The best restaurants in Dublin for winter

A family-run restaurant that has been operating in the city since 1999, Daata is a popular choice for authentic and delicious Pakistani flavours. With four locations around Dublin, you’ll never be too far from some epic curries, spicy flavours, and tasty small plates. A great place to warm up from the cold winter weather, you can expect all the classics, including a Chicken Tikka Masala, a fragrant Biryani, and crispy Onion Bhajis. However, you can also enjoy flavours that aren’t so common in Dublin, including the delicious Afghani Chicken, which comes with tomatoes, fenugreek, black pepper and lemon, or the Lyallpuri Paneer, a flavoursome curry with paneer, cashews and tomato. The perfect spot for fans of Pakistani cuisine, these guys cater for all spice tolerances and dietary requirements, with plenty of options for the little ones as well.

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.

A friendly neighbourhood restaurant nestled on the banks of Dublin’s Grand Canal in the heart of the quaint suburb of Portobello, Locks 1 Windsor Terrace is the perfect place to dine for lunch or dinner this winter. Specialising in local flavours and ingredients with a distinct international influence, the dishes served here are like none you’ve ever tasted before. From Salt Marsh Duck Breast with apricot, artichoke and rosemary to Wild Halibut with courgette, girolles, basil and buttermilk, you can expect fresh and fragrant flavours in each and every bite. Plus, friendly hospitality, a cosy atmosphere, and amazing views over one of the most picturesque areas of Dublin city, you can enjoy a truly memorable dining experience at Locks 1 Windsor Terrace this winter, making it a must-visit for your weekend date night, outing with friends, or family dinner.

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.

Serving up a five course set menu featuring creative dishes made using the very best fresh, local, seasonal ingredients, Mr Fox is the perfect place to cosy up and enjoy a delicious bite to eat on a cold winter day in the city. With everything from Atlantic bluefin tuna to octopus, roast duck with roast peach and fennel to parmesan fondue, you can expect truly exquisite flavours in each and every plate presented to you here. First opened in 2016, Mr Fox Restaurant is located in the heart of North Dublin City Centre in the historic Georgian Parnell Square, making it the perfect place to stop by for a bite to eat while you’re out Christmas shopping in the city. A firm favourite among locals, Mr Fox is even recommended in the Michelin Guide, making it one of the finest places to dine in Dublin this winter.