A lush oasis of green in the heart of the busy city, St. Stephen’s Green is one of the most iconic and beloved locations in Dublin. The current gardens were designed by William Sheppard and opened in 1880, although the park has been a feature of Dublin’s landscape since the 17th century. Check out our selection of the top restaurants dotted around this tranquil park.
La mère ZouThis elegant French restaurant has served the area for more than 20 years and is still going strong. Le mère Zou can be found in the basement of a spectacular Georgian-era residence on St. Stephen’s Green, which has been refurbished and is now a sleek, modern and elegant space. It combines the best of French cooking with the world renowned hospitality of the Irish. A very popular and busy stop for hungry travellers on their way to the nearby Gaiety Theatre and National Concert Hall. Le mère Zou, 22 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, +353 1 661 6669
Shanahan's On The Green
Bar, Restaurant, American, Steakhouse, Seafood
Shanahan’s On The Green is an American-style steakhouse which also offers a plentiful selection of Irish seafood and excellent pastries. Portions are extremely generous and the staff are very eager and pleasant. The downstairs bar (called ‘the Oval Office’) features an extensive collection of memorabilia from American presidents with Irish heritage, and the restaurant itself is based in an 250 year old Georgian townhouse which has since undergone a lovely restoration.
The Saddle Room
Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, Bar, Steakhouse, Seafood, Irish, European
The Shelbourne is a world class five star hotel overlooking St. Stephen’s Green, and within its walls is the The Saddle Room, named after the hotel’s historic dining rooms. Featuring an open kitchen and two private dining rooms, here the staff take pride in the fact that they use only the freshest local ingredients in their modern, seafood-focused menu. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there is also an impressive oyster bar and an overall atmosphere of class and sophistication at all times.
Il Posto
Il Posto is among the very best Italian restaurants in Dublin. Here patrons will find delicious Mediterranean food served in an intimate and very comfortable setting. The wine is predictably excellent and reasonably priced, while the service is prompt and helpful. The perfect choice if you’re looking for a romantic evening for two in Dublin.
Chief Changs
For a distinctly non-Irish experience you could pop by this Asian buffet on the top floor of St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre. You can feast upon everything you can think of, from jumbo prawns to strawberry ice cream. There is also an impressive selection of vegetarian options available. Of special note is the magnificent view of Stephen’s Green you are treated to when you look out the window, which may be worth the price of the meal in itself.
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Peploe's Wine Bistro
Bistro, Restaurant, European
Located in the basement of a terraced Georgian house just across from the People’s Art Exhibition, where local artists display and sell their work to the public, this extremely busy restaurant offers a modern menu and, as the name implies, a bountiful list of delicious wines from across the Europe and beyond. The well-deserved popularity of Peploe’s means that you should probably make a reservation well ahead of time in order to avoid disappointment.
Restaurant FortyOne
Restaurant, Indonesian
Image courtesy of Restaurant FortyOne
Oozing an aura of quality and exclusively, Restaurant FortyOne has built up a name for itself as one of the premier destinations for fine dining in Dublin. The presentation is impeccable and service is nothing short of first class, and there is also perhaps the most extensive wine list in the city. Highlights of the menu include courgette flower stuffed with prawns and the moulard duck breast. The restaurant also takes pride in to the fact that US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was hosted in the private dining room during when she visited Dublin.
The Cliff Townhouse
Boutique Hotel
Courtesy of Cliff Townhouse / Hotels.com
The Cliff Townhouse is a delightful Michelin starred restaurant that beckons patrons inside with its unique red-brick façade and its focus on seafood. In addition, the building serves as a luxury hotel and guest house, situated within easy walking distance of the National Museum of Ireland and other prominent destinations for visitors. There is also a swanky cocktail bar and a private dining room upstairs for functions such as birthday parties and weddings.
This aesthetically unique establishment can be found within the larger Dandelion bar and bistro complex (also containing a cosy bar and lively club) located at the top of the busy shopping thoroughfare, Grafton Street. Here you will be seated amongst shelves packed with vintage hardback books (hence the name) as you sample choice dishes such as pan-fried dry aged rib eye steak and gourmet king tiger prawns scampi.
Hatch & Sons
Tucked away in the basement of the Little Museum of Dublin, incidentally one of the capital’s best hidden gems, Hatch & Sons is an old fashioned establishment in the very best sense of the word. Nothing beats relaxing in peace and quiet after a long day’s shopping and sightseeing with a refreshing cup of coffee and some traditional home made Irish soda bread in front of a warm fireplace. One of the best places in the city if you’re after a quick bite to eat in a quaint environment.
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