So you're in Dublin and looking to take a break from the typical pubs…read more It's also New Years Eve and you're not sure where to go/didn't bother to plan. As you're walking by, an outdoor patio suddenly catches your eye. It's your lucky day. (Well, sort of. Your husband is still fighting the flu) Marcel's was exactly the restaurant/experience we were looking for while spending a few days in Dublin. The food, wine, dessert, service, and decor = amazing! Food: From the house bread to the dessert, their food exceeded my expectations. We started off the with the prosciutto and tuna tartar. The latter had apple bits, which resulted in a savory, yet refreshing flavor. The avocado cream was also done well. For the main dish, we both had the sirloin steak and it was perfectly done. My husband got it rare; I got it medium-rare. Fries were also just how I like them: not too crunchy and adequately salted. For dessert we ordered the creme brulee (my fav.) and it too exceeded my expectations. Drinks: Excellent wine list. Decor: Posh and elegant decor; dimly lit in a sophisticated way. The plates and silverware also caught my eye. A+. Service: Attentive, but not intrusive. Just right. Price: On the higher end, but well worth it for the points mentioned above. Don't think twice about coming here! ----- Bonus: As mentioned we spent NYE here. Afterwards we went to their bar (on your left after the patio) and it, too, was a great decision. The DJ was on point and chose lively songs to dance to (e.g., Michael Jackson, the Bee Gees). They also gave out glasses and headbands with 2018 as well as complimentary champagne to welcome in the new year. Memorable, fun, and highly recommended. I don't think I could have found a better place if I tried.

Spectacular meal here, from the moment we arrived right the way through to digestif, it was…read morenoteworthy. The place is broken up into different sections allowing for private dining for groups if you so wish - we had an area to our selves for about 30 people. The place is dimly lit and has a slightly modern/plush vibe, there is a smoking balcony on the first floor and an outdoor seating area that partitions the front door from the street, on a summers eve, it is perfect. I had steak, as did a number of my dining companions; each with different preferences as to how it should be cooked (lots of "I like mine rare... but not too rare... sort of mediumish with a bit well done... but blue" (I really pity waiting staff and the crap they have to put up with))... every dish that came out was exactly as requested... it is no small achievement and huge testament to both the kitchen and the waiter who translated the requests. Would go back to Marcel's in a heartbeat.

A beautiful restaurant with a ton of history. Restored from an old home and turned into this…read morewonderful place, I enjoyed immensely. The owner explained the history of the place and graciously accommodated my large group by shutting things down and creating a private experience for us. The menu rotated, but is sourced from local farms. Melt in your mouth beef, flavorful soups, and other delicacies I normally wouldn't try. Highly recommend.

What a lovely space with a lovely history!…read more I was pleasantly surprised by this space. We had a large group and the owner was generous enough to accommodate all of us with no issues at all. The restaurant is located in a historic home and the owner has worked hard to maintain it's old world charm. I especially loved the textured wallpaper and unique tile flooring. The food was beautifully presented, well flavored, and filling. I absolutely recommend the chocolate mousse!

Quick, convenient, meal at the hotel after an overnight flight to Dublin from the U.S…read more Service is good and efficient. Had to have a Guinness and fish & chips for the first night here. Guinness was excellent and washed down the fish & chips well. Chose the skinny fries over the "chips" which was a good decision. Chips are really thick and not fried long enough. Clean, nice space behind the elevator bank and out of sight. Bar are is nice too.

Food is great -- for dessert we got apple crumble and for a snack we got crab boxty. Tasted amazing…read moreand refreshing and light, definitely recommend eating here! The ambiance is also so lively and cute inside. 10/10 recommend!

After a full day exploring the historic grounds of Trinity College, we crossed the street for…read moredinner at The Pig's Ear, a Michelin-recommended restaurant that reimagines traditional Irish cooking with creativity, refinement, and genuine respect for the country's culinary heritage. We began with one of the evening's standout dishes: A layer of finely seasoned beef tartare topped with a plump oyster. It was essentially surf and turf in an oyster shell. It may sound like an unlikely pairing, but the briny sweetness of the oysters and the rich, velvety tartare complemented each other perfectly. Warm Guinness bread served with creamy Irish butter followed--a simple offering elevated by exceptional ingredients and flawless execution. For our mains, we chose two classics that perfectly captured the restaurant's philosophy. The Dublin coddle transformed a humble working-class staple into an elegant, deeply satisfying dish without sacrificing its comforting soul, while the Barnsley lamb chop showcased outstanding Irish produce through expert preparation and an impeccable sauce. Chef Stephen McAllister has built a menu inspired by centuries of Irish cookbooks, folklore, and family recipes, elevating familiar dishes through modern technique rather than reinventing them beyond recognition. It's a thoughtful approach that honors tradition while delivering a dining experience worthy of its Michelin recommendation. The setting is equally charming. Housed in a historic Georgian townhouse overlooking Trinity College, The Pig's Ear feels intimate, welcoming, and effortlessly elegant. Warm wood finishes, leather banquettes, soft lighting, and whimsical pig-themed accents create an atmosphere that invites you to linger. We arrived just after 5:15 p.m. and were fortunate to be seated by the front windows, where we enjoyed views of the college grounds as the evening light settled over Dublin. As with many historic buildings, there are practical limitations. The restaurant is spread across multiple floors connected by steep staircases, making it inaccessible for wheelchair users. During my visit, the sink in the men's restroom was out of order, making handwashing difficult. It was a noticeable oversight in an otherwise polished dining experience. No restaurant is perfect, and the restroom issue should certainly be addressed. Still, the quality of the cooking, the warm hospitality, the beautiful setting, and the restaurant's heartfelt celebration of Irish culinary tradition far outweighed that minor inconvenience. I would happily return the next time I'm in Dublin--and perhaps tuck a small bottle of hand sanitizer into my pocket, just in case.

If you need a break from pub food and want a real meal in Dublin, I can't recommend The Pig's Ear…read moreenough. Easily the best meal I had in the city. The chicken pie was incredible. It is perfectly cooked with great texture, and the subtle curry spice added something really special without overpowering it. The cheesecake was also a highlight, not just for the flavor but for the presentation. For some reason, it comes in a glass jar tucked inside a paper bag. The wait staff were attentive, friendly, and made excellent recommendations. The whole place has a warm, classy atmosphere. This makes it ideal if you're looking for something more elevated while still feeling comfortable. Highly recommend.

Been wanting to try this place for a while. On our way to the National Museum down the street we…read morepopped in for a coffee. This was about 2.30 with the advertised closing time at 3, so we thought we'd have to settle for take out. Not a bit of it. We were waved to a table in a surprisingly small but cozy room just as a massive posse of, I'm guessing, law students from Blackhall Place also descended. Anyway, service was brisk and there seemed to be no pressure to leave so we upped our order to a spectacular BLT served with excellent chips. My companion ordered a scone which was pretty good too. Coffee was excellent. Will go back for a more substantial meal next time. The omens were pretty good.

Something just didn't click…read more Iunno if it's just because I don't like cooked greens in my meals or not but I don't think it was just that. On this particular day I ordered the Chorizo Benedict and it definitely looked good. All the ingredients were cooked enough but the flavor's didn't blend as much as I'm used to with Benny's. I think I would of liked it more if the Hollandaise sauce had just a little bit more flavor. Aside from that the decor is stunning and the staff like most people I've met in Ireland, were super kind!

A little slice of France by the castle in Dublin. The ambiance is just perfect and the food…read moreoutstanding. They have only fix price menu of 2 items (appetizer + entre) and 3 adding desert. There are 10 apps and entres to chose from, all traditional French brasserie staples. The wine list is very good with plenty of choices. The food is excellent and plenty full. We had a the escargots served in the shell (I usually prefer in crock but these were very good. The wife had the mussels and I had the duck. Both were delicious. We also tried the crème brûlée. Also very good.

Absolutely amazing. The outdoor patio is cute and was perfect on the slightly cool rainy day. Food…read morewise every bite was amazing. If I'm ever back in Dublin would probably go back for more.

I went with a group of 10 on a work night and really enjoyed the food and ambiance. I had the…read moremussels and the hake and both were fabulously good, packed with flavour and perfectly cooked. The service was good overall but at times the staff were a little bit tetchy and there was no need as the restaurant was only half full. Having said that the decanting of the wine was impressive. I will definitely go back though and I would recommend to anyone looking for really good contemporary Irish cuisine (cooked in a French classic rustic style) in a great location too. Really good chefs and kitchen who know what they're doing and a beautiful premises.

Ordered the eggs Benedict, pain au chocolat, and latte. The eggs were perfectly runny. The Benedict…read moretasted delicious. & the pain was surprisingly big for the price. Good chocolate flavor. The latte paired well and was a good "pick me up" after the meal.

After a day of walking all over Dublin, we wanted to give this restaurant try since it's close to…read moreour hotel so we could eat then relax. Was Not Disappointed!! We made reservations online at the bistro--they have three areas a the bistro is laid back and bustling. The wine bar and terrace also have food and seem very low vibe and chill, a little more relaxed than the bistro if you want something cozy. The main restaurant, the bistro, was bustling and busy, with waitstaff constantly circulating to take orders and deliver food and drinks; if we needed something we didn't have to wait for our particular server to order or request anything. The atmosphere ranged from casual to business casual, so we didn't feel like we were underdressed. The menu is varied so there really is something for everybody! Roasted chicken, fish, steak, fire roasted vegetable dish, in addition to either a set course option or à la carte. I went with the 3 course set, which gave me a lot of options for the starter, main, and dessert. We both ordered the Irish Hereford steaks, which were cooked to perfection! Absolutely delicious, and excellent ambience. Definitely a good plan to reserve a spot, it was super busy! Great way to end our day! We may go back again before we leave Dublin, since we know we're going to get a fantastic experience.

Joining the cast of thousands who think this is a trendy yet classic pick, I'll concur the Roly's…read moreexperience didn't disappoint. Visiting in the height of lunch crowds, I was amazed they could squeeze me in without a reservation, and I ended up packed tightly among the locals. As I've been on a food-fest since touching down in this fair land, I determined to "go light" in preparation for much indulging later. This state of affairs eventually led me to the wonderful Caesar, with chicken added. It was lovely and tasty, etc. I was of course full of order envy seeing all the delightful choices around me: lots of shrimp, today's roast rib special, and myriad sandwiches. Lunch dessert is real, and it thrives here. Add that to reasons why my timing was off in this visit, should I intend not to gain pounds and pounds with gelato, cakes, etc. So I'll enjoy my Americano, made decadent with the added milk, and dream of calories. I'll return for another lunch and perhaps if I'm lucky, dinner.