The best restaurants in Dublin for winter

Looking for a unique spot to party away the winter blues, whilst enjoying a vast selection of dishes? The Barge (centrally located in D2) is an obvious choice for any occasion, accommodating groups of all sizes between its large bar area and variety of menus. Known for its impromptu parties, The Barge is a relaxed, contemporary setting with an extensive range of food and drinks menus sure to please even the pickiest pallets. Whether you’re in the mood for a tasty sharing platter, boozy lunch or even a more formal dinner setting, The Barge offers options for meat eaters, vegans, vegetarians and everyone in between, ensuring everyone in your party can join in the fun. Especially during the festive season, when adorned with decorations and fairy lights, The Barge is the ideal spot to cosy up with your nearest and dearest and fully embrace the winter vibes.

A Michelin star restaurant close to Dublin’s National Gallery, Etto is the perfect spot to nestle up this winter enjoying a selection of modern Mediterranean flavours but with Irish flair. Focusing on fresh, seasonal flavours and supporting local producers, you are guaranteed cosy winter dishes that put a fine dining spin on comforting classics. Although the menu often changes to reflect the flavours of the season, this winter visitors can expect delights including roast sika deer loin, pumpkin risotto, and chestnut and Catletownbere shrimp amongst an array of other starters, mains and nibbles. You can be assured that if you choose Etto for lunch or dinner, you are guaranteed an outstanding level of service and dishes that pack a punch in terms of flavour and creativity. With a name that literally translates to “little”, we can think of few better spots to nestle in this winter than in Etto’s cosy and rustic space.

An idyllic neighbourhood spot that’s the perfect combination of quality gastropub dishes and a classic and cosy bar, The Old Spot is the ultimate winter setting. One of only two gastropubs in the city to be recommended by the Michelin “Eating out in pubs” guide, The Old Spot offers delicious food, quality wines, a selection of craft beers and bespoke cocktails from an intimate and warm venue. A classic staple of any winter evening out is hearty “pub grub”, which The Old Spot takes above and beyond with its artful take on nostalgic comfort meals. The menu includes cosy favourites such as pumpkin risotto and homemade soup, as well as potato gnocchi. However, nothing says winter like a traditional roast and at The Old Spot you’re sure to not be disappointed with the choice of two delicious roasts served alongside all the classic accompaniments including duck fat roast potatoes, roast carrots, green beans, cauliflower cheese and gravy. Open seven days a week, The Old Spot allows you to fully embrace everything that makes the winter season snug, a perfect haven from the famous Irish rain sure to be pouring outside.

Built at the beginning of the 18th century, this quirky Dublin venue boasts outstanding features, including a spectacular organ and the original stained glass window, providing a quirky backdrop to any winter evening in the town. Serving up exciting cocktails and seasonal plates with pride and flair, The Church offers not only a one-of-a-kind space but also a one-of-a-kind experience. A venue that is quintessentially Irish, The Church likes to celebrate all that makes the small island great, utilising local spirits, beers and produce. Loved by visitors and locals alike, there is always a warm and lively atmosphere here, particularly in the winter months when delightfully decorated with festive greenery and twinkling lights – the perfect backdrop to any winter night out.

Many associate winter dining with classic roasts or homely dishes, however equally pleasing is authentic and rich Italian cuisine, which is exactly what’s on offer at Nannetti’s. Dublin’s new destination for Italian cuisine, the team at Nannetti’s delivers traditional dishes using only the finest ingredients and produce, creating what they describe as “seriously good food in a relaxed and convivial setting”. Open for dinner 5-10pm Monday through to Friday and from 1pm on Saturdays, at this small Italian gem you can enjoy a  range of classic dishes, whether sampling from the a la carte menu, opting for the lighter daily salad, or venturing out to try the restaurant’s daily pasta special. All dishes are only made better when enjoyed alongside Nannetti’s perfectly curated wine list, designed to be harmonious with the complete dining experience.  

The winter period shouldn’t be just about spending time with loved ones but also about expressing love towards oneself. In our opinion, the best way to do it is by indulging in comfort food. Kari is a newly opened Indian restaurant that aims to incorporate Irish ingredients in some of its dishes. For example, you can have poppadoms served with a chutney made of turnip! Other delights you should try include chicken fennel tikka salad and masala omelette for lunch, and chicken kari for dinner. Sounds delicious doesn’t it? Another reason why you have to visit the venue is that it cultivates a festive but cosy atmosphere; the interior is spacey with many lights adding to the intimate vibe. Why not invite your friends for a catchup or plan a romantic date this winter?

Haddington House boasts a collection of beautiful Victorian townhouses. One of them is Oliveto where you can relax with a glass of wine and admire a panoramic view overlooking Dublin bay. If you visit in the afternoon, you’re invited to take part in the afternoon tea experience. Gather a group of friends and indulge in festive treats; enjoy a variety of cakes with a lovely cup of tea. Olivetti’s also recently introduced a festive set menu. Tasty mains such as chargrilled striploin, slow-cooked Irish lamb shoulder and tiger prawns are a mix of seasonal ingredients and Italian produce, and are guaranteed to put you in a good mood.

Mae is a modern Irish restaurant served to you by the multi award-winning chef, Grainne O’Keefe. The menu is seasonal and currently includes dishes such as slow-braised duck croquette, Iberico pork, and crab and tomato tartlet. The flavours are bold and leave a lasting impression – the venue is Michelin Guide recommended for a reason. If you’re having a particularly tough day (or simply want to unwind) don’t forget to ask for wine pairings to match your meal. Lastly, the setting is intimate and the staff are friendly – what more could you ask for?

Are you looking for somewhere cosy but lively this winter? The Leopardstown Inn is a venue that can cater to all your needs; you can head there to enjoy an intimate evening with a partner or rent a space for a corporate party. Relax here and fill your stomach with comfort food such as curry, risotto or sirloin steak. This place offers great craic and will be a solid choice this winter.

When the weather is cold and gloomy, one way to lift your spirits is to sit by a fireplace. Idlewild is a brilliant gastropub where you can relax by the fire on a comfy sofa and snack on nachos. If you fancy eating a bit more than that, how about having pork belly, vegetable skewers or meatballs? You can also sip on a nice glass of whisky to warm yourself up, too. Something happens at Idlewild over winter where it lifts spirts and offers an even friendlier atmosphere than usual.