My sisters and I made a pact that we’ll be good this year—healthier and fitter. But as we slowly built a habit of walking and jogging along Dún Laoghaire’s coastal town with scenic sunset views, we somehow walked straight into a seafood feast!
We figured fish was healthy (and it is on its own), so we decided to keep it light and order small portions. But no. That plan quickly went out the window! Next thing we knew, we were asking for seconds… and dessert.
At that point, guilt wasn’t even an option anymore. So we decided to just call it a “cheat day.” We even made a list of our top dining spot picks for next time! Here are our favourite restaurants in Dún Laoghaire for when you just want to treat yourself.
Where can I eat good food in Dún Laoghaire?
There are a bunch of dining spots where you can eat good food in Dún Laoghaire! Notable ones are Toscana, Hartley’s, Happy Out, Bite of China, and Miami Cafe for a hearty meal or a quick bite.
Toscana
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Website: https://www.toscana.ie/
Address: 5 Windsor Terrace
Contact Details: +353 1 230 0890, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12:30 PM to 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Pricing: €35 per person
Toscana is a must-see restaurant in Dún Laoghaire if you want something traditionally Italian in a rustic, cosy setting. You’ll find various pasta, pizza, and seafood dishes with many sauces and locally sourced veggies.
We recommend going for the Bolognese or seafood pasta. The signature Toscana pizza with ham and salami is a hit for us too! There are many wines, but you can try refreshing cocktails or aperitivos (pre-meal drinks), like Aperol spritz.
And if you still have room for sweets, we like the tiramisu and panna cotta, which are crowd favourites. Though if you wish for something familiar, the chocolate cake here is also a classic.
Pro tip:
Looking for parking? There’s a car park right opposite Toscana overlooking the sea. Just remember to arrive earlier than planned to snag a good spot!
Hartley’s
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Website: http://www.hartleys.ie/
Address: 1 Harbour Road, Dún Laoghaire Station
Contact Details: +353 1 280 6767, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Monday – Closed
Pricing: €15 – €30 per person
Hartley’s offers a contemporary European and Irish combo if you seek fancy flavours at a place with elegant townhouse interiors. The atmosphere is also casual and swanky, so we bet you can bring someone special here for memorable occasions.
We suggest going for the fresh fish of the day, halibut fish and chips, or oysters. Though if you prefer something more filling, we also like the steaks and roasted vegetables.
To top it all off, we say go for the Irish whiskey-soaked cake or the dark chocolate mousse dessert later—both lush and rich!
Good to know:
Want to burn off extra calories after dining at Hartley’s? We say either go for a lovely stroll around the restaurant or go to Dún Laoghaire Shopping Centre, just 3 to 5 minutes away by car, to window shop!
Happy Out
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Website: http://www.happyout.ie/
Address: Windsor Terrace
Contact Details: +353 83 004 2566, +353 86 130 3925, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 7 AM to 5 PM
Pricing: €10 – €20 per person
Should you want lighter options, Happy Out has a vibrant menu with several guilt-free and hearty items for breakfast and brunch. The spot is also chic and relaxed with tons of plants and wood. A minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired theme overall.
The highlights for us are the smashed avocado toast, grilled cheese, and breakfast burrito. There are lots of coffee choices like latte and cappuccino too. Alternatively, you can get fresh juices or smoothies for a refreshing kickstart.
We like that its desserts are quite simple yet tasty, such as the banana bread and carrot cake, often made fresh every day.
Friendly reminder:
Note that Happy Out’s seats are limited. For us, it’s smart to go here more on weekdays or just consider getting takeaways on weekends.
Bite of China
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Website: http://www.biteofchina.ie/
Address: 59 George’s Street Lower
Contact Details: +353 1 231 1726
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Pricing: €10 – €20 per person
Sometimes, you just need your comfort Chinese food. Bite of China can offer this with a strong Sichuan and Northern Chinese influence. This means either spicy dishes, as well as garlic chilli and Sichuan peppercorns.
Our favourites are the steamed dumplings, but you can have them fried too. We also like the spicy beef noodle soup for a bit of a kick. Yet if you want a different experience, why not try the pig’s ear salad or duck neck? They might surprise you!
We also find the drinks interesting. For one, you can choose soy milk or plum juice. Occasionally, BYOB (bringing your own booze) is allowed, but we suggest asking the staff first. Afterwards, we love us some red bean buns and fried banana for a nice treat.
Before you eat:
If you aren’t big on spice, we advise asking the staff at Bite of China to give you the “mild” options—some dishes here could be served hot by default!
Sushida
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Website: http://www.sushida.ie/
Address: Unit 3, The Pavilion Complex, Marine Rd
Contact Details: +353 1 567 1688 [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Pricing: €20 – €30 per person
Is it time for sushi? Sushida has that and more! You can also pair that with its warm tonkotsu (pork marrow broth) ramen and rice bowls. We also like this Japanese spot’s fresh and vibrant options in a calming, minimalist space with soft wood accents.
As for the grub, we recommend getting the sushi platter right away—we bet you’ll love the mix of maki, nigiri, and sashimi! Should you be going with a date, we love the salmon lover’s plate too.
For us, it’s nice to order those with Japanese beers like Asahi or Sapporo. But of course, we think you can’t leave without trying the fun desserts. Why not try the traditional options, like matcha cheesecake or mochi ice cream?
Cool idea:
We suggest sitting near the counter at Sushida if you want to be near the action! Watch the chefs do their thing and perhaps even chat with them about their recommendations!
Miami Cafe
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Website: https://www.miamicafe.ie/
Address: 55 George’s Street Lower
Contact Details: +353 1 280 6067
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 1 PM to 10 PM
Pricing: €10 – €20 per person
Miami Cafe is an “Irish cafe meets American diner” situation. We suggest coming here if you want a generous portion for breakfast. Moreover, we adore its retro theme! It’s got a touch of the 1950s with classic red booths and quirky interiors.
The best items for us include classic comfort food, such as pancakes, toasties, and burgers. We bet you won’t get thirsty with its numerous drink options too—milkshakes, sodas, tea, and coffee.
Don’t miss out on the hearty desserts as well! We like the sticky toffee pudding the most, but the apple tart and ice cream sundaes also seem to be good alternatives.
Safety first:
Make sure to blow on your food before digging in—some of Miami Cafe’s food items are served piping hot!
Spice Aroma
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Website: https://www.spicearoma.ie/
Address: 47 George’s Street Lower
Contact Details: +353 1 280 0923, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 4 PM to 10:30 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 4 PM to 10:30 PM
- Friday – 4 PM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 1 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 1 PM to 10:15 PM
Pricing: €20 – €30 per person
In the mood for more flavour? Spice Aroma could be the Indian restaurant you’ve been looking for! It offers Nepalese cuisine too. We appreciate that this spot is warm and comfy, with gentle Indian music to make it welcoming.
We have our eyes on the warm and comforting chicken tikka masala (roasted, marinated chicken in a creamy tomato sauce), Nepalese momos (dumplings), and paneer tikka (marinated cottage cheese).
In our opinion, the mango lassi (yoghurt-based) drink complements the dishes well too! The gulab jamun (fried dough balls in rose syrup) and kulfi (Indian frozen milk delight) are also the most indulgent desserts here for us.
Handy hack:
Unsure what to order at Spice Aroma? We suggest getting a platter of starters first! For us, those samosas (savoury, triangular pastries) and momos (dumplings) are too good to miss.
Milano
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Website: https://www.milano.ie/dun-laoghaire
Address: Harbour Square, Crofton Rd
Contact Details: +353 1 663 7640
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
Pricing: €20 – €30 per person
Coming with a big crew? We bet the most popular option you might want in Dún Laoghaire is pizza! For that, Milano provides a big menu with many options, as well as pastas and small plates. This place is very kid-friendly too!
We say go all out with the Romana pizza with a thinner, crispier base so you can enjoy more bites without feeling full right away. We also like the American Hot or Padana flavours to have the best of sweet and savoury in one.
To balance it all out, we recommend getting the chocolate fondant or the mini dessert with hot drink combo—we believe kids and kids at heart would love these the most.
Must-know move:
Don’t forget to mention your food allergies or preferences at Milano beforehand! This spot can give vegan and gluten-free options to ensure something good for everyone.
The Jungle
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Website: http://thejungle.ie/
Address: 65a, 65 George’s Street Upper
Contact Details: +353 1 565 0935
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Pricing: €10 – €20 per person
The Jungle offers an amazing variety with its Indian and Sri Lankan fusion! For us, this restaurant is interesting with its creative presentations and bold spices.
And from its name, we adore that the whole theme is vibrant and eclectic. You’ll be surrounded by lush greens and playful lighting! We say enjoy all this with our top picks—butter chicken bao (wrap) buns and Sri Lankan lamb curry.
Besides tropical cocktails with fruits, rum, or spices, we also like the good ‘ol craft beer. For a bright sunny vibe, we suggest trying the mango sticky rice or the coconut and cardamom panna cotta too!
Cute idea:
Know someone who can play the piano? Bring them to The Jungle—they have a pink piano here, and many diners love playing with it!
Firebyrd
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Website: https://firebyrd.ie/dun-laoghaire/
Address: 66 George’s Street Upper
Contact Details: +353 87 171 0894, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday to Monday – Closed
Pricing: €10 – €20 per person
Is today your cheat day? Then what better way than to start with wings? Firebyrd, from its name, focuses on the best of chicken—fried or wings with loaded sides. We bet you’ll also feel at ease with its casual ambience with neon lights and funky artwork.
The way we see it, the buttermilk fried chicken here is the best thing on the menu! Otherwise, we reckon you might like the Korean BBQ wings or mac and cheese.
As for the sweet treats, think indulgent—we love the deep-fried Oreos, banoffee pie, and brownie sundaes. The food options here feel like a ‘go big or go home’ vibe, so we urge you to still watch out for those extra calories.
For the neat freaks:
Expect to be a messy-eater at Firebyrd! If you think table napkins aren’t enough, we say bring your own wet wipes, as well as alcohol or hand sanitiser to keep things clean!
F.X. Buckley
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Website: https://www.thebuckleycollection.ie/copy-of-monkstown-steak-seafood-1
Address: 3A Monkstown Cres
Contact Details: +353 1 284 6187, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 1 PM to 10 PM
- Tuesday to Friday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Pricing: €25 – €30 per person
All about the steaks? F.X. Buckley is an Irish steakhouse that many patrons love to visit now and then. It offers premium cuts of beef, so we think this spot really knows its meat. Plus, we love the old-school atmosphere with the dim lighting and dark wood.
For us, start strong with a ribeye or fillet steak. In our opinion, there are solid surf and turf options too! But of course, we love variety, so don’t forget to choose a good side, like the gratin (thinly sliced, baked) potatoes, creamed spinach, or onion rings.
You can also end the feast strongly with a good ice cream from the spot’s selection or just go for the 70s chocolate fondant. But these are quite filling, so we suggest leaving enough room for them.
Smart advice:
Be sure to book F.X. Buckley ahead if you plan on dining here. While some diners get accepted at the last minute, we don’t think you should risk the hassle or disappointment.
The Purty Kitchen
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Website: https://www.purtykitchen.com/
Address: 3-5, 3-5 Old Dunleary Rd
Contact Details: +353 1 284 3576, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12 PM to 12:30 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Monday to Tuesday – Closed
Pricing: €40 per person
The Purty Kitchen is where to go after a day of exploration with your pals at Dún Laoghaire! It’s a modern Irish gastropub that serves elevated classics and great drinks. Being among Dublin’s oldest pubs, its old charm can be seen with exposed bricks and fireplaces.
The highlights for us are the signature burger, pan-fried hake (cod), and fish pie. But don’t miss out on the roast dinners too—we reckon these are the real deal.
And those who get full can relax with an Irish coffee while trying some of our top dessert picks—the lemon dessert (with mascarpone cream and meringue) or the chocolate brownie.
Hot idea:
Love music? We recommend checking The Purty Kitchen’s schedule for live music nights in advance! This way, you won’t miss it when this pub hosts local talents or evening folk sessions.
Bresson
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Website: https://bresson.ie/
Address: 4a Monkstown Cres, Dún Laoghaire
Contact Details: +353 1 284 4286, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 12 PM to 6 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 5 PM to 9:30 PM
- Thursday to Friday – 12 PM to 2:30 PM, 5 PM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 2:30 PM, 5 PM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 8 PM
Pricing: €125+ per person
Have enough on you to indulge in fine dining? Bresson is a swanky French place with Irish influences to make it happen!
We also find the restaurant so sophisticated with the warm lighting, crips and clean table linens, and even pleasant jazz music!
But what caught our eye the most was the fillet of beef with béarnaise (rich egg yolk sauce), orange duck, and roast cod. We think vegetarians are also in for a treat, with the gnocchi (small dumplings) and seasonal risottos (short-grained rice dish).
Romantic idea:
Consider booking Bresson’s private dining room for birthdays, anniversaries, and other events. You can even have your own music playlist serenade you and someone special in the background! Plus, you’ll get a dedicated bathroom and coat area.