Rathmines is truly an impressive location in Dublin. One street is full of a multitude of restaurants with every cuisine you can think of. Whether you’re on the lookout for a casual spot for a friendly catch-up, a date night location with intimate surroundings, or some pre-show wine and charcuterie, you’ll be sure to find them. Here are our picks of some of the best restaurants in Rathmines.
Shaku Maku
Looking for authentic Middle Eastern food and some shisha to follow? Shaku Maku, which translates to ‘What’s the Story?’ in Arabic (commonly a phrase used in Iraq), serves up charcoal grilled meats cooked in their Josper Grill, as well as all the much-loved Mezze of the Middle East. They also make their own homemade Knafeh, a dessert made of melty cheese and topped with shredded phyllo dough, drenched in orange blossom syrup. Make sure you try the cauliflower fritters and the cheesy Batata Harra! Head outside to their heated conservatory for some shisha and a cup of fresh mint tea – time always slips away at Shaku Maku.
Manifesto
Summer hasn’t quite hit us here yet but why can’t we pretend like we’re being wined and dined by the Amalfi Coast? Head to Manifesto if that’s the vibe you’re on, because they serve up some of the most authentic Italian food around. With an impressive set of awards under their belt (world’s best pizza, anyone?), everything from their food to their wine is top notch. You’ll find 2 gold medal-awarded pizzas on the menu (Mamy and Iris Sophia), plus the Don Corleone was awarded the best pizza in Ireland in 2011. If you’re not feeling up to a pizza, you’ll find fresh pasta, plenty of grilled meat and fish dishes and some delicious antipasti. Only open in the evenings, the cosy interiors make it perfect for a date.
Umi Falafel
If you’re a vegetarian you’ll have certainly heard of this spot – this is Umi Falafel‘s second location out of seven in the country, and they do falafel right. Choose from the Palestinian or Lebanese falafel, or try their incredible fried halloumi sticks to switch things up. This is one of their smaller locations, making it great to take away and eat in the park that’s just a few minutes walk away. If you’re looking to stick around for dinner, make sure you order a combination of their sides – their cheesy phyllo rolls are delectable.
Lottie’s
Ideated by Domini Kemp, and with Chef Tudorel Ostache at the helm (previously at Chapter One, Pichet and Mister S), Lottie’s opened up in March this year. Serving up modern Irish food designed with an accessible price point, you’ll find dishes with international inspiration like Tandoori spiced chicken, prawn bisque and Île flottante for dessert. Expect signature cocktails like their Spicy Jalapeño Margarita or a Bakewell Sour – yum.
Stella Steakhouse
Previously known as the Stella Diner, Rathmines now has a new steakhouse added into its roster with the Stella Steakhouse. Going out for a steak dinner is always going to feel special, and the Stella Steakhouse take great pride in ensuring that your experience will be as memorable as possible, with high quality beef and cuts like Picanha and Côte de Boeuf on the menu. If you’re not a steak lover, you’ll be just as impressed with what’s on offer here, with BBQ prawns and spatchcocked chicken up for grabs. Certainly a welcome addition to the selection of restaurants in Rathmines.
Ramen Co
At Ramen Co, you’ll be served some delicious, authentic ramen in a casual setting, perfect for a quick catch-up with a friend. If you’re not much of ramen fan, worry not, for they have a number of other options to choose from. Go for the classic chicken katsu curry, or try out their comforting hand-made dumplings. They’ve also got some quality sushi on offer, so no matter what mood you’re in, you’ll find something to tickle your fancy at Ramen Co. You’ll also find them in Dun Laoghaire and in Stoneybatter, so your ramen fix is never far!
Bethlehem
If you’re after homemade, Palestinian cuisine, Bethlehem has you covered. Overlapping flavours from across the Levant, you’ll find everything from the classic Mezze like hummus and falafel, to a mixed grill platter of their barbecued meats. Their desserts extend beyond just Baklawa, serving up a traditional Middle Eastern dessert known as Katayif – similar to a pancake batter, these are then stuffed with sweet cheese or nuts, deep fried and drenched in orange blossom syrup. Paired with a cup of Arabic coffee, this will certainly finish off your meal blissfully.
UNO Pizza
Who doesn’t love pizza? Serving traditional Neapolitan pizza, UNO pride themselves in making some of the tastiest, most authentic pizzas in Dublin. You’ll find an Italian wine selection here too, perfect for date night – pizza and wine, what a combo! Other than the classic pizzas, you’ll find a handful of focaccias, some antipasti and charcuterie, and a range of enticing desserts – did someone say tiramisu and cannoli?
Sprezzatura
The much-loved spot in Dublin, Sprezzatura is perfect for anyone in a sharing mood. Order up a range of starters like their four cheese arancini or the tomato carpaccio, and a handful of their homemade pastas and give them all a try. Their dishes change with the seasons and highlight the best of Irish produce, which you’ll see dotted across the menu, like the gnocchi with Toonsbridge ricotta or their Tartine sourdough paired with the Toonsbridge Caciocavallo Fonduta. Sprezzatura also offer wine from Winelab on tap, as well as a range of beers and cocktails, all paired perfectly with their Italian-inspired dishes. In the last few months they’ve also introduced brunch on the weekends, giving diners even more of an opportunity to try their tasty dishes.
Siam Thai
Date night just got an upgrade with Siam Thai. An intimate, candlelit spot serving vibrant Thai food that’s full of flavour, Siam Thai has you covered with an extensive menu where each dish is just as delicious as the next. Whether you’re in the mood for a Thai curry, some tasty duck, or a classic Pad Thai, Siam Thai will guarantee a delightful meal where you’ll be asking for seconds and thirds (so be sure to order some appetisers too). Make sure you try one of their many house cocktails, presented in unique serving vessels – they’ll be sure to impress.
Sushida
Sushi lovers unite – Sushida has the ultimate sushi selection for you. With options ranging from Norimaki, Nigiri and Sashimi, plus some special sushi options like Spider rolls and Dragon rolls, you’ll be spoiled for choice here. If you’re not in the mood for sushi, you’ll also find some classics like their chicken katsu curry, as well as a range of Japas (like gyoza and Takoyaki). No matter what you choose, Sushida guarantees a happy tummy.
Tippenyaki
The definition of dinner and a show, a meal at Tippenyaki is sure to be filled with plenty of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’. An interactive experience where a chef cooks your food in front of you (and you can sometimes join in!), Tippenyaki serves up different cuts of steaks, seafood and even vegetarian options that you can watch the chef grill for you, but they also have a range of enticing starters like prawn tempura and gyoza, as well as a fabulous selection of sushi. If you’d like to take it easy and watch from afar, you can also opt for a regular dining option (but we recommend the former!).
Farmer Browns
Farmer Browns is known for it’s brilliant family-dining style and their killer food. With a gorgeous sun trap terrace, it’s a great spot to bring the family for a day out to enjoy some tasty grub, or perhaps for a friendly catch-up over cocktails. Their weekend brunch is certainly catching our eye – fried chicken and waffles, Turkish eggs and Huevos rancheros – a mish mash of the tastiest international brunch dishes sure to impress a group.
Voice Crêperie & Wine Bar
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick dessert or an evening delighting over a bottle of red and a savoury galette, Voici Crêperie & Wine Bar is brilliant. Authentic French dining is to be expected, with some charcuterie or cheese boards on offer to pair with whatever wine you desire. If you’re feeling sweet, try their Crêpes Suzette or the Grumpy Pear Crêpe, or if savoury is more your style, their Allez Les Bleus galette is absolutely delectable.
Elephant and Castle
Wings and beer are a delightful combination, and at Elephant and Castle, you’ll be having some of the best wings in the city. A casual spot perfect for a family dinner or friendly chats, the buffalo wings here are what they’re known for. With brunch on the weekend up for grabs, you’ll find an extensive menu full of classics like Eggs Benedict, plus some specials like Eggs Chiapas and Eggs Idaho, as well as some Maryland Crabcakes and a Manhattan seafood chowder – you’re spoiled for choice here! Be sure to grab a jug of their refreshing limeade, but their signature cocktails are absolutely delicious if you’re feeling boozy too.
I’m a Palestinian who grew up in Cyprus and moved to Dublin in 2013, so I’ve had a mishmash of different cultures and cuisines surrounding me my whole life. I’m an avid foodie, and after realising that life as a lawyer was not for me, I studied media and became a radio host for Dublin City FM. I’m now writing for TheTaste full time, but I also have my own food blog where you can find a mixture of restaurant reviews and the occasional recipe. I talk a lot about being Palestinian; to be honest, I talk a lot in general. That’s why I did radio!
From French Bistros to Middle Eastern Dining, Here are the Best Restaurants in Rathmines
