21 Amazing Alfresco Spots for Outdoor Dining in Dublin
Our curated list of some of the best and most unique venues & restaurants offering outdoor dining in Dublin to check out this summer. We’ve chosen a mix of fancy to casual, pizza to gourmet and everything in between to suit your vibe. It’s time to start living again and what better way to do so than with some alfresco drinks and dining with work colleagues, friends and family. Venues and restaurants with outdoor seating provide a safe space to meet, many of which have upgraded their terraces, made use of new on-street space and also installed heaters and coverings / marquees should the Irish weather not play ball. Please note any menus linked to below are subject to change.
The Grayson
Location: St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
The Grayson’s stunning Atrium Bar & adjoining Atrium Terrace (retractable roof) on St. Stephen’s Green offers a beautiful, luxury setting to wine and dine this summer. Soak up the sun and enjoy mouth watering starters which include posted butternut squash veloute and wild mushroom crostini, with fantastic options on mains such pan seared hake or confit heritage carrot. Starters are priced at €8 – €13.50 with mains starting from €21 for vegetarian options and up to €32 for the 100z rib eye. Lunch is served 12pm – 3pm with dinner from 5pm daily.
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The Port House Ibericos
Location: Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 14 (3 other city centre locations also)
Ok I might be a bit biased here but the Port House group of Spanish tapas restaurants are an all time personal favourite when dining out and literally can’t wait to revisit them. We love the wide selection of tapas and wines to choose from. It’s also great to hear that all four restaurants (Port House Pintxo in Temple Bar, The Port House on Sth. William St. & Cava on Camden St. included) will be open for reservations and walk-in bookings. Pictured below is the spacious, heated and covered terrace at Port House Ibericos in Dundrum Town Centre. There is also further outdoor seating to the front of this particular Port House restaurant. The Gambas (Prawn) Pil Pil (€8.45), Vieira Seared King Scallop (€7.50) and Manchego Burger (€5.80) are my go to items of choice but every dish is a treat for the senses.
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Sophie’s
Location: Harcourt Street, Dublin 2
Sophie’s Rooftop, perched above The Dean Hotel in the heart of the city, offers fantastic food and drinks options, and even better 360 degree views of the city. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and cocktails every day, if you ‘swing’ on up to this swanky spot you certainly won’t regret it this summer, surely to be one of the most in demand outdoor spaces for catch ups with friends and colleagues. Mains start from €13.95 for pizzas with plenty of other options such as pearl couscous, pasta and fillet of beef coming in at €21.95 – €34.95. I can definitely see myself here with an Aperol Spritz in hand! Max. guest booking reservation of 6 guests.
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L’Gueuleton
Location: Fade Street, Dublin 2
L’Gueuleton on Fade Street, combines exquisite French bistro cuisine with best in Irish local produce and ingredients. Their charming outdoor terrace was one of our favourites to visit last summer, the ideal spot for dinner and drinks any time of the day or night, no doubt we’ll be visiting again shortly. Brunch is served from 11.30am – 4pm Saturday & Sunday with the a la carte menu outside of these times daily. We’ll have their new dinner menu available for you soon.
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Lemon & Duke
Location: Duke Street (beside Grafton St), Dublin 2
Lemon & Duke, just off Grafton Street have a lovely L-shaped terrace which wraps around the whole venue, with plenty of socially distance outdoor tables, seating, canopy umbrellas, heaters and of course great food & drinks to choose from. They do a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu so no matter of time of day it is an ideal spot to relax and watch the world pass by. The staff are super friendly and welcoming which only adds to the fantastic experience you’ll receive at L&D.
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Elle’s Bar & Bistro
Location: Harcourt Street, Dublin 2
The ‘Botanical Terrace’ at Elle’s Bar & Bistro in the Iveagh Garden Hotel is one of the city’s prettiest outdoor terraces. This beautifully decorated terrace on Harcourt Street is the ideal place to catch up on those missed moments with friends amongst the hanging ivy. Charcuterie boards, weekend brunches, lunches and cocktails are the order of the day here. Brunch is served on weekends from 12pm – 4pm or book an earlier / later time for a different vibe.
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As One
Location: City Quay, Dublin 2
As One on City Quay in Dublin 2 is a true gem of an eatery. We love the passion the owners have for using sustainable, fresh, locally sourced Irish ingredients to create great tasting, healthy menus specifically designed to enhance your well-being. With extra tables and seating outside it is the perfect spot to relax and unwind only minutes walk from Tara, Pearse or Connolly Dart station. As One is open for outdoor dining Mon – Fri (8am – 3.30pm) and for the very popular outdoor brunch on Saturdays (10.30am – 4.30pm). Bookings and walk-ins more than welcome.
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The Harcourt Bar
Location: Harcourt Street, Dublin 2
The Harcourt Bar is the city’s newest edition for outdoor dining, boasting a spacious outdoor lounge, possibly the largest of its kind in Dublin. With multiple levels of seating, carefully thought out planting, heating and coverings throughout, it offers guests an alluring and relaxing oasis to safely meet up with friends and work colleagues over drinks and food any time of day or night. A wide selection of light bites, pizzas or delectable mains are available to accompany an extensive premium drinks menu.
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Saba
Location: Upper Baggot Street, Dublin 4
We’re loving Saba’s ‘secret garden’ for some alfresco dining this summer. It’s super spacious, beautifully decorated with canopies and heaters if needed, making it the perfect spot for catch ups no matter what the weather, rain or shine. Saba offer fantastic Thai and Vietnamese cuisine as well as an extensive cocktail menu. Walk-ins are welcome, however it’s probably best to try book in advance to be guaranteed a table. Mains range from €18 – €27 with plenty of options on curries, noodles, wok and signature Saba dishes.
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The Bridge 1859
Location: Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
The Bridge 1859 in Ballsbridge have a beautiful outdoor dining area which is heated and has retractable awnings allowing you drink and dine whatever the Irish summer decides to do. The menu is a gastro bar style menu offering great value with mains ranging in price from only €11 – €16.
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Ryleigh’s
Location: Docklands, Dublin 1
Ryleigh’s rooftop steakhouse restaurant is perched above the ultra chic and boutique The Mayson Hotel, offering amazing views out over the Dublin Bay, the city as well as the Dublin Mountains. The restaurant and bar are open to hotel guests and general public, similar to sister venue, Sophie’s at The Dean, so everyone is welcome. There’s a similar level of class and sophistication that comes with this exquisitely designed space, offering the perfect space to relax and enjoy a meal and drinks. Weekend brunch is from 11am – 4pm, with a dinner menu served from 5pm – 9pm Monday – Sunday.
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777
Location: George’s Street, Dublin 2
777 on George’s Street have been busy setting up their ‘A Fuera’ outdoor dining area and it’s already looking fantastic, can’t wait to check it out in person. Tasty Mexican food and fresh margaritas are the order of the day here at this super trendy location with delicious starters from €7 and mouth-watering mains such as quesadillas or bbq pork to name but a few from €21 – €26. Plenty of small and large sharing options also available depending on your vibe.
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Oscars Cafe Bar
Location: Smithfield, Dublin 7
Oscars Cafe Bar is located on Smithfield Square which will no doubt be buzzing with activity this summer. This expansive outdoor space allows for safe catch ups and even better drinks and dining. There is no pre-booking required with walk-ins more than welcome. Waiting times for a table of generally only 15 minutes at peak times. The menu is gastro bar style, cooked by award winning chefs and includes options such as sundried tomato bruschetta, seafood chowder, traditional fish & chips and buttermilk chicken burgers being just some of the items to enjoy. Oscars will also have their Baileys and mojito outdoor cocktail bars open if you should fancy a tipple while you’re waiting.
Walk-Ins Welcome | View On Map | Future Event Booking
The Alex Hotel
Location: Fenian Street, Dublin 2
‘The Secret Garden’ at The Alex Hotel is one of Dublin’s relatively newest outdoor terraces where you can enjoy an indulgent weekend brunch or alfresco evening dining. This gorgeous floral-inspired space is sure to be one of the hidden gems to be discovered this summer and features a retractable roof and heaters if it gets a bit chilly. The weekend brunch is available for booking on Saturday & Sunday from 11am – 3pm. Evening dining a la carte is subject to availability.
Book Outdoor Dining | Sample Menu | View On Map | Exclusive Private Hire 25 – 30 Guests
FIRE Steakhouse & Bar
Location: Dawson Street, Dublin 2
FIRE Steakhouse boast possibly the best outdoor dining terrace in Dublin City. This stunning space overlooks the beautiful Lord Mayor’s garden and is great for a bit of people watching on Dawson Street. The terrace is large so there’s plenty of room for safe, social distancing and features a retractable roof and a glass balcony, ensuring that you can enjoy a meal and drinks with friends whatever the weather. Afternoon (12.30pm – 4.15pm Friday thru Sunday) and evening (after 4.30pm, Mon thru Sunday) alfresco set menus available from €45pp & €55pp respectively which include delicious options such as oysters, wood-fired tiger prawns, quinoa salads and 8oz sirloin prime cuts to name but a few.
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The Bailey
Location: Duke Street, Dublin 2
The Bailey Bar & Cafe on Duke Street, just off Grafton Street have one of the best on-street terraces in the city, it’s south facing so is perfect for some light lunching or evening bites with drinks in the sun. Heaters and awnings are installed also should they be needed. The Bailey have sharing plates such as the Charcuterie & Irish Cheese Selection priced at €15 for example, as well a delicious selection of gourmet sandwiches from €9.50. Fantastic drinks selection also available including plenty of choice for champagnes, wine, cocktails and whiskey. This spot books up fast on weekends and evenings, however there may be a few tables available for walk-ins.
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Balfes
Location: Balfes Street, Dublin 2
Located at The Westbury Hotel, just off Grafton Street, Balfes have a stylish outdoor terrace to the front of the main bar and restaurant. This elegant space is one of the city’s best spots for catching up with friends over some cocktails, drinks and food. Their experienced chefs use only the best in Irish free-range meat and sustainably sourced seafood, with a real emphasis on high quality ingredients sourced from local artisan producers. Balfes offer a weekend brunch menu as well as an all day dining menu guaranteed to suit all tastes. You simply have to check out their speciality cocktails also, it’d be rude not to 😉
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Rascals Brewing Co.
Location: Inchicore, Dublin 8
Rascals in Inchicore, Dublin 8 have an expansive outdoor drinks and dining area to the front of the brewery where they brew their famous IPA beer. They’ve always had an indoor space to dine with literally some of the best looking pizzas in town, and now with the upgraded outdoor seating (and covered) it is surely going to be one of the most popular & fun spots to be this summer. Pizzas start from a very wallet friendly €12 with gluten-free, veggie, vegan & kids pizza options all possible. There’s plenty of free parking available, it’s also located just around the corner from the Blackhorse Luas stop for public transport access and Stillgarden Distillery is just next door if you fancy some pre/post-dinner gin cocktails.
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SOLE
Location: South William Street, Dublin 2
SOLE Seafood & Grill known for its wide selection of oysters, delicious seafood towers amongst other entrées will be opening its doors again soon once on-street dining and indoor dining is permitted. So bookings aren’t open just yet but definitely one to add to your wish list, we’ll keep you posted as soon as it’s available to book. Pictured below is the beautiful on-street setup from last summer complete with high chairs and canopy umbrellas and we just can’t wait for this seafood spot to reopen. One can only just imagine how atmospheric and hive of activity this spot on South William Street will be on a sunny, summer’s day.
For Customers: Important Regarding Bookings, Cancellations & Safety Advice:
With many venues having been closed for so long, please do not make multiple bookings for the same time. If you do book please make sure to arrive on time for your reservation or give the restaurant or venue plenty of notice if you need to cancel or rearrange. You will need to wear a mask at all times when not seated, wash your hands regularly and please do not arrive at a venue if you are feeling unwell with any of the usual Covid-19 symptoms. Bookings are generally for max. 6 guests and most venues have a time restriction of ~2 hours for sittings in accordance with current guidance.
For Venues: Can We Help Post Lockdown?
VenueSearch are a small, 100% Irish owned company, committed to supporting local Irish hospitality businesses and suppliers, so that we can continue to all work together in providing stellar experiences to our customers and clients for years to come. If you feel your venue or business could do with a sprinkling of VenueSearch magic, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our helpful team and we’ll do our best to assist in any way we can.
Thanks so much for reading & we hope you all throughly enjoy your summer catch up with close ones, it has been well earned at this stage! 🙂
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This article was updated on 23 June 2021