The big day is over, the stress is behind you and the Christmas lights are shining a little too bright. Sometimes you need someone else to do the cooking, and the pouring…
If you’ve exhausted all the different ways you can reuse your Christmas Day leftovers (one more turkey cranberry brie sandwich…) then maybe a change of scenery is what you need. Here’s all the places you can switch up traditions and head out on the town this St Stephen’s Day.
Merrion Hotel – The Garden Room
Treat yourself to a luxurious but relaxed hotel dinner at the Merrion Hotel. Their menu, designed by Executive Chef Ed Cooney, is extensive yet carefully curated. In addition to their several steak options, their Roasted Lamb Round sounds inviting, not to mention a multitude of seafood options, like their Kataifi Prawns with Mango Salsa. Finish up with the Garden Room’s homemade ice cream, or perhaps The Merrion Festive Snowman with Lemon Curd Cheesecake and Mango Sorbet is more up your street to keep Christmas alive. Whatever you choose, it will certainly be a treat for Stephen’s Day this year.
Zampas
If you want to switch up the cuisines this Stephen’s Day then look no further than the bold flavours of Peru. Zampas prides themselves in combining Peruvian food with Irish ingredients to make a creation like no other. With Peru being home of the potato, just like Ireland, you can guarantee that Zampas will be a taste of home, with a twist. Soak up the festive feels in town as Zampas is located in the heart of Temple Bar inside the Hard Rock Hotel.
Aperitivo
One of Dublin’s newest additions, Aperitivo on Nassau Street has an eclectic wine list, and their glamorous venue will transport you back to the 1950s. With their mouth-watering menu full of different types of pasta, their Panzerotti is one that catches the eye. That’s a deep fried mini calzone pizza… even the thought of it sounds exactly like what you’d need this Stephen’s Day. Follow it up with their Affogato for a creamy caffeine kick.
Morelands Grill
If the Christmas turkey and ham are behind you and you’re in the mood for some steak, look no further than Morelands Grill on Westmoreland Street. If tje Christmas dinner meat feast has put you in a veggie mood, then their Saffron Vegan Gnocchi or their Winter Truffle & Smoked Gubbeen Macaroni and Cheese sound delectable. Follow it up with one of their heavenly desserts, like their Burnt Orange Semifreddo. Sounds like a Stephen’s Day everyone will envy you for.
Terrace Kitchen and Social House at Conrad Dublin
If you’re feeling luxurious, The Terrace Kitchen and Social House at the Conrad Hotel is open on Stephen’s Day. The Conrad is a fabulous spot to visit any time of year, so a visit here after a day of cooking is certainly well-deserved! Their Moules Frites or 14 hour slow-cooked lamb shank are very enticing… certainly a treat if you’ve been working hard this Christmas period.
Press Up: Ryleighs, Laylas, Sophie’s
Press Up venues Ryleigh‘s, Layla’s and Sophie’s will be open on Stephen’s Day. If you want a stunning view of the river and a sparkly view of the city then Ryleighs is the perfect option, with delicious steaks and stylish interiors. For an option south of the Liffey, Layla’s in Ranelagh also has a fabulous rooftop view. Tasty pizzas and plates at Layla’s will have you asking for more, and the cocktails and rooftop views make venturing out after Christmas all the more appealing.
Ukiyo
Ukiyo is always a fun venue, and their menu makes it even better. With lots to choose from, you can opt for a sushi dinner, or their delicious monkfish tacos, and perhaps even book the karaoke room for the evening if you’re ready to sing your heart out. Just because Christmas Dayis behind you doesn’t mean Christmas songs are out of fashion quite yet. Boasting a huge drinks menu full of wines, beers and house cocktails, you can take your dinner well into the night at Ukiyo this Stephen’s Day.
Farmer Brown’s
With multiple locations across the city, Farmer Browns have taken Dublin by storm, and Dublin shan’t be without Farmer Browns this Stephen’s Day. A classic menu of brunch bits, burgers and fries (and some other delicious options thrown in), you’re spoilt for choice with 2 out of 3 of their locations being open on the 26th. The Clonskeagh and Kilternan branches are both open all day so get yourself some Killer Nachos and a delicious burger this Stephen’s Day at Farmer Browns.
The Well
At The Well, you can choose your own path for your Stephen’s Day dinner. Are you still too full from the night before? Then share some small plates alongside their specialty cocktails. Or perhaps you’re ready to do it all again and go home with your jeans unbuttoned, so maybe their extensive pizza and pasta menu will entice you. If you’re a non-drinker, The Well have several alcohol-free drinks options that won’t have you feeling left out this Stephen’s Day. Perfectly placed on St Stephen’s Green, you’re spoilt for choice at The Well.
Brasserie Sixty6
If you are a meat lover then Brasserie Sixty6 is the place for you. With an array of steaks available, and even the option of a Meat Board with a selection of their best beef cuts, you’ll be nothing short of stuffed leaving here. Brasserie Sixty6 also have meatless options that sound equally as delicious, like their Deep Fried Breadcrumbed Courgette. They also have plenty of cocktails to choose from if you’d like a boozy Stephen’s Day. A great, festive evening will be had at the always buzzing Brasserie Sixty6.
M&L Chinese Restaurant
Some of Dublin’s best and most authentic Chinese food, M&L is a great place to be this Stephen’s Day to well and truly shake up your festive dining choices! Like they say, when you step through their doors, you’re stepping into the true taste of China.
Lemon & Duke
Lemon & Duke’s stunning interior makes for a gorgeous Stephen’s Day setting, plus tasty food makes the perfect combo for a wonderful evening. L&D’s Louisiana Wings are some of the best around – deliciously sauce-y yet ever-so crispy. Perhaps fish and chips is the way to go to switch up the Christmas menu, or some decadent Arancini stuffed with mozzarella, because it isn’t Christmas without cheese!
Fade Street Social
Fade Street Social is always a good idea, with a focus on delicious wood-fired dishes. Using seasonal, local ingredients, you can opt for smoky meat or fish dishes, or try your hand at one of the uniquely topped wood-fired pizzas, like the Cep, Truffle & Lardo pizza, or the Duck Calzone. Vegans and vegetarians are not forgotten here, with some exciting dishes on offer that aren’t just a mushroom risotto – think charred cucumber or tempura butternut squash. Step out onto the rooftop garden to enjoy some after-dinner cocktails and end your visit on a high note!
Shaku Maku
With their delicious, authentic Palestinian food, friendly staff and fabulous shisha garden, Shaku Maku is a no-brainer for a visit this Stephen’s Day. Whether you’re in the mood for a mixed grill of flavourful meats cooked on their Josper Grill, or a Zaatar manakeesh with a cup of fresh mint tea, a visit here is always enjoyable. Now offering a selection of drinks on tap, some post-Christmas tipple would not go amiss.
The Port House
You don’t need us to tell you that small sharing plates and drinks are everybody’s best friend, especially after a feast the day before. The Port House are the always-reliable restaurant for amazing tapas and an impressive selection of drinks. Their menus are extensive, made to suit everybody’s taste no matter what you’re in the mood for, and are always a guaranteed win. Head here and thank us later.
Boeuf and Boeuf & Coq
Steak lovers already know about Boeuf, and their new sister restaurant, Boeuf & Coq. Using the best quality beef and month-long aged steaks, simplicity is best at these spots. If you love potatoes (who doesn’t!), you will certainly be impressed with their selection of sides, with different kinds of potato gratin, mash, frites and croquettes. Their Boeuftails are a must-try too!
Nan Chinese
Another Chinese spot for you to visit this Stephen’s Day, Nan Chinese offer fan favourites of Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), as well as Sichuan-style stir fries, and an impressive selection of dishes for you to delight in. Their wine menu is one to peruse, perfect for extending the Christmas festivities!
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!
