Where to dine this Easter in Dublin

Easter is a time for celebration. Alongside celebrating the arrival of spring, the Easter Bunny, and the coveted egg, why not celebrate yourself and dine at one of the fanciest restaurants in town. Patrick Guilbaud, or as us Dubliner’s affectionately call it – Paddy G’s – is a great choice. In 1996 it was the very first restaurant in Ireland to receive two Michelin stars, and has kept them ever since – so it’s pretty iconic. We recommended going for dinner over lunch, as it’s a bit more lively in the evenings. The food is stunning and the wine list is impressive, too. 

If you’re staying in Dublin over Easter weekend then no doubt you’ll be in town at some point. Fish Shop is the perfect spot to catch up with a friend, or go on a date with your love bunny. It rarely disappoints. Get a bunch of small plates and work your way through the many wines by the glass. What’s not to love?

If you’re looking for something a little more family friendly, The Canal Bank Cafe is a cute little spot just at Leeson St. Bridge. The varied menu is a definite crowd pleaser. We’ll let you in on a little secret, according to our top tier foodie sources – we think this place might just have some of the best chicken wings in Dublin! And the brunch is egg-cellent, as are the Bloody Marys. 

Going for a dip in the Forty Foot on Easter Weekend? If so, Oliveto’s is just a hop, skip and a jump away, with some of the best coastal views of Dublin Bay. We can’t think of anything better post-swim than a plate of creamy linguine, or spicy chorizo and St. Tola’s pizza, paired with lashings of Primitivo, of course. 

Kill some time over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend by hitting up Token. Feeling feisty? Try Mortal Kombat. Feel fruity? Head for Dance Dance Revolution. Driving test coming up? Give Mario Kart a go! There’s always a whopper deal on which usually gets you a main, a side, an alcoholic beverage, and 20 tokens. It’s also a mini mecca for vegans; the Vegan Very Big Mac is so good! Actually, everything is good here and guarantee you’ll love it as much as we do.

Jamie’s Italian is ideal for both parents and younger ones alike, offering food that’s simple, tasty, and above all else, healthy. Located on the entry to Dundrum Shopping Centre, Jamie’s is an ideal spot for food after a visit to the cinema, an afternoon playing crazy golf, or browsing around Ireland’s biggest shopping centre. The kids meal comes with great value and ensures locally sourced ingredients throughout. We’d recommend going for the mini–spaghetti bolognese. It features a seven veg organic sauce, with homemade spaghetti and an option of parmesan cheese. The margarita pizza is also a good choice if they’re looking for something simple, and the baby beef burger is served with lemon yoghurt and fresh veg. For the parents, start out with the crispy squid, served in a delicate buttermilk batter and garlic mayo. For the mains, we’d recommend sticking with Jamie’s Italian dishes. The casarecce carbonara balances creamy sauce against smoky pancetta. If you’re in for a pizza, the ‘San Danielle’ features prosciutto ham and Stracciatella cheese.

If you’re looking for traditional pub food in a lush setting, look no further than The Dropping Well. Situated on Dublin’s River Dodder, in the Dublin City suburb of Rathmines, it’s one of Dublin’s most historic pubs. With panoramic views of the river in The Dropping Well’s Conservatory, as well as wholesome pub grub, it’s a great spot to enjoy a big family lunch with all ages welcome. The Dropping Well hosts a selection of small portions for younger diners, using the same fresh and local produce it would for adults. The half-portion of prime roast beef is a delight, served with potatoes and veg to ensure they’re getting their greens in! Burgers, spaghetti bolognese, and a mini fish and chips are also on offer. The Dropping Well features a stellar range of fresh seafood dishes, inspired by meals from across Ireland. The Surf & Turf is a great choice for those looking to sample some Irish ingredients; a giant prawn sits atop a juicy steak, with salsa verde onion rings on the side. If you want to stick to traditionally Easter-time meals, The Dropping Well serves an excellent rack of Wicklow lamb. It’s served with seasonal veg and garlic and rosemary roast potatoes – it’s the perfect dish for an Easter lunch with the family.

This pick is probably best for impressing parents, sisters, brothers or older children. One Pico is one of Dublin’s most renowned restaurants, with a plethora of awards from Michelin, The Georgina Campbell Guide, and The Irish Hospitality Awards. In a bespoke setting, which focuses on good food and is family oriented, you can expect a combination of classic French and Irish cuisine. It’s a great space to impress family. If you’re heading in for an afternoon in Dublin City, One Pico offers a stellar set lunch with two to three courses, canapé and bread. Choose from a range of incredibly special and palatable dishes; we’d recommend the ravioli, which comes with a 16-month aged comté and roast onion consommé. The depth and complex flavour profile is truly stunning. As for mains, we’d recommend the Irish fillet of beef, served with maitake mushroom, potato and black garlic. One Pico features wine recommendations with each of its dishes, and the Crozes Hermitage is a brilliant pick with the Irish fillet of beef. Finally, the lunch dessert is a brilliant way to round off the meal. The Irish honey and buttermilk parfait comes with ice cream and honey vinegar. You’ll be stunned by the aesthetics of One Pico, as well as the brilliant flavour and presentation of your dishes.

Located just outside Ireland’s national football and rugby stadium, among a plethora of sports bars, lies The Old Spot. While the match-day specials are among the best in this historic area, the a la carte dishes are the perfect way to kick off a fun-filled weekend in Dublin City. Beginning with the starters is a stellar pan-fried salt baked celeriac featuring Cashel blue cheese and wild mushrooms, which is all topped off with toasted hazelnuts. If you’re looking to keep some Easter favourites in mind, The Old Spot does fantastically tender pork belly, served with York cabbage and crisped leeks. Easter mains typically include red meats like lamb and steaks, and The Old Spot creates the classics so well. The 10oz chargrilled ribeye steak is served alongside hand-cut fries and a bacon-pepper sauce. It’s a delicacy and is truly one of the best steaks around. However, one of the biggest reasons The Old Spot has won half a dozen Michelin Guide awards for ‘eating out in pubs’ is the dry aged burger. Topped with Dubliner cheese, pickled onion, salad and burger sauce, it’s exceptional!