7 romantic restaurants in Dublin for the best date night

Guinness, pub culture, and Georgian architecture might be the first things that come to mind when you think of Dublin. It's one of the most beautiful and impressive cities you can travel to. You are in luck if you want to plan a date night while you are in this city because there are so many great places to enjoy this kind of outing. From vintage cocktail club locations and wine bars to Irish, Spanish, French, and Italian restaurants in Dublin, there is something for everyone here.

During the day, you might want to head to Dublin Castle or go shopping. Luckily, there are convenient Bounce storage locations all over Dublin so that you can sightsee without concerns. Additionally, when it comes time for a memorable romantic meal, you won't be tripping over your suitcases at the restaurant. Many of these locations are also really small and cozy; you don't want to struggle with your bags in such small and confined spaces. Drop everything off - that way, you can make the most of the romantic restaurants on this list. Which one will be your favorite?

Pichet, Trinity Street

This lovely little French restaurant is one of the best romantic restaurants in Dublin for date night. The place is small, charming, and cozy, and you will also benefit from incredible service here. The wine list is extensive, the classic dishes are well-executed and full of flavor. If you love French food, there is no better choice to make for your night out.

Our recommendation

The grilled pineapple margarita is to die for, and there are so many really delicious meal offerings on the main menu that you will struggle to pick which items are the most exciting. The three-course set dinner menu is perfect when you can decide so that you get to try a little bit of everything. Be sure to ask about the specials and call in advance to get a reservation. This place is very popular, and the tables are usually spoken for if you don't plan ahead.

Location

14-15 Trinity St

Dublin 2, Ireland

Price level

$$$

Vintage Cocktail Club

This unbelievably charming 1920s-themed prohibition-era bar is tucked behind Dublin's very famous Temple Bar. You will pass through the main bar to get to this cocktail spot that also serves a limited dinner menu every night. Both locations are famous and exactly what you would expect when you think of a European pub. You will love everything about your experience here, from the great service to the ultra-creative drinks and food.

There are classics on the menu here, like spring lamb, fish dishes, and pub classics, like sandwiches and pies. This location is so special because of the age of the spot and the amazing vibe. You will remember everything about your time at Vintage Cocktail Club, that's for sure. When you are bored of the traditional type of romantic restaurant, this is definitely the place for you.

Our recommendation

Vintage Cocktail Club is a bit like a secret room behind the main Temple Bar, and there is something romantic about this kind of hide-and-seek experience. The romantic restaurants in the rest of the city are not necessarily designed with this sense of whimsy, and you're almost guaranteed to have a memorable evening here. Something to be aware of is that they do not take reservations, so you might want to show up a bit early ahead of the dinner hour if you want to avoid a wait.

Location

47-48, Temple Bar

Dublin, Ireland

Price level

$$$

Mama Yo

Camden Street is one of the city's most beautiful and oldest streets, and you can head here for a night out on the town that starts at this iconic Camden Street restaurant. You will love how romantic the interior of this location is, and the soft wood paneling and private tables are cozy and welcoming in every way.

This is one of the biggest romantic restaurants in Dublin, but you should still call ahead for a reservation if you are in the city during peak tourism times. This is a very well-known spot to have a meal, and you don't want to miss out. Look for the two large trees just inside when you walk in to take advantage of a scenic photo opportunity.

Our recommendation

The menu here is tapas, and an amazing wine list complements them. Don't miss out on one of the tasty shareable platters that are ideal for date night. The window seats offer the best view, and you might want to ask to sit here when you reserve your table to make the most of the view of the street as you dine.

Make sure to pick from the lovely Chinese dishes as well if you want to have a more hearty meal than what tapas can sometimes offer.

Location

76 Camden Street Lower, Saint Kevin's

Dublin, D02 X788, Ireland

Price level

$$

Liath Restaurant

While notoriously hard to get a table at, this lovely location is certainly one of the most romantic restaurants in Dublin. You can't avoid having a romantic night here, and the extensive and exclusive menu is ideal for a fancy night out on the town. Ask about seasonal dishes, as there are often some special local ingredients on display in them.

The focus here is on game meats and locally sourced ingredients for the sides and starters as well. This romantic restaurant is guided by a Michelin-star chef, so there is nothing not to love about the menu. You will be able to plan the perfect date night here, and if you can get a seat at Liath Restaurant (which is an Irish term for grey), you will have pulled off a really amazing feat.

Our recommendation

This location has an extensive menu set up to be used as a tasting menu, and you can do the wine pairing or choose something intriguing off the drinks menu. There is an Irish twist to many of the fusion dishes on the menu, making for a creative and unforgettable dining experience that you probably won't get anywhere else in the city. As far as Dublin romantic restaurants go, this one is really a star.

Location

19A Main St, Blackrock, Co.

Dublin, A94 C8Y1, Ireland

Price level

$$$$

Glover's Alley by Danny Mcfadden

There are few places as beautiful as Glover's in the city of Dublin. Located in the Fitzwilliam Hotel, this lovely and most charming of the romantic restaurants in Dublin could grace the pages of a stylish magazine. The charming wood and the overall aesthetic just scream quality. You can choose from experimental French cuisine here, and you will also love that the menu is adjusted for the seasons.

The wine list is excellent, and there is a full bar so you can enjoy your favorite cocktails as you dine. Don't be afraid to ask about the menu if you have questions. There are many dietary adjustments that can be made by the chef, so you can get exactly what you're looking for when you eat here.

Our recommendation

The deer and the suckling pig are delightful, and you can also count on amazing starters. Consider choosing the "surprise menu" for a chef's special experience that is carefully curated and comes with matching wine pairings. While spendy, this location is so beautiful, and the food is so good that the cost is worth every penny.

Location

128 St.Stephen’s Green

Dublin, Ireland

Price level

$$$$

Terra Madre

This Italian restaurant on the North Quay of the River Liffey is small and does not look like much from the outside, but the interior of this trattoria will not disappoint. There is no better place to get authentic Italian food than this family-owned location, and you will feel the love as soon as you step through the door. This is a location that invites you in like long-lost family.

Enjoy handmade bread, lovely wines, and fresh pasta dishes that you can't get anywhere outside of Italy. This is one of the most special restaurants on this list, and you can count on a laidback romantic atmosphere here that's ideal for a relaxing first date or a comfortable 25th-anniversary celebration.

Our recommendation

Ask the staff which wine pairings are best for each dish if you're not used to selecting from a varied wine list. Whatever pasta or other dish you order, get it topped with freshly grate parmesan cheese. Don't skip dessert, either. The panna cotta is perfect.

Location

13a Bachelors Walk

Dublin, Ireland

Price level

$$

Locks

There are few places in the city as cozy as this location, and the view of the canal is exemplary. There is a warming fireplace in the dining room, and the feeling of this whole restaurant is intimate. You will feel like you have been transported back in time when you step through the door, and this former Michelin-star restaurant has lost none of its charm over the years.

You can count on excellent drinks and hearty local fare here. This is an amazing Irish restaurant for any date night. You'll be treated to seasonal specials that are really delicious and come from locally-sourced products.

Our recommendation

The seasonal offerings are always really good; you might want to focus on these. However, all of the game-based dishes are always a solid bet, and you should explore the wine menu carefully. There are so many really good wines to enjoy here that you might want to try out a few of them as you dine. The helpful staff can clarify any questions and help you craft a special dining experience that you and your date will remember for a long time.

Location

Windsor Terrace,

Dublin 8, County Dublin, D08 HT20, Ireland

Price level

$$$

Conclusion

If none of these locations tickled your fancy, you might be looking for something different. Or, if your budget doesn't stretch to any of these places, even a trip to one of Dublin's fantastic street food vendors can be romantic if you're with the right person.

There are so many ways to plan a date night in this lovely city, and your romantic evening can be crafted in any way that you want. There is delicious food all over this city, and you will love how easy it is to find something amazing to do every night as well.

Dublin is a great place to wander around at night, checking out what the city has to offer and experiencing all the culture in this old and atmospheric city. Consider heading to one of the city's best rooftop bars to end your evening in style. It's hard to beat sipping innovative cocktails while watching the lights come on all over the city.

From tapas to Italian to local fare that is hearty and delicious, there is nothing not to love about the food scene in Dublin. You will have access to so much good food and so many amazing dining experiences that it can be hard to decide which is the right option for your romantic meal. This guide will help you pick the perfect location for a date night you won't soon forget.