Where To Go For A Fun Dinner in Dublin

Those of us consumed by food like to incorporate it into every celebration we damn well can, and sometimes on special occasions (like not seeing your best pals for a week, getting a break from the July rain, or Molly Malone day) you don't want hushed tones, tablecloths and sommeliers. You want tunes, neon cocktails and the possibility of dancing from a height as the night goes on (we can't guarantee this in all venues). Here's where to go for dinner when you want to have fun...

Sister7, Smithfield

No one was more ecstatic than us when BigFan announced their collaboration with Fidelity Bar in Smithfield. Similar to Hang Dai, Sister7 is a bonafide audiophile bar with one of the best sound systems in the country - and the food's right up there too. As well as the BigFan classics (jiaozi dumplings, bao, enoki fan, prawn toast), you'll find special dishes made with spent brewery products from Whiplash, and the dining room feels like you've been teleported to a swish spot in London or New York. Read our once over here. 

Row Wines, Dublin 2

For small plates, natural wines, and a diverse vinyl collection, Row Wines has been vaulting up the popularity stakes since opening on Coppinger Row, just off South William Street last year. The team took inspiration from Tokyo’s Japanese style listening bar, and their top of the range sound systems spin tunes from old classics to disco, jazz and house. But we're not going anywhere just for the music. It also happens to be one of the most exciting places to eat and drink in the city right now - try the Kilkee crab flatbread or the beef tartare rosti, with heaps of natural wine and expertly mixed cocktails.

Amuri, Dublin 2

Sicilian brothers Andrea and Luca Licciardello of Amuri on Chatham Street are the ultimate Italian hosts - their cheeky chappy chatter and cheery service create a fun, welcoming atmosphere guaranteed to liven up anyone's evening. The Sicilian food is some of the the most authentic in the country, and according to our records there's no better way to end a meal than with a shot of limoncello on the house.

Bah33º, Dawson Street

For a full on interactive Brazilian BBQ experience, Bah33º serve their menu Rodizio style - a method said to have been introduced in the 30's by Gauchos (Brazilian cowboys) who used swords to serve their all you can eat meat. As a homage to the boys back home, waiters walk by with BBQ meat that's been roasted over an open fire, allowing diners to hand pick their dinner, and there's a salad bar to balance out all the beef. It's €56.90 per person, half-price for kids ages 5-11, and free for under-4's, so it's a good option for family fun too.

Bootleg, Dublin 2

Veteran fun time restaurateurs from BigFan, Bow Lane, and Sprezzatura teamed up to create Bootleg - Drury's street's very own Disco Lounge, with a lot of vintage wine. Disco balls and DJ booths complete with small plates and a cocktail list dedicated to the Negroni - Bootleg is the definition of lively. With pumping tunes, boozy drinks and more gildas than we knew existed, you couldn't not have a good time. Read our once over here.

Hawksmoor, Dame Street

Hawksmoor has one of the most jaw-dropping dining rooms in the city, in the former national bank, complete with cast iron dome, stone carvings and cast iron lamp posts. Come for a blow out dinner with pals, get the massive steak platters to share, drink the cocktails, and get the nice wine - you won't regret it, and in a dining room this big you can be as loud as you want. Read about the 27 menu items we tried here.

Hang Dai, Dublin 2

Hang Dai on Camden Street is a buzzy neon fever dream set in an ethereal Chinese subway train, with great food, killer cocktails and banging tunes. Listed as one of the Top 10 audiophile bars in the world, they are serious about music and have a custom built sound system, isolated DJ booth, and if you tilt your head back you'll see the dance floor (it's on the ceiling). With set menus for groups that make life so much easier, it's a great spot for a party. If it's good enough for DJ legends LCD Soundsystem and Irvine Welsh to spin records in, it's good enough for your next gathering.

Tippenyaki, Rathmines

Tippenyaki in Rathmines is probably the most fun you can have at a Dublin restaurant while having your dinner cooked in front of you, by a chef who puts on a show. The literal translation is to "grill on a metal plate", and at Tippenyaki there's plenty of things flung on there, from fillet steak to rack of lamb, duck to seabass. It's a great spot to go with a group, or with someone you don't know too well when you're worried conversation might stall - "Oh look he's juggling the spatulas. Is that a heart made out of omelette? I think your eyebrows may have just been singed..."

777, George's Street

When 777 opened up back in 2012, it was quickly dubbed "very loud" and "ear busting" by the boomers (and let's be honest, millennials too) so you know you're in for a lively time here. Blaring beats, boozy margs and Mexican food perfect for sharing are all on the agenda, with group menus, tequila flights, and promotions throughout the week (best value is their €7.77 Sundays). It's the closest you can get to a full on fiesta in a restaurant. Arriba!

Lucky Tortoise, Temple Bar

If you're bored of people making the food for you in restaurants, Lucky Tortoise run dumpling classes where you can do it yourself. Their dumpling making classes run every day for groups of four or more (you need to book in advance via email), or two and above on Tuesdays that can be booked via Eventbrite. At €59 a head, it's supreme value, and you won't be leaving hungry. Grab your mates, show off your skills, and compete for the title of "supreme dumpling pincher".