Dublin's best al fresco restaurants

When the weather is sunny we love al fresco dining. It doesn’t get much better than enjoying a bite to eat and a cold drink in the sun, does it? Dublin is a hotspot for fine al fresco dining. From cocktail bars offering tapas-style sharing plates, to traditional beer gardens specialising in crowd pleasers, this city has it all. Here is your guide to al fresco dining in Dublin. 

Saba is a Thai and Vietnamese eatery and cocktail bar with various locations across the city, including one on Baggot Street, one on South William Street, and one further out in Kildare Village, meaning you cannot miss the incredible flavours on offer at this authentic South East Asian eatery. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, there’s plenty of time to call in and enjoy the delightful flavours this spot has to offer. Brought to life in 2006 by Founder and Managing Director Paul Cadden and Executive Head Chef Taweesak Trakoolwattana, otherwise known as Tao, this spot offers authenticity in every bite, making it the perfect place to indulge in incredible Asian flavours while in the city. The award-winning menu features everything from a classic Phad Thai to Crispy Chilli Chicken and a flavourful Pho Bó. If it’s sunny in the city and you fancy dining outdoors, the stunning Baggot Street location is the perfect spot for you. Set on the banks of the Grand Canal beside the Aviva and RDS Stadium, you can soak up the good weather and enjoy delicious food and drinks while relaxing back in one of the most beautiful corners of the city.

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Pygmalion Public House Ltd
cuisinesItalian, Pizza

Set in the heart of the city centre on South William Street, Pygmalion is a lively cocktail bar and eatery that boasts a laid back vibe and friendly local feel. The large outdoor seating area is the perfect place to enjoy a few cocktails while catching up with friends and soaking up the vibe of the city. Famous for its iconic ‘Pygtails’ menu that features an array of classic cocktails and signature Pygmalion favourites, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the epic drink options available here. Whether you fancy a classic Aperol Spritz or Pornstar Martini, or you fancy being more adventurous and trying the Watermelon Shuga with vodka, watermelon liqueur, elderflower syrup, citrus and soda water or the Cucumber Spicy Margarita with spicy tequila, triple sec, lime and lemon juice, cucumber infused syrup and elderflower syrup, you’re sure to find something that takes your fancy. The food menu is simple yet tasty with epic pizza offerings having won the venue the award for Best Pizzeria in Ireland 2023.

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Located on the Grand Canal Dock, one of the most picturesque corners of the city, herbstreet is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed al fresco brunch, lunch or evening meal. A friendly, family-owned neighbourhood restaurant that was first opened in 2008, this is the perfect place to relax by the water and enjoy good food, good music and good craic. The menu is wholesome and delicious with healthy options to suit all tastes and dietary requirements. The delightful brunch menu is served every Saturday and Sunday and features tasty dishes, such as fluffy buttermilk pancakes with your choice of chocolate chips and whipped cream, blueberries and orange honey butter, or organic maple syrup, a full Irish breakfast with McCarron’s bacon, Whelan’s sausage, free range buttery scrambled eggs, homemade beans, Tournafula black and white pudding hash and toast, and the famous ‘Breakfast of Champions’, which features spiced cassava rosti with irish smoked salmon, rocket salad, crushed avocado, chilli flakes and two soft poached eggs.

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Gotham Cafe
cuisinesAmerican, Contemporary
Chicken burger on wooden board with chips

A beloved restaurant located right at the heart of the city on South Anne Street, Gotham Cafe has enjoyed over 30 years of successful business in the city, highlighting its position as a Dublin staple. Offering casual dining and epic woodstone pizzas, the food here is simple yet delicious with options to suit all tastes and dietary requirements. Whether you’re dining out with family or catching up with friends, this is the perfect place to grab a casual bite to eat for all occasions. Plus, the friendly staff show what true Irish hospitality is all about, ensuring you are well catered for and that all your needs and desires are met. You can sit outside on the small outdoor seating area and watch as the hustle and bustle of inner city life passes by. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a tasty weekend brunch or a full three-course meal, the creative and contemporary menu is sure to have something to suit, making Gotham Cafe an absolute must-visit while you’re in the city.

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Tang
cuisinesEastern Mediterranean, Lebanese

A wholesome eatery located at the heart of the city, just across from St Stephen’s Green, Tang is open from Monday to Saturday for breakfast, brunch and lunch, and for evening dining on Thursdays and Fridays. Keeping a firm focus on quality, sustainable dining, you can expect the very freshest, most nutritious, locally sourced flavours in each and every dish here. There are various locations around the city, but the small cafe on Cumberland Place offers a limited number of outdoor tables where you can enjoy delicious coffee and epic food while soaking up the atmosphere of the inner city. We recommend checking this spot out in the morning or early afternoon, making the most of the delicious daytime menu and watching life in the inner city pass by. Menu favourites include the delicious Buckwheat and Banana Pancakes with Greek yoghurt, seasonal fruit, toasted pecan nuts, honey and house nut butter, as well as the creamy Mushrooms on Toast featuring Irish mushrooms marinated in tamari and fresh ginger, served on Le Levain sourdough toast with a crispy fried egg, zesty lemon yoghurt, herb oil and dukkah.

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This venue is currently not accepting online reservations through Dish Cult. 
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