Dublin is world famous for its welcoming culture, its thriving nightlife and its stunning city centre. However, Dublin also has an amazing food and restaurant scene, crammed with lively hotspots and great places to dine with a group. Ireland also has some of the best produce in Europe when it comes to premium meat and succulent seafood. From traditional Irish eateries to diverse international cuisines, the best restaurants for groups in Dublin promise some unforgettable times.
An American-style diner with a hearty menu and fun, retro look is ideal for a night on the town with friends or a themed party. Stunning Italian eateries give you a taste of the Mediterranean combined with seasonal Irish produce. Elsewhere, you can get the family together and enjoy a slap-up pub lunch. These popular spots are the top 9 best restaurants for groups in Dublin.
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Read on for the best restaurants for groups in Dublin
For a stylish brunch at one of the best restaurants for groups in Dublin – head to Isabelle’s South City Centre
With its central location and stylish vibe, Isabelle’s in the South city centre is one of the best restaurants for groups in Dublin. Drop in for a glass of wine or a cocktail on the outdoor terrace or enjoy an indulgent lunch after a morning exploring the shops. The menu offers modern European dishes with a refined touch, such as Iberico Secreto pork with dates and almonds or the braised beef cheek tagliatelle. There is also a group dinner option which includes a set menu for groups of 12 or more. If a celebratory brunch sounds more up your street, Isabelle’s Restaurant puts on a decadent weekend spread, with two courses and prosecco for €42 per head. The craft cocktail menu includes signature drinks and contemporary classics.
For high-end Italian food at one of the best restaurants for groups in Dublin – don’t miss NoLIta in George’s Street
NoLIta in George’s Street is a sophisticated Italian eatery that brings together the glamour of a New York cocktail bar and the flavours of Mediterranean dining. The lively atmosphere and spacious booths make this a great spot for a group night out or an office party. Diners can order a finger food spread that includes tasty nibbles, like duck and mozzarella arancini and Italian bruschetta for €18 per person. The restaurant also offers a delicious set menu that features pancetta mac and cheese croquettes and creamy chicken Florentine. NoLIta also caters fully to vegan diners and serves an amazing American Italian brunch, including fluffy pancake stacks or warm pesto focaccia. Creative, Italian-themed cocktails, like the limoncello-based Italian Stallion or the whisky and bitters Public Enemy, playfully celebrate American Italian heritage and history.
For lively parties and innovative Irish cuisine at one of the best restaurants for large groups in Dublin – visit Morrison Grill at the Morrison Hotel in North City Centre
Specialising in mouthwatering steaks and Irish produce, Morrison Grill at the Morrison Hotel in North City Centre puts an innovative spin on modern, regional cuisine. Steaks are prepared on the Josper charcoal grill and the kitchen focuses on fresh seasonal produce for the best in taste and quality. The Morrison Grill is also one of the best restaurants in Dublin for groups, with a chic, elegant dining room and a private room that seats 60. The private room also has a dance floor, making it great for birthday parties. Highlights on the menu include the lobster and crab ravioli and the 28 days dry aged Hereford rib-eye. You can also celebrate with afternoon tea or sit down for a hearty Sunday roast of prime beef rib or roasted lemon chicken. Local beers and fine wines are the perfect accompaniment, and the restaurant offers relaxing riverfront views.
For intimate group dining and stellar service at one of Dublin’s best restaurants – head to Café en Seine in Dawson Street
Café en Seine on Dawson Street is a truly unique dining experience and one of the best restaurants for groups in Dublin. The gorgeous interior is modelled on Parisian architecture to look like an indoor Paris street and several elegant nooks where you can enjoy an intimate private party. The grand feel is complemented by a relaxed vibe and a simple menu that showcases French bistro cuisine made from the best seasonal Irish produce. Tuck into a crab brioche roll or try classic French onion soup. Popular mains include suckling pig served in a sausage and lentil cassoulet and veal Bolognese. The restaurant’s brunch menu is equally spectacular, with creative dishes like the Mexican pulled pork hash and truffled baked eggs.
For award-winning pizza and one of the best restaurants for groups in Dublin – try Little Pyg in Dame Street
Little Pyg on Dame Street is known for Neapolitan-style pizzas and serving some of the best Italian food in Dublin. Chefs working at Little Pyg train with MICHELIN-recognised chef and pizza master, Enzo Coccia, and pizzas are prepared using premium Italian ingredients and cooked in a traditional brick oven. The stylish location and vibrant atmosphere make this a great spot for groups – not to mention that hearty Italian food is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. Diners at Little Pyg can sample classic starters, like homemade minestrone soup and crispy calamari. The pizza menu offers treats for vegetarians and meat lovers alike, with toppings like creamy 4 cheese pizza, spicy gorgonzola with nduja and honey and prosciutto and funghi. The cocktail menu features an array of luxe signature drinks, making this a great spot for a night out with friends.
For exquisite Thai cuisine at one of the best Dublin restaurants for groups – don’t miss Red Torch Ginger Dublin 2 in South City Centre
Situated in the bustling heart of Dublin 2, Red Torch Ginger Dublin 2 in the South City Centre provides a delectable dining experience that will give diners a taste of Thai cuisine. The restaurant offers set menus for small parties and for larger groups, with mouthwatering dishes like the chicken and cashew stir fry or crispy duck tamarind. If you love shellfish, Red Torch Ginger offers a mixed seafood phad kee mao – also known as drunken noodles. There is also a vegan set menu, which includes vegan phad Thai. The bar staff expertly prep a selection of classic and signature cocktails and there is a selection of Irish craft beer and cider available. The restaurant has a chic, smart casual vibe and can accommodate groups of up to 32 people, making this an ideal spot for a family get-together or an office party.
For classic Irish food and a rustic feel at one of the best restaurants for groups in Dublin – visit Gallagher’s Boxty House in Temple Bar
Experience hearty Irish dishes in a lively, rustic setting at Gallagher’s Boxty House in Temple Bar – one of the best Dublin restaurants for groups. This classic Irish eatery is popular with large parties and groups of up to 20, ensuring a bustling atmosphere that’s great for the craic. The restaurant also hosts live music and storytelling events, and the kitchen specialises in traditional Irish pub food, with plenty of homey dishes. If you fancy a late lunch or an early dinner, the Beer and Boxty €25 special runs from 2-5:30 pm every day and features dishes like fillet medallions or baked organic Irish salmon. The evening menu also includes tasting platters, like the artisanal Irish cheeseboard or the Boxty meat and cheese platter, which are good for sharing. Get merry with a signature gin and tonic or sip a snifter of Irish whiskey.
For American-diner-style food at one of the best pubs in Dublin – head to Thunder Road Café in Temple Bar
With its retro diner-style decor and classic American menu, Thunder Road Café in Temple Bar has a fun, youthful feel and is one of the best restaurants for groups in Dublin. Get together with your friends and chow down on a Thunder Road sharing platter that comes with juicy smoked BBQ ribs, buffalo wings and nachos. Mouthwatering mains include things like the f#@k you burger – three prime Irish beef patties topped with cheese, bacon and onion rings – and the smoked chicken enchiladas. Desserts are just as much fun, with Oreo cheesecake and other classic Thunder Road shakes. The drinks menu is designed for groups who want to have a fun night out, with specialties like the 9-drink cocktail tree or the Thunder beer tower. The central location makes this a brilliant place for a party in the city.
For fine French dining at one of best restaurants for large groups in Dublin – try l’Gueuleton in South City Centre
Combining delicious Irish produce with classic French bistro-style dining l’Gueuleton in the South City Centre is one of Dublin’s most popular eateries. The gorgeous rustic decor incorporates exposed red brick, wood and flagstone floors and elegant outdoor seating to help transport diners to a fashionable Parisian avenue. The menu is equally stylish, with famous French starters like beef tartare and Rockefeller oysters. Hearty mains, like beef bourguignon or duck à l’orange are simple and tasty. At weekends, diners at l’Gueuleton can enjoy a French brunch, with tempting options like the moules and ‘nduja or the croque monsieur. Classic brunch cocktails, like Bloody Mary’s and bellinis are a chic way to start your weekend. Go with a group and soak up the relaxed, continental vibes.
For delicious Japanese food at one of the best restaurants for groups in Dublin – don’t miss Yamamori South City in George’s Street
Yamamori South City in George’s Street has been in business since 1995 and is one of the best restaurants for groups in Dublin. This Japanese restaurant has an elegant, traditional feel and serves a range of dishes, from sushi and Japanese yakitori to warming ramen. Order a selection of fresh sashimi for the table and tuck into premium seafood, such as lean bluefin tuna or yellowtail. You can also try the chef’s seafood mix of tempura battered shellfish. Varied sushi platters are excellent for dining with a group and feature classic preparations, such as nigiri and moriawase. You can also order sushi omakase and enjoy specially curated sushi for your group. Asian-inspired sake-based cocktails are the perfect accompaniment for your meal.
Dublin is a vibrant city with a great music culture and bustling nightlife scene, making it a brilliant place to go out in a group. Make sure your party doesn’t go hungry at the best restaurants for groups in Dublin. From traditional Irish food to world cuisines, you’ll find something for everyone.
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Want to find out more about Dublin’s amazing food scene? Check out these city guides:
- Dublin’s best bottomless brunch restaurants to check out now
- The best sushi restaurants in Dublin to book ASAP
- 10 of the best cocktail bars in Dublin for your next night out
- The 10 best Sunday roasts in Dublin for a stunning lunch feast
- Dublin’s best brunch restaurants to check out now
- 10 of the best bars in Dublin for great drinks and craic
- The 10 best romantic restaurants in Dublin for any kind of date night
- 10 of the best Italian restaurants in Dublin for outstanding pizza and pasta
