Dublin’s top venues for Christmas

Christmas isn’t just about turkey and roast potatoes. If you’re looking to kick-off the festive season with something a bit different, why not head to Parlour at Haddington House for a festive afternoon tea? The location is suitably Christmassy: situated inside a Victorian townhouse and with exquisite views of the surrounding gardens, there’s certainly something magical about this spot. All the food is seasonal, so expect wintery treats like beetroot meringue with fois gras parfait and chicken skin, ‘gougères noir’ with nettle gouda, Christmas pudding baked Alaska (yes, really!), and clementine macaron. The staff are professional and the service is five-star. If you’re looking to treat someone – or yourself – this festive season, look no further.

Feliz Navidad! Uno Mas is Dublin’s most-loved Spanish restaurant, specialising in expertly executed, unpretentious Spanish food. The interiors are decidedly up-market, with long wooden dining tables, pretty green leather booths, and an array of Spanish wines and sherries lining the walls. Christmas at Uno Mas is set to be exceptional, with menus showcasing the best of what Spain has to offer. Begin with a couple of ‘para picar’ to share – squid a la plancha, croquetas, jambon Iberico – and maybe even a Spanish-inspired apéritif, like a glass of sparkling Blanc de Blancs from Penedès. Follow this up with a delectable seasonal starter, like the suckling pig and chorizo ragu, salt baked celeriac with stracciatella, pickled apple, and winter truffle, or the melting potato and onion tortilla. Main courses are equally pleasing, including the likes of salt marsh duck breast, halibut with tomato and mussel fregola, and a salt-aged Delmonico steak with béarnaise sauce and beef dripping potatoes for two. Polish off your Christmassy feast with a stellar Spanish dessert. The ‘flan de queso’ is light and airy (perfect after a large meal), but we reckon that there’s always room for dark chocolate crumble (accompanied with dulce de lèche and milk ice cream). A Christmas meal at Uno Mas costs €62 per person (for three courses), and we promise you it’s worth every penny. Quality cooking, ingredients, and service — the Spanish know how to do the festive season right!

With so many nights out with friends around the Christmas season it’s important to allow time for a special date with your special someone. This Christmas, why not steal away with your partner to the Radisson Blu at St Helens, a romantic location in Dublin’s outskirts far away from the bustling city centre. A Christmas night out at the Radisson Blu at St Helens is a Christmas night out in style! This four-star hotel is a must visit for the stunning outdoor grounds alone, gorgeous all year round but even more so at Christmas when trees are lit up with fairy lights. Fill up on award-winning Italian cuisine at the Taverna Restaurant or treat yourselves to exclusive private dining at Le Panto for an authentic take on Irish cuisine. Afterwards, head to the Orangerie Bar & Ballroom for post-dinner drinks in a cosy festive atmosphere.

This Christmas, level up from your usual takeaway pizza at home and book you and your partner into Sano Pizza in Temple Bar. Conveniently located between Henry Street and Grafton Street, Dublin’s shopping hotspots, Sano Pizza is a perfect place to celebrate with your partner after a busy day of Christmas shopping. The menu is full of authentic Italian flavours that transport you to one of the most romantic countries in the world, and this goes for the irresistible desserts as well as the pizza. Why not share a Pistachio Cream Cannoli with your partner for that post-pizza sweet craving? Go on, its Christmas! Is the pizza traditionally woodfired in true Neapolitan style? Of course! Is it served up in a casual and cosy setting that’s perfect for those cold Christmas evenings? Yep! Is it the best pizza in Dublin? Many think so! Is Sano available now to book for your Christmas night out with your partner? You know it!

We’d go as far as to say that Farmer Browns is one of the best spots in Dublin for families, not least around Christmas time. The restaurant is filled with large tables (perfect for big groups), and an open-planned dining area that can be hired out for private parties and events. There’s wheelchair access, baby chairs, children’s menus, plenty of car parking, and super-fast wifi, and on top of that, the staff are accommodating and friendly. Alongside the usual suspects like turkey, pigs and blankets and Christmas pudding, there’s a number of less conventional options on the festive menu. The seafood couscous (fresh and light), offers a pleasant contrast to the season’s rich and heavy fare, and kids will go crazy for the homemade banoffee tart. There are plenty of seasonal drinks available for grownups and if you are looking to go all out (hey, it’s Christmas!), we really recommend the Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate – creamy hot choc, Grand Marnier and Cointreau, topped with whipped cream and orange zest. Wow!

Who’s ready to celebrate the festive season, Italian-style? We certainly are! Nanetti’s is a modern Italian restaurant specialising in serving fine, fresh produce in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. You won’t find a roast dinner or Christmas pudding in sight, but what you will find are plates of comforting, fresh and seasonal food. Nannetti’s offers group bookings (perfect for work parties or large family gatherings), and the setting for these couldn’t be more festive. The mahogany beams and warm lighting lend the dining room a cosy and familiar feel, and coupled with the staff’s friendly service you’ll feel right at home (or even nonna’s!). For those looking to celebrate, there’s a killer cocktail menu showcasing tried and tested mixes, as well as more unusual numbers. Kir Royales always feel festive to us, but for something a bit different, the Negronissimo (made with campari, red vermouth, triple sec, and Prosecco) is bound to help get the party started. Food wise there is everything from pumpkin risotto with porcini mushrooms and veal cutlets wrapped in Parma hand, to tagliatelle with beef brisket ragu, and a number of homemade desserts like tiramisu, semi-freddo, and Tortino al Pistachio: an almond pistachio cake served with white chocolate salsa and raspberry sorbet.

Timeless charm meets contemporary culinary artistry at Hartley’s Restaurant. Located in an historic setting (the beautiful old Dun Laoghaire station booking hall), this establishment invites diners to enjoy classic comfort food elevated to new heights of culinary excellence. At Christmas, you can expect the restaurant to be filled with twinkling lights, bejewelled Christmas trees, and delightful smells wafting from the kitchen. The Christmas menu is small but well-formed — we love the sound of the roast monkfish served with a North Indian curry sauce, crispy potato and a coconut mango salad! There’s plenty for vegans and veggies too, making in the ideal spot for all the family.

Rascals Brewery in Inchicore is the perfect setup for a family meal out, with a handy location just outside the city, a large space that caters to all group sizes, and – perhaps best of all – a dedicated play area where you can offload the kids while you enjoy a Christmas-themed cocktail. It helps that Rascals are masters in the art of pizza making too, as this universally-loved food is sure to satisfy even the fussiest of family members.  The rotating beer tap at Rascals changes with the seasons, so this Christmas expect to find beers with hints of Christmas spices, and maybe even a hot pouring of apple cider or mulled wine. That’s what Christmas is all about – good food, good drink, and good company.

A mere 15 minute drive from Dublin airport, the Man o’ War Gastro Pub offers a rustic, cosy atmosphere that transports you to a winter wonderland. Surrounded by rolling countryside, this charming establishment pairs breathtaking views with a menu that showcases the finest seasonal produce. Savour delightful dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients (like the beef and Guinness stew, or the creamy fish pie) while sitting round a log fire. It’s the perfect spot to bring friends and family for a leisurely weekend lunch.

The chances are, if you’re out and about during the festive season, you’re more than likely to find yourself in Temple Bar. If that’s the case, we highly recommend making a reservation with Bad Bobs; a homely Irish watering hole boasting some of the finest pub grub in the city. Perfect for the cooler months, this newly-renovated spot is cosy and welcoming, with plenty of candles and comfy booths. It’s an ideal city centre venue for celebrations, and the team loves to throw a party (they can accommodate for events ranging between 20-200 people!). But if you’re looking for a more intimate meal or drink, it’s great for that too. The Irish tapas menu is great for sharing. Real highlights include the Irish spring rolls (with bacon, cabbage and potato), the pulled beef and Guinness sliders, the hearty black pudding and colcannon croquettes (topped with a cider honey glaze), and the moreish and buttery sautéed potato cubes. There’s a fine selection of drinks too – whiskey, wine, liqueurs, cocktails, craft beers – you name it. Don’t forget to enjoy a Bad Bobs Irish coffee before you leave, this place prides itself on serving one of the best in the city.

Journey to the vibrant world of Indian cuisine at Pickle Restaurant and discover a Christmas feast brimming with spice and flavour. With a modern twist on traditional dishes, this restaurant is a delightful fusion of cultures that adds a dash of global festivity to your Christmas celebrations. The festive menu kicks off with a stunning kebab platter (with a veggie option available too) that’s filled with tasty dips and pickles. Main course options include the likes of goat mince curry, butter chicken, and the veggie-favourite that is Achari Baingan (baby aubergines cooked in onion, fresh coriander and ginger). Yum! No Christmas feast at Pickle is complete without the Gulab jamun ice cream sandwich — a plateful of pure decadence.

Every year Saba Thai on South William Street curates an exquisite Christmas menu packed with delicious seasonal specials and modern culinary creations. Take the Spicy Tofu Popcorn for example, which is served up hot with carrots, spring onion, coriander, and chilli caramel sauce. Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, Saba’s got you covered for your Christmas event with friends. Aside from award-winning Thai food with an innovative and modern twist, Saba is known to shake up delicious seasonal cocktails to pair your meal with and this Christmas promises to be no different. Saba is conveniently located within the hub of Dublin nightlife, making it the perfect place to line the stomachs before setting off into the night with friends where you can sing along and stomp your feet to Fairytale of New York on your pick of dancefloor.

If you’re looking to infuse a sense of playfulness into your holiday celebrations, Token is the ultimate destination. This vibrant establishment seamlessly blends nostalgia with innovation, offering a unique dining adventure that feels like unwrapping presents on Christmas morning! With arcade games, craft cocktails, and a menu that marries comfort food with unexpected flavours (like mozzarella sticks with smoked tomato sauce, or chicken wings with blue cheese aioli), Token promises festive feasting with a side of fun. Group bookings (for over 10 people) are available too, for those hosting festive work gatherings or get-togethers.

In Dublin’s bustling city centre, discover Ohana – a tiki cocktail bar that transforms into a festive haven during the Christmas season. Specialising in rum-based cocktails, this venue is conveniently located just a short walk from Harcourt Street Luas. With wheelchair accessibility and a capacity of up to 150 people, Ohana caters to both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. Whether you seek a cosy table booking, a private area or exclusive venue hire, Ohana has options to suit your Christmas party needs. The venue can also arrange AV equipment, music and entertainment to create a Christmas celebration that reflects your unique preferences. Here, the magic of the season blends with the tropical allure of the islands, promising an unforgettable festive gathering for you and your guests!

Every year since it opened back in 2016, Dublin’s favourite Asian restaurant has been celebrating Christmas with late night DJs playing into the wee hours, extended opening times to accommodate the busiest time of year, and a Set Christmas Menu unlike any other in the city. The Hang Dai approach to Asian cuisine is playful and innovative, while still maintaining a hint of the traditional with its woodfired Chinese oven that takes centre stage. On top of the Camden Street restaurant, you’ll find the secret Hang Dai Cocktail Bar, where you can choose from a carefully created selection of tasty drinks. The good vibes at Hang Dai make it the perfect spot to wind down (and turn up!) after a long work week. There are private areas and set menus for large groups, some of which include a glass of bubbly on arrival to start the night off right. Spread the joy this year by booking you and your workmates into Hang Dai for a legendary Christmas night out that they won’t forget!

Harbourmaster is conveniently located amongst Dublin’s International Financial Services Center, making it a venue of choice for afterwork food and drinks.  This lively venue is always packed with afterwork revellers, shaking the stress of the day away over a pint and a chat with workmates. At Christmas time the venue comes alive with weeks of festive fun, including live entertainment every Wednesday to Friday from the end of November, a complimentary prosecco meal deal, and tasty Christmas cocktails. The IFSC area has been revamped in recent years with the opening of multiple office buildings, and this is particularly evident at Christmas time when it becomes a bustling hub of activity under the glow of Christmas lights. The Harbourmaster takes centre stage here, so look no further for your Christmas night out with your workmates this year.

Canal Bank Cafe is a cute and chic neighbourhood restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch. Now established as one of Dublin’s favourite restaurants, the team is dedicated to providing flawless service and food, and this doesn’t stop at Christmas! There’s both festive lunch and dinner menus — both of which are filled with exciting seasonal treats. From shawarma spiced white bean hummus with roasted chickpeas, lemon tahini and nut dukkah, spicy buffalo chicken wings, and steak frites, to free range chicken supreme and market fish of the day, the options are endless. We adore the Christmas-themed desserts. For the chocoholics among us, there’s a decadent dark chocolate marquise with whipped amaretto mascarpone, and for those fancying something fruity, we seriously recommend the pistachio and coconut pudding with black cherries and pistachio ice cream! The service is slick and the food, as always, is second to none. For just under €40 per person, we reckon that Canal Bank Cafe offers up the best value for money Christmas meal in the city!

Impress your date this Christmas by taking them to the most Christmassy spot in Dublin, the Hole in the Wall in Dublin 7. Also the longest pub in Europe, this traditional Dublin gem offers a romantic setting for a festive date, where you can walk the length of it and admire the decorations before settling in for a cosy and delicious feed. The guys over at the Hole in the Wall are so committed to the magic of Christmas that they leave their impressive display of decorations up all year round! But the best time to visit is in the midst of the holiday season, with your date in tow. There’ll be Christmas themed food and cocktails, a jolly hum of background Christmas music, and an atmosphere that captures the true magic of the season. For bonus points, take your date on a pre-dinner walk in the surrounding Pheonix Park where you’ll find the closest thing to Santas Reindeer, that is herds of Dublin deer, roaming freely on the grounds.

If you want to splash out this Christmas and treat your date to a gourmet dining experience, look no further than Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud on Upper Merrion Street. The quality of the food and drink on offer here is evident in its two Michelin stars, and the fact that its been in business for over 40 years. Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud is internationally acclaimed for its contemporary Irish cuisine with French classical roots, and its unwavering dedication to excellence in dining. On the menu you’ll find inventive offerings unlike anything you or your date has ever tried before, like the Sika Deer Roast in Pancetta with Hispi Cabbage, Parsnip, Tonka, Kaki Fruit and Sauce Poivrade. Pair it with something from The Cellar, which houses thousands of rare and vintage wines from all over the world. Word is out that the Christmas booking at Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud are booking up fast, so don’t sleep on this luxury dining experience that promises to pull out all the stops for a memorable Christmas date.