One of the best parts of Christmas shopping in the city centre is the most delicious meal you get to have! Whether you’re looking to refuel in between shop visits with a few small plates, or looking to relax somewhere for lunch with a cocktail or two, we’ve got the list for you. Here are the best restaurants near Grafton Street to pop into post-Christmas shopping!
Ladurée
This one goes both ways – start your Christmas shopping here and have a bite to fuel up for the day! It’s no secret than anything you buy from Ladurée will impress your recipient, whether it’s a stocking filler of some delectable macarons or a larger hamper box of tasty treats. While you’re here, have a taste of one of their delicious sandwiches (a Croque-Monsieur certainly would go down a treat!), or book yourself in for a fabulous brunch before a day of shopping. Afternoon tea is also an option, if you’re popping in here post-browse.
Glas
A slightly more fancy affair, Glas is a great option if you want to treat yourself to a delicious meal. A vegetarian/vegan restaurant where the vegetables are the star of the show, you’ll be impressed with anything you order here. Whether you’re plant-based or not, you will certainly enjoy this visit! Their lunch menu is affordable too, with 2 courses costing just €24, and 3 courses coming to €28. Expect a seasonal, regularly changing menu here, which is always a sign that an establishment ensures you’re getting the best-tasting produce of the season!
Have a read of our interview with head chef at Glas, Malte Half.
Fallon & Byrne
A visit to Fallon & Byrne kills two birds with one stone – you can get your foodie friend a hamper of artisan products as an amazing gift, before making your way to The Dining Room for a spot of lunch. Irish produce shines in all the dishes served here, whether it’s Skeaghanore duck with parsnip, cavolo and elderberry, or some house-smoked salmon. You can take a plate or two from their a la carte menu for a quick bite, or make it a proper meal out with their Christmas set lunch menu, coming in at €58 per person for 3 courses.
Café en Seine
The bright and airy Café en Seine is a fabulous restaurant to visit pre- or post-Christmas shopping. Soak in all the Parisian vibes as you dine on their inviting Christmas sandwich – a turkey and brie toastie with sage and onion stuffing with cranberry sauce and duck fat roasties… YUM! Whilst you’re here, you must order a cocktail or two – these refreshing blends are a must-try.
Davy Byrnes
Davy Byrnes has been around since 1798, and it’s the perfect place to pop into after a spot of Christmas shopping, with it’s location right on Grafton Street. A Christmas sandwich for some lunchtime fuel is always a good idea, and Davy’s toasted special sounds right up our street – Ham, cheese, tomato, mayo and onion on sourdough with crispy potato skins and parmesan – delish! There’s also a Christmas set menu on the cards with starters like goat’s cheese tartlets and a comforting lamb stew for the mains, with 2 courses costing just €35 and 3 coming in at €45. Grab an afternoon pint and get cosy at Davy Byrnes!
Chequer Lane by Jamie Oliver
Irish ingredients with nostalgic flavours – what could be better after a few hours of Christmas shopping? Chequer Lane’s festive lunch menu is certainly getting us hungry, with options like a festive prawn cocktail, steak frites and a classic sticky toffee pudding… definitely perfect for some post-shopping fuel! With 3 courses coming in at €55, you’ll be sure to leave full and happy from Chequer Lane!
Edition Café & Brown’s Brasserie at Brown Thomas
Another one to kill two birds with one stone, Brown Thomas is a classic spot to head to for some more upmarket gifts, or for that friend that loves a bit of makeup and skincare! Of course, while you’re here, you may as well head to one of the two on-site restaurants for some fuel. Head to Edition Café on Level 2 for an extensive and impressive menu that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. They’ve got some small plates if you’re feeling a little peckish, but their main courses are catching our eye – Duck & waffles, fish tacos and a Reuben sandwich! Head upstairs to Level 3 to Browns Brasseries, where a fabulous French onion soup is up for grabs, and some more comforting dishes like West Cork chicken Ballotine and a fish Parmantier are available to warm you right up.
Little Lemon
A great pit stop for when you want to regain some energy in the midst of your hectic shopping day is Little Lemon. A restaurant that opened earlier this year, you’ll find Mediterranean-style small plates, perfect for sharing, and paired perfectly with a couple of cocktails to add a little sparkle to your day! Order some Croquetas de Jamón, Pil Pil Gambas and Halloumi Saganaki and thank us later.
Hyde
Not only is Hyde a fabulous rooftop bar and club in the evenings, they serve some tasty bites in their contemporary bistro that will certainly make for a great visit after a day of shopping. Try their classic fish and chips or a comforting burger, or order their slow-cooked beef bourguignon for a much cosier dish that will warm you right up after a few hours in the cold. Their house creation drinks are certainly a must-try, because after all, it’s Christmas!
Row Wines
Irish ingredients served with their own twist, Row Wines is another great restaurant to pop into during a busy day of shopping. With 8-10 small plates that are always changing based on the season, you can be sure that you’ll be served the best Irish produce and enjoy every bit of it. Music enthusiasts, head here for a couple of swanky tunes that will certainly set the mood while you dine. Naturally, you can’t come here and not order a drink, so whether you’re in the mood for wine (sourced from small producers!), a cocktail or a beer, you’ll find something to tickle your fancy.
Loose Canon
Cheese and wine are the epitome of Christmas, so why not stop in Loose Canon? A cheese toastie here will certainly be one to savour, with regularly changing options available, each as decadent as the next (and worth every bite!) A glass of wine (or a bottle, if you’re feeling extra festive) is always a good idea, paired with some of their amazing cheeses… it’s truly a match made in heaven! No bookings required, just pop in here after a few hours of Christmas shopping and let time slip away as you savour their amazing offerings.
Balfes
Where better to pop in for a spot of lunch than at what is basically the set of a Christmas movie? The Westbury Hotel is known for it’s year-round elegance, so it’s no surprise that Christmas time there is the stuff of sparkly dreams! Head to the stylish Balfes for a bougie lunch, where a delicious festive sandwich is up for grabs, but they’ve got plenty of options to choose from if you’re up for something bigger. How does pan-fried gambas and a crusty baguette sound? What about wild Irish venison stew with creamy mash potato, glazed carrots & crispy puff pastry? You will certainly feel like the Belle of the ball after your visit here!
Lennans Yard
At Christmas, Lennans Yard is especially enchanting, festooned with festive twinkling lights. Ideal for a festive pick me up after present shopping, you can head here for whatever you fancy, whether it’s some bar snacks and gourmet sandwiches, to a fine dining affair! Cosy and comforting classic dishes with a twist can be found here, with dishes ranging from a selection of steak cuts, to monkfish scampi, to oxtail potstickers. Their new express lunch menu changes daily, ranging from €14-17.50, including a soft drink or water. One day it could be a parmesan chicken salad, the next it could be a cosy beef & Guinness pie… the options are endless!
Marco Pierre White
Elegance at its finest, walking into Marco Pierre White, you can expect top tier service, delectable dishes and a visit to remember. The Christmas lunch menu is certainly enticing, with simple, unique dishes that have us very excited. Chicken Ballontine with sausage & chestnut stuffing, haunch of Wild Irish Venison with red cabbage, parsnip purée and fondant potato, and a classic Christmas pudding.. what’s not to love? Allow yourself to enjoy the finest treatment after a day of shopping and we can guarantee that a visit here will warrant several more.
The Port House
Another small plates addition to the restaurants near Grafton Street, this one is certainly one of the OG’s. The Port House is known for their incredible tapas offerings that never falter, so why wouldn’t you pop in here after a few hours of gift buying? Their menu is full of amazing dishes that make it difficult to decide (because you just want to order everything), so this Christmas, they’ve taken the hassle out of ordering and created a set Christmas menu full of a selection of Tapas for you to share! 3 different menus are available to choose from, with a vegetarian one too so nobody is left out – this is a great option when you want to pop in for a couple of plates, some great wine and a guaranteed memorable afternoon.
SOLE Seafood & Grill
Even the most particular seafood fanatics are always up for the impeccable offerings at SOLE. High-end luxury is to be expected here, from the interiors, to the service, to, of course, the food. With their Christmas lunch menu coming in at €55 for 3 courses, it is a very reasonable price to pay for the fantastic food you’ll be served here. Choose from a selection of oysters or other delectable starters, before digging into their enticing char-grilled monkfish & tiger prawn with warm niçoise salad and chimichurri dressing, or some non-seafood dishes for those who want to switch it up. Finish off with one of their indulgent desserts – Rum-soaked brioche with caramelised orange butter sauce and rum & raisin ice cream, Guinness and Brandy Christmas Pudding, and more. Delish!
La Cave
Dublin’s oldest boutique wine bar certainly warrants a visit, because how better to relax than with a glass of wine in an intimate setting on a cold winter’s day? With influences of French food, you’ll be delighted with whatever you order here. La Cave have a delightful Christmas lunch menu on offer, with starters like French onion soup gratinée and a baked goat’s cheese salad, and mains like a delectable Confit of Duck à l’Orange. 2 courses come in at just €25.50 per person, which is a steal for the delicious meal you’ll be sure to have. Make sure to peruse the impressive wine list and pick out a glass or two – you won’t regret it!
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!
