne
The Shelbourne's annual Champagne terrace is back with Laurent-Perrier on board as sponsor this time around. Five Champagnes are available alongside a very on-brand caviar menu, with champagne cocktails and other food are on offer too. Book online for Wednesday to Sunday slots.
Cellar 22, Stephen's Green
The basement-level terrace out front in Cellar 22 might not be the biggest suntrap in the city, but it's a covered and heated cosy space to chill out with a good glass of wine, while enjoy the fresh air wafting across from St Stephen's Green. They recently rolled out a new cocktail menu too, and their small plates and charcuterie selection are made for lazy summer evenings. Book here.
Row Wines, Coppinger Row
The small selection of seating available outside Row Wines is always in hot demand when the sun shows up, and that’s only likely to increase with the midweek lunchtime flatbread menu they’ve just launched. Get to this one early.
Mani, Drury Street
As if Drury Street wasn't thronged enough in the sunshine months, new opener Mani has ensured this is going to be the most bustling part of the city all summer long. The high turnover on their outdoor space should mean you won't have to wait too long to enjoy a slice, but you'll want to move quick when you see someone picking up their bag.
Bootleg, Drury Street
Another new arrival to Drury Street, Bootleg is smartly making a play for that plentiful passing summer trade with an outdoor drinks bar beside its handful of little tables. We're not shocked to report it was absolutely thronged at the weekend.
Note, Fenian Street
One of the best new additions to the city's outdoor dining scene of recent years, Note's terrace out front is a heavenly spot for wine, small plates and a bit of a buzz on a scorching day. You can book online for a table inside or walk-in for a weather dependent outside one.
Tang, Cumberland Place
Just across the road from Note, sustainable, climate-conscious café Tang has a suntrap of a garden area that's one of our favourite city spots for a quick coffee and food to make you feel good. They’re open from 08:00 weekdays and from 10:00 on Saturday for brunch, with walk-ins only. They've also just added a Thursday and Friday dinner option you can book online.
F.X. Buckley, Pembroke Street
F.X. Buckley are making the most of their Pembroke Street premises with not one but two outdoor areas, including a gorgeous two-storey section that opens out onto the front. It's conveniently close to Merrion Square Park and St Stephen's Green, for the walk you'll be needing after this feed. We recommend calling 016764606 or emailing pembroke@fxbuckley.ie to nab the good seats.
Loose Canon, Drury Street
Loose Canon is perfectly sited to lap up the best of the midday sunshine and take in the buzz of Dublin on a summer’s day, so it’s no surprise their walk-in only outdoor tables are always in hot demand. They’re worth waiting for, with a cold glass in hand of course.
Davy Byrne's, Duke Street
The Ulysses destination pub's linen-laid tables on the terrace are always popular with Grafton Street shoppers when the sun is shining. Book online here to beat the crowd and get your fill of gorgonzola sandwiches and bottles of Burgundy.
Big Fan, Aungier Street
Big Fan's outdoor dining area on Aungier Street has stayed popular all year, with the heated patio full throughout the winter, but there's no doubt it's at its best when the sun shines. Get in for a feast of bao, jiaozi and lots of other outrageously delicious plates by booking here.
The Seafood Café, Temple Bar
It won't be long now until lobster rolls are back on the menu at Niall Sabongi's Temple Bar institution (currently it's a crab fest which we ain't complaining about either), and the little sheltered seating area outside The Seafood Café is the ideal place to tuck into the best Irish seafood while watching the world go by. Book here.
As One, City Quay
Health food focused As One have sunshine filled seating for breakfast, brunch and lunch on the quays. Book a table for some gut-friendly food on their website.
The Commons at MoLI, Stephen’s Green
Opening out into the Iveagh Gardens, the open area to the rear of the Museum of Literature now plays host to The Commons’ garden terrace, a beautifully secluded spot to enjoy their all-day breakfast menu and range of toasties. They’re walk-in only, and what a walk.
Hang Dai, Camden Street
The covered, heated terrace of Hang Dai's rooftop 'Gold Bar' offers a great view out over the Camden Street action, as well as a buzzy area to enjoy some of their unique cocktails and Chinese dishes. They’re also making more of their street seating this year, with a special small plate menu in the works and nothing topping €12 – we’ll bet on that being popular.
Osteria Lucio, Grand Canal Quay
With a small number of high-stool and barrel setups, as well as some covered low tables, Osteria Lucio is one worth booking ahead for. Owner/Chef Ross Lewis had taken the lead in the kitchen here since handing over the Chapter One reins to Mickael Viljanen, and just before Christmas he installed Josh Plunkett (with a CV featuring some VERY impressive restaurants in the US) as head chef. Book online.
Charlotte Quay, Grand Canal Dock
Charlotte Quay has ample outdoor space overlooking Grand Canal Dock that gets the sun all evening. The lunch and dinner menus have plenty of smaller sharing plates so be sure to bring a crowd. Bookings available online.
Fairmental, Grand Canal Street Upper
D4’s fermentation lab and deli Fairmental is making very smart use of the space out front with some cosy tables set out to enjoy your rice bowls and kombucha from. It’s open for weekday breakfast and lunch and Saturday brunch, and it’s walk-in only.
One Society, Gardiner Street
Blocked off from the busy streets with planters, One Society’s sizeable covered outdoor section is a great choice for a weekend brunch or pizza and pasta on a sunny evenings. Walk-ins only.
Chez Max, Palace Street
Palace Street feels distinctly classier with the Parisian chic vibes Chez Max brings in summer. They gave their courtyard terrase a major makeover last year and it's still a lovely spot to sit back and forget you're in Dublin, if not the best French food you've ever had. Book here.
Urban Brewing, Custom House Quay
Urban Brewing offers an ideal summer setup with tonnes of outdoor seating outside the CHQ building. The new tapas brunch menu has loads of varied sharing plate options to enjoy alongside an Irish mythology-inspired cocktail menu. Book here.
Drury Buildings, Drury Street
The gorgeous garden courtyard in Drury Buildings is serving food and summer cocktails seven days a week, and the balcony tables overlooking the garden will be the ones to nab if you're very, very lucky. Look for a table here.
Las Tapas De Lola, Wexford Street
An outdoor table at Las Tapas de Lola is always a tall order so plan this one as far in advance as you can. Last minute cancellations may also be your friend here - call 014244100 or email book@lastapasdelola.com for enquiries.
777, George's Street
777 went all-out a few years back converting a car park into their "777 afuera" (meaning 'outside'), complete with a margarita-serving airstream. You can only book for tables of six plus here, otherwise it's walk in only.
L'Gueuleton, Fade Street
Fade Street French bistro L'Gueuleton have considerable outside space, mostly covered. It's prime real estate for people watching, small plate eating and Champagne drinking. Book through their website.
Fade Street Social, Fade Street
Fade Street Social is open outside with a wood-fired menu seven days a week. There's a solid vegetarian selection as well as the expected meat options, so plenty of variety to satisfy a mixed crowd. Book a table here.
Nomo Ramen, Charlotte’s Way
A big bowl of ramen isn’t our first instinct on a summer’s day, but Nomo have been introducing plenty of lighter bites like their pork bao and shitake chashu korokke that we’d happily snack on from their seated area out front. Walk-ins only.
The Woollen Mills, Ormond Quay
The Woollen Mills has a spacious first-floor roof terrace overlooking the Ha'penny Bridge and Liffey Street. They're open for lunch and dinner seven days a week as well as weekend brunch. Book on their website.
Brother Hubbard North, Capel Street
Brother Hubbard have lovely terraces at both their Capel Street and Harrington Street locations, with tons of seating to handle the high demand they always attract. Brother Hubbard North is taking reservations here, but Brother Hubbard South remains walk-in only.
Saba's Secret Garden, Baggot Street
Saba's secret garden out the back of their Baggot Street location has canopies and heaters, holiday style lighting and art by Subset. It's open seven days a week serving food all day, including black pepper squid, Thai beef salad and Pad Thai. There's also a pretty extensive cocktail menu. Look for a table here.
Piglet, Cow's Lane
Piglet's outdoor terrace catches the sun perfectly right around lunch, and they make the most of it with two and three course set menus, and the same for early bird dinner, all washed down with an excellent selection of wine. Book online.
Ukiyo, Dame Court
Ukiyo's outdoor terrace on Dame Court always has a lively buzz on the weekend, but they're open for lunch and dinner all through the week. Bring a group if you can - this is a lengthy menu you'll want a hand in making your way through. Book here.
Glas, Chatham Street
Vegetarian and vegan Glas have a very Parisian (and appropriately green) vibe going on outside their Chatham Street restaurant. The planters make for solid insurance against the ever-unpredictable Irish weather. Book online here.
Suesey Street
Suesey Street's terrace is one of the best in the city and has a retractable roof to deal with whatever the elements happen to throw at you. They're open for lunch and dinner every day but Sunday, serving up Irish cuisine with a focus on local ingredients. Book on their website.
Did we miss your favourite spot for outdoor dining in Dublin city centre? Let us know by emailing info@allthefood.ie.
