Dublin restaurants for the May Bank Holiday weekend

Around the corner from Dun Laoghaire Harbour and the East Pier, Soup Ramen is one of the most understated restaurants south of the River Liffey. It’s a neighbourhood restaurant, dedicated to serving ramen, fermented foods, kombucha, and cocktails. Soup Ramen is a casual diner that can cater for a quick meal or a full night out, often featuring guest beers on tap and DJs playing ambient music, creating a great vibe under the wooden and pastel décor.
The House Kimchi is a great starter at €4.50, but the medium plates are brilliant if you’re on the hunt for a quick bite. You can grab a halloumi or chicken spice bag, featuring stir-fried peppers, confit onion, and triple-fried chips with a five-spice blend to bring out some excellent flavour at €12.50.
As for mains, the ramen available is curated in an authentic manner and hosts vegan and veggie options. The Tonkotsu Pork is exceptional, featuring pork belly, pork broth, fermented veg, spiced egg, and silky ramen noodles for €16. If you’re going vegan or veggie, a yasai vegetable broth is served with noodles and features either cannellini beans or a spicy fried egg at €16. Enjoy!

On the Dublin-Meath Border lies one of Dublin’s ultimate cocktail bars and beer garden. The Paddocks Bar & Lounge boasts some of the most braggadocious cocktails available in the capital, as well as some excellent food. With three big screens, a tiki-bar style beer garden where palm trees are dotted around thatched roof seating areas, and vibrant blue and purple LEDs throughout, The Paddocks is one of Dublin’s finest.
Before getting to know the cocktail menu, it’s worth looking at the West Dublin pub’s food offerings. If you’re out with the girls for a big night, kick off with a sharing platter of Frank’s hot sauce chicken wings. They’re marinated brilliantly and are served alongside skinny fries for €16.95. You’ll also find an extensive burger grill menu, with one of the few places you can grab a Sloppy Joe in Dublin. The Paddocks also hosts an extensive range of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Finally, The Paddocks offers up some of the most creative and unique cocktails in Dublin. From bin baths that are quite literally served in mini bath-tubs, to skittle-vodka slushies, and of course the classics. You can feast your eyes on some of the most colourful and flavoursome cocktails about!

Hartley’s of Dun Laoghaire is back in business! After a difficult couple of years with the restaurant being largely closed, one of the most scenic terraces in Dublin is here for the May weekend. Hartley’s is built into Dun Laoghaire’s old train station and features stunning views of Howth and Dun Laoghaire’s Bay.
Open from midday all weekend, you can grab plenty of fish dishes, inspired and sourced locally in Dublin. For starters, why not try the pink prawns and chorizo, served with a delicate orange and fennel butter for €13. It’s a treat by the sea for sure! The mains are spectacular with baked cod wrapped in Parma ham along with a Manchego mousse for €25. The Hartley’s signature burger is also a great shout, served with white cheddar, burger relish, and American mustard for €18. If you’re in the mood for a classic, Hartley’s serves a beautiful beer battered hake and chips for the same price!
To finish, we’d recommend a Crozier blue, alongside grapes and French onion confiture. Add a Ruby Port to you dessert while basking in the late evening sun and you’ll go home happy.

Hang Dai is fast becoming one of Dublin’s most sought-after restaurants, and for good reason at that. Whatever the weather, you’ll be transported into a different world, as Hang Dai hosts an almost spacecraft like interior, with great music and friendly staff. It’s a brilliant place to wow that special someone in your life!
To kick off your meal, Hang Dai serves some of Dublin’s most authentic pork dumplings, with a silky sweet soy sauce complimenting them nicely. If you’re feeling adventurous, the blue fin tuna and Hamachi sashimi is a great way to immerse yourself in Asian street food.
As mains go, they don’t get much better than this. We’d recommend the Kung Po chicken served with peanuts, or the salt and chilli tofu to share. They’re balanced well with tender chicken and beautiful Asian spices. If you’re on a date night, you’ll be looking for a good drink to compliment Hang Dai’s excellent dishes. The Iced Tea Matcha Martini is one of the most unique cocktails you’ll find in Dublin City.