RIGHT now, Ireland is adapting to a five-level framework for managing the risk of COVID-19. This “medium-term approach” brings with it a series of restrictions that are being applied on a county by county basis.
While the majority of the country is at Level 2, Dublin is currently at Level 3 meaning that all wet bars (bars that don’t serve food), nightclubs, discos, and casinos must remain closed. However, restaurants and cafes may remain open for select services and at a limited capacity of 15 customers.
With this in mind, we wanted to highlight just some of the capital’s eateries that are providing take-away, delivery, and outdoor dining.
Woolen Mills, Dublin 1
Centrally located in Dublin’s city centre, this historical eatery has both outdoor street seating as well as an incredible rooftop terrace looking onto a beautiful cityscape. The restaurant is now open but booking is essential.
Wallace’s Asti, Dublin 1
Conveniently located in Drumcondra, just off the North Circular Road near Croke Park, this Sardinian-inspired restaurant has pizza, pasta, and a spacious outdoor terrace on offer. Book your table on their website here.
Sfuso Gastronomia Italiana, Dublin 1
Nestled in Dublin’s Italian Quarter, Sfuso is a wine bar and deli with an extensive menu filled with cheese, carbs, cold cuts, and wine. To book a table under their terraced seating, call 018880834 or order from their online shop to enjoy at home.
Wigwam, Dublin 1
Known for hosting DJs and bottomless brunches, this Middle Abbey St hotspot may be more subdued than usual but their doors are still firmly open. Running from Thursday – Sunday, from 12pm to 11:30pm, they have terraced and street seating available to book here. Takeaway and collection services are also available.
Drury Buildings, Dublin 2
With a beautiful garden and balcony at their disposal, the Drury Buildings are perfectly set up for outdoor dining. You can e-mail reservations@drurybuildings.com or call 01-9602095 to make a booking.
Sophie’s Rooftop, Dublin 2
A glasshouse rooftop restaurant at the top of The Dean on Harcourt Street, Sophie’s is an Instagrammable dream. Offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, non-residents of the hotel can book in to dine on the heated outdoor terrace here.
Gotham Café, Dublin 2
Nestled away on St. Anne’s St – just off Grafton St – Gotham Café is one of the best casual dining spots the capital has to offer with a mouth-watering menu of pizza, summer salads, burgers and sandwiches. Now, thanks to their neighbours at Kehoe’s pub, the team at Gotham has outdoor seating on offer from Thursday to Sunday from 12pm.
FIRE Steakhouse & Bar, Dublin 2
If you’re looking for somewhere special to dine out on date night, head on over to for al fresco dining under an outdoor terrace. Additionally, to celebrate its 15th birthday, the restaurant has put the finishing touches on an outdoor snug complete with heaters, cover, and individually wrapped blankets. Click here for bookings.
The Palace Bar, Dublin 2
If you want to watch the match with your meal, head to The Palace Palazzo. The outdoor dining area is serving pizza, chicken wings, and their finest Porter outdoors. Booking is not available so you’ll just have to chance your arm when walking by!
Piglet Wine Bar, Dublin 2
Open from 12pm – 9.30pm, this Temple Bar venue is offering outdoor terraced seating and a brand new “Restriction Menu” which includes three courses for €35 or €29.50 for 2 courses. You can make your booking here. Click and collect is also available.
Coppinger Row, Dublin 2
Despite their limited seating, Coppinger Row has some spectacular people-watching views and outdoor seating on offer. Located in the heart of Dublin’s Creative Quarter, the restaurant will be open from Thursday – Sunday for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. E-mail info@coppingerrow.com to book your table.
Pygmalion, Dublin 2
Two steps away from Coppinger Row, you will find Pygmalion. Formerly known as one of the best spots for a Sunday Funday – back when Sunday Fundays were a thing – this venue has terraced seating on offer from 1pm seven days a week. Alternatively, you can order pizzas and cocktails* to your door until 10pm. Click here for more info.
Balfes, Dublin 2
If you’re dying to dress up for something special, why not sit in the beautiful terraced bar of Balfe’s at The Westbury hotel? Settle in under a blanket for a bite to eat and a spot of people watching, you never know who you’ll come across.
Ukiyo, Dublin 2
Famed for its karaoke, bento boxes, deadly deejays, and disco dancing, Ukiyo has a special place in many a Dub’s heart. If you’re craving a california roll, head over to their terrace on Exchequer St, they’re currently working on making it as warm and cosy as possible. Click here for more info.
Platform 61, Dublin 2
If you’re looking to book a decadent day out with the girls, check out Platform 61. Their menu is so good (we recommend The Stun Bun), they’ve decided to keep their all-day brunch menu going through Level 3. You can book outdoor seating on South William Street, by visiting www.platform61.ie but walk-ins are welcome. Delivery services are also available via Deliveroo.
The Swan Bar, Dublin 2
Having teamed up with The Dublin Pizza Company, this Aungier street pub has “outdoor seating and pizza from 2pm till the sun goes down”. Sounds good to us!
Las tapas de Lola, Dublin 2
One of Dublin’s favourite tapas spots, Las tapas de Lola, is offering a Pica Pica menu during Level 3 restrictions. Located in the heart of Wexford Street, with terraced outdoor heating, you can dine outdoors from 5pm Wednesday to Sunday. For bookings mail book@lastapasdelola.com.
L’Gueuleton, Dublin 2
If you need another people-watching spot to sit at while you munch on lunch, look no further than L’Gueleton on Fade Street. The bistro is now open for walk-ins from noon onwards but booking is advisable. Additionally, they will be serving breakfast every weekday from 8am-12pm in the terraced Le Grand Bar.
3 Leaves, Dublin 4
If it’s a casual but delicious dining experience you’re after, head over to this spot in Blackrock. Run by husband and wife team Chef Santosh and Milie, this award-winning Indian restaurant is offering up takeaway and outdoor dining from 12:30pm on. Keep an eye on their Instagram for updates.
Saba, Dublin 4
Saba’s Secret Garden on Upper Baggot Street has been fitted with a canopy to ensure that bad weather won’t spoil your outdoor dining experience. Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are advised, you can make your booking on their website here.
Michael’s, Dublin 4
Located on Deerpark Rd in Mount Merrion, Michael’s is hands down one of Dublin’s finest fish restaurants. Owner and Chef Gaz Smith offers up a feast of shellfish, pasta, arancini, and steak – with the menu daily. Now, to combat the cold, the restaurant has set up outdoor heaters along with hot water bottles and blankets to keep guests cosy.
(SOURCE: RTENEWS)
