​The Dish Cult guide to dating in Dublin

Taking your date to Token is the perfect way to bond over quality cuisine and retro arcade games! The abstract theme of Token is carried from its interior design and aesthetics, through to the menu. A commodity in its own right, Token has combined a distinct, quirky style along with foolproof American style foods. You are assured a date to remember for a decent price; with a main, side, beverage and 10 arcade tokens included in the all-encompassing meal deal. If you want to tick all the boxes for the perfect first date without going to multiple locations, this is the place.

If you’re looking for something a bit cool but still casual, this is the place for you. Craft is a trendy neighbourhood bistro in Harold’s Cross and has previously been awarded a Bib Gourmand. Now that might sound  a bit grand but with its stripped back interior and chilled-out, friendly service, it’s a great place for a relaxed first date. The menu changes frequently but the team does try to source as locally as possible, and there’s always a wide choice of dishes available.

For a milestone anniversary there’s nowhere quite like Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud. With two Michelin stars and a fancier than fancy atmosphere, it’s the kind of place you go when you really want to impress. Wow your other half with this tasty French food, all dreamed up by the man himself. Honestly, it will be an anniversary to remember for the rest of your lives.

Toscana Italian restaurant is located in the heart (how appropriate) of the most historic part of the City Centre and on the edge of the Temple bar district, opposite Dublin Castle and close to Christchurch Cathedral. It has become an icon for locals and pre-theatre diners, and has been voted in the top 10 best Italian restaurants by Lovin Dublin. The food is simply prepared at the right price using as much of home-grown produce from the family farm in Co. Wicklow. The farmhouse gardens are an integral part of Toscana’s philosophy towards cooking, so expect of lovely seasonal organic fruit, vegetables, salads and herbs, picked fresh daily for the restaurant.

Situated in the very centre of Dublin on Dame Street and Parliament Street, surrounded by some of the city’s finest architecture, The Beer Temple and The Oak offers a wide variety of Irish and international craft beer as well as some national staples, along with a vibrant cocktail menu and great selection of gins and whiskies. It serves the finest in contemporary and classic Irish food all with a modern twist. Boasting a large, lively venue, this is a perfect choice for an excellent choice of drinks on your next date.

The Gasworks has a great collection of Irish and world craft beers, offering 25 draft taps. Book in for the great buzz, knowledgeable staff and great friendly service. There’s a huge range of imported and local bottled beers, as well as an extensive – and delicious – food menu. For excellent craic on a more casual date, look no further than The Gasworks.

The Paddocks is an amazing live music venue by night and a super busy restaurant/pub by day. The live music is always good fun, so we’d strongly recommend booking into see a show with your date, as some of the performances are incredible. There’s a superb array of desserts and cocktails, as well delicious burgers that have now become pretty famous in Dublin!

If you and your date are both into your sports, then book a table with The 51 Bar. This is a great spot to watch both big and small sporting events, with 11 HDTV screens spread across the pub. In 2014 this place even won best Sporting Pub in the National Hospitality Awards! The 51 features one of the largest collections of whiskeys in Dublin too, and also has a great range of rums, vodkas, gins, brandies and liqueurs. Alongside this impressive range of spirits is a wide range of draught beers, as well as a range of craft beers and wines.