‘Tis the season (oyster season, that is!) and with the inevitable random heat waves we always get in September, how better to cool down whilst staying boujee with some oysters? Whether you’re heading to the classic places or some more unconventional spots for this delicacy, our guide on where to get oysters in Dublin has you covered.
The Seafood Cafe
When the words ‘Niall Sabongi’ and ‘multi-award-winning’ are involved, you know it’s going to be good. The Seafood Cafe, located in the heart of Dublin in Temple Bar, is the perfect spot for seafood lovers. With seafood sourced exclusively from their sister company, Sustainable Seafood Ireland, you can guarantee that you’ll be dining on the best seafood around. You’ll find the largest selection of oysters in Ireland here, so if you’re really trying to make the most out of oyster season, head to the Seafood Cafe and bask in all the oyster glory.
Hawksmoor
An unconventional spot to appear on this list, as this much-anticipated new restaurant in Dublin is typically known for their steak. However, if you’re up for a different type of surf ‘n turf, Hawksmoor is the spot for you. Although not actually a surf ‘n turf spot, you’ll find a selection of Flaggy Shore and Kelly oysters, with the latter being topped with bone marrow for the real Hawksmoor touch.
For the month of September, Hawksmoor are running a Martini & Oyster Hour (well, hours). Between 5-7pm until 29th September, you can order one of Hawksmoor’s limited edition martinis, in collaboration with Boatyard Gin, for just €12 (normally €14), and pair them with their delicious oysters for half price (€1.50). Don’t walk, run!
Chequer Lane by Jamie Oliver
There’s no better way to celebrate seasonal Irish produce than by eating hearty, nostalgic dishes, and that’s exactly the aim of the game at Chequer Lane by Jamie Oliver. You’ll find a range of enticing seafood dishes here, from classics like fish and chips to a smoked trout paté, to an entire seafood platter. Their oysters are a must-order, coming either naked with all the trimmings, or baked with a delicious garlic butter crumb. If you’re a surf ‘n turf lover, you’ll love theirs, which comes with a sirloin steak, baked oysters, grilled prawns, onion rings and chips – be right back, we’re just booking a table….
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1837 Bar and Brasserie
Whether you’re completing a tour of the Guinness Storehouse or just want to get wined and dined in style, 1837 Bar and Brasserie is a great spot to visit. Named after the year that Guinness and oysters were named a perfect match, you know that the oysters here are sure to be delicious. Exclusively serving Carlingford oysters, with a recommended pairing of Guinness Extra Stout 5.80, you can enjoy a no fuss, no frills experience, where the oysters are allowed to shine.
FX Buckley
Another unconventional one on this list, it seems like steakhouses have a soft spot for oysters (as do we!) The much-loved FX Buckley may be renowned for their incredible steaks, but a side of oysters would not go amiss. You’ll find plenty of locations around the city, with their Pembroke Street, Bull & Castle and Ryan’s Restaurant locations serving 1/2 dozen Achill oysters with a lemon and shallot vinaigrette. However, their Monkstown branch, which specialises in a larger selection of seafood options, serves Connemara, Achill Island and Kelly’s oysters, all served with a chardonnay and shallot vinaigrette. Plus at Ryan’s Bar, you can watch your server shuck oysters at the bar counter!
Urban Brewing
Though not typically a spot for oysters, Urban Brewing will be hosting the Oyster and Stout Festival, from 20-23rd September. Kicking it off with an exciting launch event on Tuesday 19th September, guests can enjoy an enticing selection of six distinct oyster garnishes and six perfectly paired stouts – each ticket includes 4 oysters and 4 paired stouts. Urban Brewing’s Head Chef, Dan Keane, will guide guests through sourcing, shucking, garnishing oysters, all while pairing them with a range of Irish stouts. Get tickets to the launch event here, and the rest of the festival will be walk-in!
Sole
One of Dublin’s best seafood restaurants, it’s no doubt that you can get some of the best oysters in Dublin at Sole too. An experience of luxury is to be expected here, with chic interiors, refreshing drinks from their stylish bar, and of course, some really high quality seafood. A dedicated section for oysters on their menu awaits, with options like a selection of their best oysters served with a raspberry and shallot vinaigrette. You can choose from Carlingford, Achill, Kelly, and DK Connemara oysters. A unique option for those willing to go a little more adventurous are their tempura oysters, served with an Asian dipping sauce and miso mayo – delicious.
The Shelbourne
The Shelbourne is the epitome of elegance, and you can head out onto their enchanting Terrace to enjoy some champagne and seafood. Sheltered from the elements without sacrificing the open-air feel, this is a delightful location to enjoy a spot of luxury. In addition to their selection of seafood like their whiskey cured charred salmon or their enticing seafood platter, you can enjoy half a dozen coastal oysters either naked, or with a bloody Mary or Ponzu dressing.
Matt The Thresher
Matt’s, or Matt The Thresher, is a cosy gastro-pub where your meal is sure to be a delightful one. An enticing selection of seafood is on offer here, with everything from a classic fish and chips, to a steaming shellfish pot, and of course, oysters. You can choose between Carlingford or Connemara oysters, both served with cucumber, mint vinaigrette, mignonette & lemon, or opt for their delectable grilled oysters with crispy garlic and herb breadcrumbs – drooling!
King Sitric
A sunny day always warrants a visit to Howth, and at King Sitric, not only are you getting some of the freshest seafood around, they’ve also got a mobile oyster bar for all your oyster needs! Naturally a visit here warrants a selection of their finest seafood dishes, but since it’s oyster season, a couple of Kelly’s oysters served with a red wine vinegar mignonette can do no harm.
Aqua
Another Howth gem, enjoy the beautiful views of Ireland’s Eye and Howth harbour as you dine on some impeccable seafood at Aqua. If it’s a hot day, you can enjoy some Rock oysters, along with a selection of seafood like dressed crayfish, crab claws and lobster in their cold seafood platter. You can also head to The Boathouse to delight in some Carlingford Oysters with sauce Mignonette. Open for 25 years, Aqua is a tried and true spot for delicious seafood in Howth, plus, they’ve won a number of awards, so you can be sure you’re getting the best quality seafood!
Amy Austin
Not the first place you’d assume to be serving delicious oysters, Amy Austin serve small plates and wine on tap, perfect for a night out with friends for a catch-up. Since you’ll be trying a couple of things from their menu, it’s only right to order a portion of their Giga Oysters, served with Nouc Cham dressing, red chilies, furikake and yuzu gel. Switching it up from the classic vinaigrettes, this is a welcome twist and certainly a must-try.
Dillingers
Sister restaurant to Amy Austin, Dillingers is normally the go-to spot for a crowd-pleaser brunch. Based in Ranelagh, switch up your visit from brunch to dinner and peruse their menu for some appetising dishes like their goat’s curd tortellini, or their pappardelle with eight hour braised beef shin ragu. Of course, they wouldn’t be included on this list if they didn’t serve oysters, and their addition to the oysters in Dublin list comes in the form of Achill oysters that are served with none other than a bacon vinaigrette – oh wow.
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!
