Dublin’s top venues for Christmas

Christmas is a time for indulging, so why not do so in style at the seriously swanky La Maison? Authentic as you like, La Maison is filled with beautiful French artworks all sourced from the Paris at Puces market, which, alongside the flickering candles and gentle music, lend the spot a truly romantic feel. The perfect place to celebrate a festive date night, the Christmassy menu celebrates the best of Irish produce and traditional French cooking methods. Coquilles Saint-Jaques (a French festive favourite) makes for the perfect starter, and the ultra-seasonal salt baked celeriac (complete with savoy cabbage, mushroom, walnut crumb, and broccoli) is a veggie main that’s packed with flavour. ‘Les Desserts’ are no less pleasing: from the rich and decadent crème brûlée, to the expertly selected plateau de fromages, there’s something for all palates. For a refined Christmas soirée, look no further.

Christmas isn’t just about turkey and roast potatoes. If you’re looking to kick-off the festive season with something a bit different, why not head to Parlour at Haddington House for a festive afternoon tea? The location is suitably Christmassy: situated inside a Victorian townhouse and with exquisite views of the surrounding gardens, there’s certainly something magical about this spot. All the food is seasonal, so expect wintery treats like beetroot meringue with fois gras parfait and chicken skin, ‘gougères noir’ with nettle gouda, Christmas pudding baked Alaska (yes, really!), and clementine macaron. The staff are professional and the service is five-star. If you’re looking to treat someone – or yourself – this festive season, look no further.

Feliz Navidad! Uno Mas is Dublin’s newest (and hottest) Spanish restaurant, specialising in expertly executed, unpretentious Spanish food. The interiors are decidedly up-market, with long wooden dining tables, pretty green leather booths, and an array of Spanish wines and sherries lining the walls. Christmas at Uno Mas is set to be exceptional, with menus showcasing the best of what Spain has to offer. Begin with a couple of ‘para picar’ to share – squid a la plancha, croquetas, jambon iberico – and maybe even a Spanish-inspired apéritif, like a glass of sparkling Blanc de Blancs from Penedès. Follow this up with a delectable seasonal starter, like the suckling pig and chorizo ragu, salt baked celeriac with stracciatella, pickled apple, and winter truffle, or the melting potato and onion tortilla. Main courses are equally pleasing, including the likes of salt marsh duck breast, halibut with tomato and mussel fregola, and a salt-aged Delmonico steak with béarnaise sauce and beef dripping potatoes for two. Polish off your Christmassy feast with a stellar Spanish dessert. The ‘flan de queso’ is light and airy (perfect after a large meal), but we reckon that there’s always room for dark chocolate crumble (accompanied with dulce de lèche and milk ice cream). A Christmas meal at Uno Mas costs €62 per person (for three courses), and we promise you it’s worth every penny. Quality cooking, ingredients, and service — the Spanish know how to do the festive season right!

We’d go as far as to say that Farmer Browns is one of the best spots in Dublin for families, not least around Christmas time. The restaurant is filled with large tables (perfect for big groups), and an open-planned dining area that can be hired out for private parties and events. There’s wheelchair access, baby chairs, children’s menus, plenty of car parking, and super-fast wifi, and on top of that, the staff are accommodating and friendly. Alongside the usual suspects like turkey, Christmas pudding, and pigs and blankets, there’s a number of less-conventional options on the festive menu. The seafood couscous (fresh and light), offers a pleasant contrast to the season’s rich and heavy fare, and kids will go crazy for the homemade banoffee tart. There are plenty of seasonal drinks available for grownups and if you are looking to go all out (hey, it’s Christmas!), we really recommend the Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate – creamy hot choc, Grand Marnier and Cointreau, topped with whipped cream and orange zest. Wow!

Who’s ready to celebrate the festive season, Italian-style? We certainly are! Nanetti’s is a modern Italian restaurant specialising in serving fine, fresh produce in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. You won’t find a roast dinner or Christmas pudding in sight, but what you will find are plates of comforting, fresh and seasonal food. Nannetti’s offers group bookings (perfect for work parties or large family gatherings), and the setting for these couldn’t be more festive. The mahogany beams and warm lighting lend the dining room a cosy and familiar feel, and coupled with the staff’s friendly service you’ll feel right at home (or even nonna’s!). For those looking to celebrate, there’s a killer cocktail menu showcasing tried and tested mixes, as well as more unusual numbers. Kir Royales always feel festive to us, but for something a bit different, the Negronissimo (made with campari, red vermouth, triple sec, and Prosecco) is bound to help get the party started. Food wise there is everything from pumpkin risotto with porcini mushrooms and veal cutlets wrapped in Parma hand, to tagliatelle with beef brisket ragu, and a number of homemade desserts like tiramisu, semi-freddo, and Tortino al Pistachio: an almond pistachio cake served with white chocolate salsa and raspberry sorbet. Wow!

Timeless charm meets contemporary culinary artistry at Hartley’s Restaurant. Located in a historic setting (the beautiful old Dun Laoghaire station booking hall), this establishment invites diners to enjoy classic comfort food elevated to new heights of culinary excellence. At Christmas, you can expect the restaurant to be filled with twinkling lights, bejewelled Christmas trees, and delightful smells wafting from the kitchen. The Christmas menu is small but well-formed — we love the sound of the roast monkfish served with a North Indian curry sauce, crispy potato and a coconut mango salad! There’s plenty for vegans and veggies too, making in the ideal spot for all the family.

A mere 15 minute drive from Dublin airport, the Man o’ War Gastro Pub offers a rustic, cosy atmosphere that transports you to a winter wonderland. Surrounded by rolling countryside, this charming establishment pairs breathtaking views with a menu that showcases the finest seasonal produce. Savour delightful dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients (like the beef and Guinness stew, or the creamy fish pie) while sitting round a log fire. It’s the perfect spot to bring friends and family for a leisurely weekend lunch. 

The chances are, if you’re out and about during the festive season, you’re more than likely to find yourself in Temple Bar. If that’s the case, we highly recommend Bad Bobs: a homely Irish watering hole boasting some of the finest pub grub in the city. Perfect for the cooler months, this newly-renovated spot is cosy and welcoming, with plenty of candles and comfy booths. It’s an ideal city-centre venue for celebrations, and the team loves to throw a party (they can accommodate for events ranging between 20-200 people!). But if you’re looking for a more intimate meal or drink, it’s great for that too. The ‘Irish tapas’ menu is great for sharing. Real highlights include the Irish spring rolls (with bacon, cabbage and potato), the pulled beef and Guinness sliders, the hearty black pudding and colcannon croquettes (topped with a cider honey glaze), and the moreish and buttery sautéed potato cubes. There’s a fine selection of drinks too – whiskey, wine, liqueurs, cocktails, craft beers – you name it. Don’t forget to enjoy a Bad Bobs Irish coffee before you leave, this place prides itself on serving one of the best in the city.

Journey to the vibrant world of Indian cuisine at Pickle Restaurant and discover a Christmas feast brimming with spice and flavour. With a modern twist on traditional dishes, this restaurant is a delightful fusion of cultures that adds a dash of global festivity to your Christmas celebrations. The festive menu kicks off with a stunning kebab platter (with a veggie option available too) that’s filled with tasty dips and pickles. Main course options include the likes of goat mince curry, butter chicken, and the veggie-favourite that is Achari Baingan (baby aubergines cooked in onion, fresh coriander and ginger). Yum! No Christmas feast at Pickle is complete without the Gulab jamun ice cream sandwich — a plateful of pure decadence.

Traditional pubs – offering up hearty food, perfect pints, and warming fires – are pretty great at the best of times, but the festive season sees these watering holes transform into even cosier spots! The Church, located in a beautifully restored 17^th century church, is a Dublin institution, loved by locals and visitors alike. It probably sees most of its visitors over the Christmas period, and it’s little wonder why — each year the team go to great lengths to decorate the place with twinkly fairy lights, huge Christmas trees, and festive garlands.  Alongside the magical decor there’s a knock-out Christmas lunch, which includes the likes of roast turkey, grilled monkfish, goat’s cheese salad, and coffee gourmand. If you’re planning a Christmas party, The Church is a brilliant venue to consider. Offering a reserved area with delicious hot finger food platters, a DJ and late bar, and luxury Santa hats and crackers, it won’t disappoint. Prices are reasonable and the staff are super friendly. A festive must-visit!

If you’re looking to infuse a sense of playfulness into your holiday celebrations, Token is the ultimate destination. This vibrant establishment seamlessly blends nostalgia with innovation, offering a unique dining adventure that feels like unwrapping presents on Christmas morning! With arcade games, craft cocktails, and a menu that marries comfort food with unexpected flavours (like mozzarella sticks with smoked tomato sauce, or chicken wings with blue cheese aioli!), Token promises festive feasting with a side of fun. Group bookings (for over 10 people) are available too, for those hosting festive work gatherings or get-togethers.

In Dublin’s bustling city centre, discover Ohana – a tiki cocktail bar that transforms into a festive haven during the Christmas season. Specialising in rum-based cocktails, this venue is conveniently located just a short walk from Harcourt Street Luas. With wheelchair accessibility and a capacity of up to 150 people, Ohana caters to both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. Whether you seek a cosy table booking, a private area or exclusive venue hire, Ohana has options to suit your Christmas party needs. The venue can also arrange AV equipment, music and entertainment to create a Christmas celebration that reflects your unique preferences. Here, the magic of the season blends with the tropical allure of the islands, promising an unforgettable festive gathering for you and your guests!

For those seeking a contemporary twist to their Christmas dining, look no further than Clanbrassil House. This unassuming restaurant hides a treasure trove of innovative Irish cuisine, perfectly suited for the adventurous palate during this festive season. From fermented potato bread topped with cultured butter and veal sweetbread served with soft polenta, capers and lemon, to baked cardamom cream complete with quince and fig leaf — the dishes are as exciting as they are expertly executed. The wine list is equally intriguing (featuring plenty of biodynamic and natural bottles) and the service is sleek.

Canal Bank Cafe is a cute and chic neighbourhood restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch. Now established as one of Dublin’s favourite restaurants, the team is dedicated to providing flawless service and food, and this doesn’t stop at Christmas! There’s both festive lunch and dinner menus — both of which are filled with exciting seasonal treats. From shawarma spiced white bean hummus with roasted chickpeas, lemon tahini and nut dukkah, spicy buffalo chicken wings, and steak frites, to free range chicken supreme and market fish of the day, the options are endless. We adore the Christmas-themed desserts. For the chocoholics amongst us, there’s a decadent dark chocolate marquise with whipped amaretto mascarpone, and for those fancying something fruity, we seriously recommend the pistachio and coconut pudding with black cherries and pistachio ice cream! The service is slick and the food, as always, is second to none. For just under €40 per person, we reckon that Canal Bank Cafe offers up the best value for money Christmas meal in the city!

Located in the heart of Dublin City on the corner of Baggot Street, Foley’s is a low-key, unpretentious gastropub serving tasty food and drinks in relaxed settings. The crowd-pleasing Christmas menus are reasonably priced, and happily, include plenty of options for veggies and vegans. The traditional turkey and ham (served with all the trimmings) is excellently prepared with everything made in-house, as is the homemade vegan burger, served with vine tomato, avocado and beetroot. Kids will love the profiteroles (drizzled in toffee sauce and topped with ice cream), and the more traditional Christmas pudding (complete with brandy custard) will go down swimmingly with the adults. For those wishing to hire out the space for a party, the finger food menu includes plenty of options too. There’s budget friendly ‘hot lite bites’ for €7 per person (including the likes of chicken tenders and spicy potato wedges), or ‘posher picks’ for €16 per person, which includes an array of tasty treats like roast turkey and honey baked ham sliders, and oven baked prawns in filo pastry. The staff are happy to make adjustments, and vegan options for finger food buffets are available on request.