Perfect restaurants for the summer in Dublin

With four locations around Dublin and Wicklow, including Blackrock, Greystones, Bray and this one here in Glasthule, Daata is the perfect spot for some delicious Indian/Pakistani dining when the sun comes out. Ideally located in some of the most picturesque coastal Dublin suburbs, Daata is the perfect place to stop for an indulgent brunch, a filling lunch, or a relaxed dinner during a sunny day spent by the seaside. Family-run since 1999, this spot has become known for serving some of the very finest Pakistani food you’re likely to find anywhere in the city. Everything is made fresh-to-order and the restaurant group has gained a reputation for its award-winning vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring everyone is catered for. With everything from traditional Pakistani Halwa Puri to the Famous Afghani Chicken, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the array of flavours on offer here.

Warmer months call for lighter, fresher fare. Enter Acapulco, Dublin’s oldest Mexican restaurant. This place is loved by locals and tourists alike, and it’s not hard to see why. The food here is all about seasonal flavours and local ingredients, with plenty of options for veggies and vegans too. Chill out with a cool Mexican beer or tasty frozen Margherita, and begin your meal with some fresh, homemade guacamole and corn chips. The baja fish tacos are a big summer hit: think crispy tempura white fish served with a zesty red cabbage, red onion, and tomato garnish, and finished with chipotle mayo. Equally pleasing are the fajita platters – a spicy mix of onions and sliced peppers, served with salsa, sour cream and warm flour tortillas, and a choice of either mixed veg, marinated chicken, marinated steak, or prawns. Prices are reasonable (most dishes hover around the ten euro mark), portion sizes are generous, and there’s an excellent dessert menu to boot —we’re looking at you, deep fried ice cream!

Summer doesn’t really start until you’re sat with your mates in a roasting hot beer garden, does it? We can’t guarantee scorching weather, but at Toners we can guarantee a quality beer garden complete with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Sublimely traditional, Toners is one of Dublin’s oldest and most famous pubs. Punters reckon that the staff here are some of the most friendly people in the city, and they’re not wrong. Always up for a chat, the waiters are eager to please and happy to offer suggestions. The beer garden itself is beautiful, decked out in fairy lights and pretty greenery. Alongside an extensive drinks list (cocktails, craft beers, non-alcoholic options) you’ll find pizzas provided by the neighbouring Cirillo’s, once voted Europe’s best pizzeria! What’s not to like?

A modern seafood restaurant set on Howth’s West Pier, The Pier House first opened under difficult circumstances in 2020 but has gone on to thrive over the past four years, becoming one of the most popular places to eat in Howth. Offering a delicious range of contemporary dishes, made using locally caught seafood and the freshest Irish ingredients, the menu here continually shifts to reflect the seasons. So, you can always expect something new and delicious each and every time you visit. Still a relatively recent addition to the Dublin dining scene, The Pier House has already made a fantastic name for itself, having been reviewed in the Irish Times, The Irish Independent, and The Irish Examiner and recognised at the 2023 Irish Restaurant Awards. The restaurant was carefully designed around the sea and the village of Howth to offer a truly cosy, local, coastal feel. Thus making it the perfect place to indulge in some delicious Irish food while soaking up the seaside atmosphere.

Set in the coastal Dublin suburb of Dun Laoghaire, Oliveto at Haddington House is undoubtedly one of our favourite places to dine and escape the city in summer. Sophisticated and elegant while also being relaxed and welcoming, Oliveto is an Italian-inspired neighbourhood restaurant with a focus on honest, seasonal and quality food. Facing the sea and offering some of the most picturesque panoramic views of the beautiful Dublin Bay, this is the perfect place to enjoy a lazy afternoon and watch the sun go down over the water. With everything from antipasto to homemade pasta, chargrilled meats and line-caught fish to artisan pizza, all prepared fresh each day, you can expect the very finest Italian flavours here made from a selection of local, seasonal ingredients alongside the very best Italian produce sourced direct from the Milan market. The wine here is just as special and carefully selected to compliment the Italian flavours of each and every dish. So, you can rest assured you’ll enjoy a truly quality experience here.

Ritas is a chic, no-frills pizzeria that captures the essence of summer. With its laid-back atmosphere and huge windows beckoning in plenty of sunlight, it’s the perfect spot to unwind in the warmer months. All the pizzas are created using fresh and seasonal produce, like the San Marzano tomatoes used to make the Marinara sauce, or the locally sourced Toons Bridge mozzarella found on top of most the pies. Kick back with a chilled, artisanal beer and wood-fired pizza, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere!

Lively, local, and friendly, The Leopardstown Inn is the perfect place to enjoy great food, good vibes, and flowing pints on a sunny day in Dublin. Split over two floors, The Leopardstown Inn offers a great array of quality bars, a private function room with an LED dance-floor, and rooftop terrace where you can enjoy drinks in the sun. So, this spot really is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special celebration or just an afternoon catching up with friends. With a live DJ every Friday, Saturday and Bank Holiday Sunday, the weekend atmosphere here is truly something special, welcoming locals from all across Dunlin and further afield looking to have a good time. The menu features a delicious range of classic gastropub favourites with a contemporary twist. Expect everything from a succulent Beer Battered Fish of the Day lightly coated in Rockshore Lager batter, pea purée, tartare sauce and home-cut fries to a succulent Wagyu Beef Burger with sautéed onions, home-cut fries, tomato, Irish cheddar cheese and jalapeño relish.

Situated along the picturesque banks of the Grand Canal, Canal Bank Café is a delightful haven where tranquility meets culinary excellence. This charming eatery offers a serene retreat from the bustling city, inviting guests to unwind and bask in the sun-kissed surroundings. The outdoor seating area overlooks the shimmering waters, providing a soothing backdrop as you indulge in the carefully curated menu. From delectable brunch options to sumptuous seafood dishes, Canal Bank Café showcases the finest locally sourced ingredients. With its enchanting ambiance and delectable cuisine, it’s the perfect spot to savour the flavours of summer.

If there’s one meal that makes us think of summer in Ireland, it’s a classic plate of (or newspaper wrapped) battered fish and chips, and there’s nowhere better to get that than Beshoffs in Howth. Making the most of the wealth of seafood available right on its doorstep, supplied directly from its own wholesale fishmongers, these guys pride themselves on bringing customers the very best seafood every day. The menu features a huge array of seafood classics like monkfish and prawn pie, a succulent seafood linguine, and mussels and chips alongside cooked local lobster, shellfish platters, and freshly shucked oysters. The flavours are truly exquisite here and really showcase the fantastic quality of Irish seafood, thus making it the perfect place to dine just outside of the city this summer.

Tucked away above the bustling Donnybrook Fair market, the Loft is a hidden gem that captures the essence of summer in Dublin. This chic and stylish eatery boasts a diverse menu featuring an array of seasonal dishes crafted with the finest local ingredients. From fresh seafood to tantalising vegetarian options, every culinary creation is a testament to the flavours of summer. Real highlights include the salmon and crab fish cakes (served with a dazzling chicory and saffron aioli) and the tarragon linguine, which is super fresh and light. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely brunch or sipping on handcrafted cocktails, the Loft at Donnybrook Fair is a brilliant place to unwind this summer.