Where to wow your Valentine in Dublin

A staple of the Dublin cocktail scene, Vintage Cocktail Club in Temple Bar is a perfect spot to kick off your Valentine’s Day celebrations. VCC has won the title of ‘best cocktail bar’ at the Irish Craft Cocktail Awards for six years running, so you know the drinks they’re shaking up for you are far from ordinary. Their extensive cocktail menu is inspired by days gone by, giving the experience a truly vintage feel. On it you can expect to find all the traditional favourites that date back to the 18th century, expertly mixed with a modern VCC twist. For Valentine’s Day we recommend the Lota’ Lovage from their ‘Golden Age of the Cocktail’ Menu, with Pampero Especial Rum, Mango, Sloe Berry, Pineapple and Lovage on Crushed Ice with Fresh Fruit. Be sure to book early because VCC will be in high demand this Valentine’s Day.

New to Dublin’s long list of romantic eateries is PINK, a unique restaurant that encapsulates and celebrates the colour pink. With two stunning locations, one in the heart of the city and another in the quieter seaside town of Malahide, PINK is the perfect setting for a Valentine’s Day to remember. On the menu you’ll find mouthwatering delicacies that fit the classy feel of the restaurant, like Pulled Dexter Beef Croquette to start and Wild Halibut Gnocchi for main. There’s an element of pink to every dish, whether that’s a lightly charred grapefruit or a sprinkling of pink flower petals. Pink is the colour of love after all.

There is something so romantic about a Moroccan dining experience, from the low lighting and ambient music to the shared dishes and fancy flavours. DADA on South William Street offers an intimate dining setting where you and your Valentine can enjoy the best Moroccan flavours and wine. The Ziryab private room downstairs is separate from other guests, so nab a reservation there to add to the intimacy of the evening. For dinner we recommend the mezze-style sharing platter to start you on your Moroccan food adventure, followed by one of Dada’s signature slow cooked tagines. You can also bring your own drink for a small corkage fee, so why not splash out on a bottle of Moet & Chandon to accompany your dishes?

The Ivy is a stylish brasserie in Dublin serving classic food and drinks in a quirky, colourful setting. Located in the heart of the city on the chic Dawson Street, The Ivy has become a favourite among Dubliners for celebrating special occasions in style. The Ivy is a perfect balance between relaxed and sophisticated, and is sure to impress your Valentine this year. On the menu you’ll find Irish classics like The Ivy Shepherds Pie or Steak Tartare with Dubliner Whiskey. The Ivy will hit the spot especially if your date’s a vegan or vegetarian as they have a special bespoke menu for this type of cuisine.

For classic Thai food served by friendly staff in a relaxed environment, get down to Siam Thai in Dundrum Town Centre. The magic about Siam Thai is that it’s conveniently located among the hustle and bustle of one of Dublin’s best shopping centres where you can stroll around hand-in-hand with your lover before your reservation. Siam Thai also has a sister venue, The Candlelight Bar, where you can settle in for romantic drinks after a delicious Thai feast. It’s a Valentine’s Day that goes above and beyond a simple dinner reservation.