Where to eat on Dublin’s coastline

The team of passionate wine experts at 64 Wine has been growing since year on year becoming firm favourites with the community of Glasthule. Book yourself in and explore the extensive range including classic wines, fine wines, organic wines, natural wines and biodynamic wines. The wine shop offers wines from small artisan producers, which are full of personality and have been personally tasted and selected by the team. This is a great place to book if you’re in Dún Laoghaire.

Kajjal is a knock-out Pakistani restaurant, nestled in the heart of beautiful Malahide village, minutes from the coast. The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate, with low-level lighting and candlelit tables. The a la carte menu is full to the brim with culinary delights. Kick off your meal with a fusion dish like the chilli scallops, marinated with ginger, garlic, and chilli. The main course options are extensive: signature dishes include Palak Gosht (slow braised lamb cooked with spinach, garam masala, and ginger), and Machali Achari (fillet of Irish hake, gently simmered with Pakistani style pickles and mixed spice). The vegetarian options don’t disappoint either; the Korma (filled with seasonal vegetables) and garnished with toasted almond flakes, is particularly good. The service is excellent and the staff are very friendly.

Michael’s Mount Merrion started out as a wine shop and deli, but over the years it has developed into a well-loved, Italian-inspired neighbourhood restaurant. Unsurprisingly (given the proximity of its location to the sea), the fish dishes here are real highlights. From the Luxury Seafood Bowl – lobster fishcakes and mussels in a light lobster bisque with homemade chips – to John Dory fritti with garlic and chilli dressing, the options are endless. There’s also plenty to choose from if you would prefer something meatier. We recommend the Castledermot lamb risotto, super decadent and filled with cheese and garlic – yum! The atmosphere is sophisticated but relaxed, and the prices are reasonable. Why not take a stroll along the shore after your visit? The perfect end to your meal.

Slap bang in the middle of seaside town Dalkey lies 1909 Restaurant & Wine Bar – a cosy and upmarket eatery, specialising in modern European food. Breathe in the sea air as you make your way to this pretty little restaurant, decorated opulently with chandeliers, red carpets, and white linen tablecloths. The staff are professional and kind; from the moment you enter you know you’re in good hands. There are several menus to choose from, but the set menu is by far the best value for money. We loved the chicken breast coq au vin (cooked in a red wine sauce, served with truffle mash), but the veggie options are equally pleasing. From an unctuous three-cheese wellington (with roast aubergine, smoked tomato, and spinach) to tofu steak, no one will feel left out. If you can, leave room for dessert, the chocolate mousse is worth the sugar rush.

Aqua opened back in 1999 and since then it has continued to provide the highest quality seafood dishes to everyone who steps inside. Located at the end of Howth’s West Pier, the views are certainly eye-catching, and we can assure you that the food is just as satisfactory. Begin your meal with fried calamari or rock oysters, before you move onto something more substantial, like the roast monkfish with truffle butter sauce. A two-course lunch menu (including coffee or tea) will set you back under €40, but if you feel like treating yourself, we highly recommend sampling one of the fine bottles of wine. The perfect setting for a romantic dinner for two, a celebration or merely a leisurely Sunday lunch. Not one to miss.