18 Sep 2024
Father's Day in Dublin
Dad, pop, the ‘old lad’, whatever you may call him, he deserves a treat this coming Father’s Day. With restaurants beginning to make use of their outdoor space for the summer months, we think you ought to treat your dad to an evening out he won’t forget. This Dish Cult guide features some of the best spaces to share a meal and a drink with the man of the house. Trust us, he’ll love it.
Our guide for the ultimate Father’s Day kicks off in the heart of Dublin City. Mr Fox is one of the city’s finest artisan restaurants, which will undoubtedly impress if your dad is big into fine dining at a great price. Mr Fox opened up in 2016 and has since been recommended in the Michelin Guide. An Irish and French fusion dominates the set menu, which comes in at a fantastic €65. Mr Fox serve an array of small plates, mains, and some excellent dessert. We’d recommend starting out with the Clam Aguachile and Basil. Given the food is locally sourced, it’s a no brainer. The lamb is served alongside gnocchi, asparagus and wild garlic. It’s truly masterful. The dessert will undoubtedly have your dad smiling from ear to ear. The custard tart is served with rhubarb and Ivore, or else you can opt for a chocolate caramel square. All of the dishes are crafted in a simple and aesthetic manner. If your dad is a foodie, Mr Fox is a fantastic destination!
If you’re looking for a classic steakhouse with some excellent grill options, look no further than The Bull & Castle, situated just across from Christchurch Cathedral and serving a brilliant view from the second floor. The Bull & Castle gets all of its produce from F.X Buckley, Ireland’s premier expert butchers. With quality ingredients and a great location assured, we want to highlight the best dishes. Start off with the prime short rib beef croquettes, served with a delicate provolone cheese and artichokes for €12.50. The star of the show is the 10oz rib-eye, served with beef dripping chips and a balanced pepper sauce. The Bull & Castle has you covered for the veggie dad’s out there too, with a brilliantly crafted halloumi burger, topped with roast pepper relish and an avocado cress salad for €15. The Christchurch steakhouse is a classic option for a dad that loves a steak. Learn more about The Bull & Castle in our spotlight piece here.
Now to the seaside town of Dun Laoghaire, where the sister restaurant of Dalkeys famous ‘Deville’s’ lies. Casper & Giumbini’s is situated across from the Dun Laoghaire harbour and hosts a brilliant outdoor section, providing excellent waterfront views. Whether it’s a Father’s Day brunch or dinner, Casper & Giumbini’s host an excellent brasserie. If you’re in early, the steak and eggs is truly the breakfast of champions. An 8oz sirloin is served alongside two fried eggs and fries for €20. The buffalo wings are a dream, especially when they come with a delicate Cashel blue cheese dip. As for dinner ‘The Deville’ is a favourite among regulars. An 8oz burger served with caramelised onion and Cashel blue is mouthwatering. You’ll also find some excellent Dublin Bay-caught scampi and frites for €24. You could treat your dad to dinner and a show, given The Pavilion theatre is above the restaurant. Casper & Giumbini’s host a pre-theatre menu with an appetiser and a main for a healthy €24.
Traditional pubs don’t come much better than this. On Dublin’s famous Baggot Street you’ll find the long-standing Toners. It’s perfect for dads who enjoy the simple pleasures in life, as it’s maintained its traditional décor and according to Rory Guinness, a family member of the famous stout, it’s the best place in Dublin for a pint of plain. While you’re taking in the scenery and history of Toners, you might find yourself getting peckish. You can combat that hunger pretty quickly in Toners as they’ve linked up with nearby pizzeria, Cirillo’s. The independent pizza joint has been voted Europe’s best pizza for good reason, with some of the best Neapolitan-style slices in Dublin. Pair your pint or one of Toners well-crafted cocktails with a ‘Diavola’ for €14. Toners is a great spot to bring your dad out for a quiet afternoon. It’ll be a Father’s Day he won’t forget! Learn more about why Toners could be the best spot in Dublin for a Guinness in our spotlight feature here.
Farmer Browns is brilliant for all of the family, as it brings some brilliant drinks to the table and some classic pub grub that’ll keep dad happy. Chicken wings are becoming a staple in Dublin pubs with many claiming to offer the best around, but Farmer Browns are in with a great shout. Serving either BBQ or Frank’s hot sauce wings with the famous Cashel blue cheese dip, these bad boys are available at €8.95 for little ones or a full plate at €16.95 if you know your dad is hungry. When it comes to a pub main, Farmer Browns offers a 21-day aged, chargrilled 8oz fillet steak. It’s served with portobello mushroom, garlic butter, pepper sauce, onion rings and paprika fries. Coming in at €32, it’s a fantastic pub meal that will keep you in good spirits as you join in on the trad sessions found in Farmer Browns. Enjoy!
The Chophouse is a must-visit for any meat-lover in Dublin. This restaurant is well known for its top quality cuts of beef, cooked to perfection and served alongside delicious sides. The decor is rustic and charming, creating a cosy and welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for Father’s Day. With a great selection of craft beers and an extensive wine list to boot, it’s the ideal spot for a celebration. Don’t miss the famous sticky toffee pudding, served with ice cream and a homemade caramel sauce — yum!
For dads who love Chinese cuisine, Hang Dai Chinese is an excellent choice. Located in a trendy area of Dublin, this restaurant serves up innovative Chinese dishes with a modern twist. The interior is equally impressive, with its industrial chic design and vintage touches. Make sure to try the signature dish, the Peking duck, which is roasted to perfection and served with all the traditional accompaniments.
Uno Mas is a Spanish-style tapas bar that’s perfect for sharing plates with your dad. The menu is full of delicious small dishes. From classic Spanish tortilla and grilled octopus to decadent churros dunked in chocolate sauce — all of the food is prepared lovingly with care. With a lively atmosphere and a wide range of drinks on offer, including Spanish wines and cocktails, it’s easy to spend hours here chatting and enjoying the food. What’s not to like?
Bastible is a contemporary Irish restaurant that serves up modern dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s decor is sleek and minimalistic, creating a relaxed and elegant atmosphere. For Father’s Day, the set menu is sure to impress, with dishes like beef tartare and roast pork belly on offer. Plus, the selection of natural and organic wines is a treat for any wine enthusiast. Sleek and sophisticated, if you’re looking to celebrate Father’s Day in style, then look no further than Bastible.
Beginning life in a converted Blackrock shed all the way back in 2013, Fish Shop now finds itself located indoors in the trendy Smithfield area of Dublin. Offering some of the freshest local seafood dishes sourced from all across the island of Ireland, this is the perfect place to treat your dad to a delicious meal this Father’s Day. Open from Wednesday to Monday from midday to 9 pm, the menu focuses on the very freshest locally caught beer-battered fish paired with “really lovely” wine, according to their website.
With everything from battered fish goujons, which can be prepared gluten-free, to beer battered hake and haddock to a fresh baked sole and filet of fish burger, your seafood loving dad will be spoilt for choice with the delicious options available here. Aside from seafood, they also offer a delightful array of quality white, red, rosé, and sparkling wines that pair perfectly with their extensive, creative menu.