The best hidden gems in Dublin you need to dine at

For creatively prepared, locally sourced fine dining in the heart of Portobello, you need to visit the incredible Locks Restaurant. Perfectly located along the canal, this hidden gem offers a chic yet relaxed atmosphere that makes for a truly memorable dining experience. Serving up a creative a la carte dinner menu from Wednesday to Saturday featuring everything from light and flaky bluefin tuna with ponzu dashi, Togarashi, tomato and daikon to a succulent dry-aged Dexter beef tartare with capers, mustard and Agria potato crisps, or a rich and delicious suckling pig ragù with ricotta cavatelli and 24-month old parmesan. It also offers a great range of delicious vegetarian options, meaning those following a meat-free diet don’t need to worry about missing out on the incredible flavours available here.

Located in the heart of the city in the vibrant and bustling Temple Bar, Piglet Wine Bar is somewhat of a hidden gem when it comes to places to dine in the city centre. Loved by locals who know where to go, Piglet Wine Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a cosy glass of wine and some good food with friends. It offers an extensive and unusual wine list, alongside a tasty array of tapas bites and hearty meals. So, no matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy here. The menus change frequently to reflect the seasonality and availability of local produce, but you can always expect a great range of creative and exquisite flavours each and every time you dine here. From Frank’s Beef Tartare with anchovy mayo, egg yolk and homemade pickles to Steamed Mussels with smoky bacon, shallots, white wine and lovage pesto, you’re sure to find the perfect dish that will more than satisfy your senses.

A modern European restaurant located at the heart of the city on Aungier Street, Uno Mas is one of the most underrated tapas bars that Dublin has to offer. Offering unique and indulgent Spanish flavours for lunch and dinner, it’s always a perfect time to dine here, whether you’re catching up with friends, heading out for a date night, or celebrating with the family. The menu varies slightly from day-to-day depending on the availability of produce. However, you can always expect a few staple favourites such as the wild halibut with white asparagus, taramasalata and fino, and the salt-aged delmonico with béarnaise, beef dripping potatoes and bordelaise sauce. In the evening, there is a minimum order of three dishes per person, including a main course, so make sure you’ve worked up your appetite before visiting!

For epic Mexican flavours in the heart of the city, we cannot recommend the incredible MASA Restaurant enough. Casual and friendly, keeping the focus on fresh and fragrant flavours, MASA is undoubtedly one of the most underrated Mexican eateries the city has to offer. So, if you’re in the mood for something spicy and flavourful, then this is the spot for you. Tacos are the main squeeze here, with options to suit all tastes and dietary requirements, including the rich and indulgent Al Pastor tacos, which come with pork, red chilli, achiote, pineapple, onion and coriander, the fresh and flavourful Fish Tacos, which feature battered fresh white fish, pickled cabbage, avocado salsa verde, chipotle mayo and coriander, and the vegan-friendly Soyrizo tacos with marinated soya, ancho, pasilla, paprika, cashew crema and pico de gallo. Besides tacos, there’s also a fantastic range of quesadillas, small plates and desserts that will leave you feeling more than satisfied. Plus, if you’re looking for the ultimate thirst-quencher to accompany your food, the epic cocktail menu is sure to impress with four varieties of Margarita, a Mexican Pornstar, a Fresh Paloma, and a simple Michelada.

A modern, intimate, warm, produce-driven restaurant just outside the city centre, Forest Avenue Restaurant has been recognised in the Michelin Guide for its exquisite food and high-quality Irish hospitality. A family-run restaurant, the atmosphere here is intimate yet relaxed, making for one of the best hidden gem dining experiences you’ll find anywhere in the city. The six course tasting menu changes frequently to reflect the changing seasons and availability of produce. Coming in at €86 per person, you can expect a fantastic array of flavours with previous menus featuring everything from sea trout crudo with beetroot and blood orange to cod with crab, rice, shellfish sauce and pumpkin kimchi. Vegetarian and pescatarian menus can be prepared on request but the venue does ask that you phone in advance to inform the team of any specific dietary requirements.

Undoubtedly one of the best Chinese restaurants Dublin has to offer, China Sichuan is located just outside of the city in the vibrant suburb of Sandyford. For this reason, it often flies under the radar of those looking for somewhere to dine out in the city. However, for us, this spot is well worth travelling out of your way for. Boasting a long tradition of innovation and invention, it prides itself on delivering unique culinary experiences that combine the finest local ingredients with traditional Sichuan and Cantonese cooking. With a focus on authentic flavours, the creative menu features everything from Golden Fried Soft Shell Crab with toasted almonds and chilli flakes to various meat and vegetarian dumplings making for the perfect starters. Popular main dishes range from Spicy Typhoon King Prawns, which are lightly coated and pan-fried with dry chilli, panko breadcrumbs and crispy jasmine tea leaves, to Fresh Irish Lobster served chopped in ginger and scallion sauce on a bed of egg noodles.

Located in the Carlton Hotel near Dublin Airport, the Mayfly Restaurant is the perfect place to dine either on your first night in the city or the night before you catch an early morning flight out. Somewhat of a hidden gem due to its location, this spot is more than just your average airport hotel restaurant. Rather, it offers a relaxed and intimate dining experience with a menu that celebrates top quality food made using locally sourced, fresh ingredients from all across the Emerald Isle. It also prides itself on offering personable and friendly service that makes guests feel right at home, alongside an extensive drinks menu that features delicious cocktails and handpicked wines from around the globe that make for the perfect accompaniment for the quality menu items. With everything from perfectly presented meat and fish options to flavourful vegetarian dishes, there truly is something for everyone here. So, what are you waiting for?

A fantastic steak restaurant located in the city centre on Baggot Street Lower, Brookwood first opened in 2014 and has since become a local favourite. However, it still remains relatively unknown among those visiting the city, making it one of our top spots when it comes to hidden gem dining locations in the city. Serving up the very best Irish beef supplied by local butcher, McLoughlins, this spot truly is a meat-lover’s paradise. Sourcing all beef from grass and grain-fed cattle, diners can rest-assured they’ll enjoy the highest quality 100% Irish beef in each and every bite. Even if beef isn’t your cup of tea, you’re certain to be impressed by the brilliant offering of Irish oysters and seafood, which is complemented by a fantastic wine list and exquisite cocktails. Open for lunch and dinner, with roasts on Sundays, it’s always the perfect time to dine at Brookwood.

For pizzas, wings and things, one spot you absolutely have to check out in Dublin is the incredible 3Brothers in Drimnagh. Founded by three brothers –  Chris, Brendan and Liam – this spot is a warm and casual family-style restaurant that’s open and welcoming for everyone. If you’re just looking to chill out, eat some good food, maybe sink a few beers, and spend some quality time with friends and family, then this is the spot for you. At the heart of the restaurant sits a chic woodfired pizza oven that allows diners to witness their meals being cooked right in front of their eyes. It also serves up a delightful cocktail menu, which features everything from  retro favourites to timeless classics and inventive modern twists.

Serving up a delicious menu of contemporary French cuisine made from the very best quality Irish and French seasonal produce, One Pico Restaurant is recognised as a Michelin Guide Fine Dining Restaurant. Thus making it an absolute must-visit for those looking to experience an absolutely exquisite dining experience at the heart of the city. Despite having received plenty of industry recognition, including at the Irish Hospitality Awards and achieving AA UK & Ireland Three Rosettes, this spot still remains a relatively hidden gem when it comes to dining out in the city. The set dinner menu comes in at just €69, a pretty reasonable sum considering the quality of food and service you’ll receive. Plus, the flavours on offer are almost unmatched compared to anywhere else in the city, with everything from Parmesan Gnocchi with asparagus, parsley and kale to Smoked Hamachi with daikon, shiro shoyu, sanbaizu jelly and fennel vinaigrette.