The best Spanish restaurants right now in Dublin

Las Tapas De Lola has had queues out the door since it opened way back in 2012. Despite it’s eleven year residency, it’s still hard to get a table! In fact, it’s so popular that the charming owners; Spanish/Irish couple Anna Cabrera and Vanessa Murphy are now in the process of opening a new location on Montague Street called La Gordita. We are so excited. Back at LTDL however, we recommend: Boquerones en vinagre, Barcelona bombers, and Galician style octopus with potatoes. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key than a full dinner spread, the Vermouth sharing menu is good craic. It’s a bunch of little nibbles served alongside a couple of glasses of Vermouth.

If you’re looking for the best Spanish restaurant in Dublin, look no further than Uno Mas. Sister to the inimitable Etto – we think not only is Uno Mas the best Spanish restaurant in town, but it’s possibly one of the best full stop. The dimly lit interior is gorgeous, setting the mood for an intimate meal. We recommend either sitting at the bar or the window for a full view of the atmosphere. Their menu is strictly sharing style – so be careful who you dine with. And, save room for dessert, because their flan dessert has a cult following among these parts.

The newest addition to the list, but certainly not one to be overlooked. Diners are hyping this place up to be the most authentic Spanish chow in Dublin. Mr Croqueta is more of a lunch spot for a quick bit, so perfect for those light meals and quick lunch breaks. It’s located on the mezzanine of a Spanish grocery store (could it get any more authentic?) – so more on the casual side for those laidback diners. They have uniquelly delicious breakfast and brunch options – the Huevos rotos con patatas y Jamón being a bestseller. But come here for the Croquestas:  €12.95 for 8 – we recommend trying every single flavour!

After a brief identity crisis and an interior facelift that will draw in any Instagrammer, La Bodega are back serving up neighbourhood tapas in Ranelagh (AKA, one of our favourite places for an elegant night out in Dublin) – it’s worth the trek out. Like the Port House, their menu is massive. There are 3 types of gambas, and the calamari in particular is a dream. Don’t skip out on the Garbanzos & Morcilla either (black pudding fried with chickpeas and coriander). Oh, and did we mention their cocktails are class too?

The Port House has three locations in the city, but we think the basement on South William Street may be one of our favourite spots in the city. Not only is the basement in the South William street location one of the most romantic restaurants in Dublin – their large tapas menu means there is plenty to choose from. Highlights include the empanadillas (we like the sweet potato one with raisins), Jamón Croquetas, and of course the paella. But really their cheese and meat boards shine here, big in size and flavour, the truffle cheese is a standout of the board. Naturally, there’s also lots of wines available by the glass – meaning you can mix and match while you eat your way through Spain.