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The Winding Stair, Dublin, Co. Dublin

The Winding Stair

4.7
4.7
2469 Reviews
€31 to €50
Irish

Make a booking

2 people
23:00
Booked 47 times today

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for scenic views
The Winding Stair Bookshop & Café became a famous Dublin landmark in the 1970s and 1980s. Named after the Yeats poem and in honour of its winding staircase, it is overlooking the river Liffey, with an iconic view of the Ha'penny bridge. As a popular meeting place for writers, musicians and artists, it was a well known hub for debate and creativity with many poems written, novels penned and movies shot within its walls. In 2006, Elaine Murphy brought this much-loved spot back to life as a restaurant, championing seasonal, Irish produce. The bookshop, located on the ground floor, was retained, as were many of the old bookshelves, photos and memories. The room retains its timeless charm with stripped wood tables and floors, and Bentwood café chairs.The view remains as quintessentially Dublin as ever.
The food is good, old-fashioned home cooking, with produce sourced from artisans within the island. Drink sare local and international craft beers & wines from stellar producers.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    €31 to €50
  • Cuisines
    Irish, Seafood, Vegetarian
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Wed–Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Mon, Tue, Sun 5:30 pm–9:00 pm Wed–Sat 5:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (01) 872 7320
  • Payment Options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress

What 2,469 people are saying

The Winding Stair reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Diners' Choice Awards

  • Dublin

    Great for scenic views

  • Dublin

    Irish

  • Dublin 1

    Best Overall

  • Dublin 1

    Best Food

  • Dublin 1

    Best Service

  • Dublin 1

    Best Ambience

  • Dublin 1

    Best Value

  • Dublin 1

    Innovative

  • Dublin 1

    Healthy

  • Dublin 1

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Dublin 1

    Great for fine wines

  • Dublin 1

    Romantic

  • Dublin 1

    Vegetarian-friendly

  • Dublin 1

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Winding Stair offers an enchanting dining experience with "amazing food," a "great view" over the Liffey, and a "charming" atmosphere. Known for its "excellent service" and "delicious" local dishes, this Dublin gem is perfect for any occasion. Guests rave about the "wonderful" wine list and "attentive" staff.

2,469 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Dublin1 review

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great experience, gorgeous food and the staff are so friendly and knowledgeable.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Rebecca VIP

    Greater Boston30 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was excellent and the restaurant was a cozy and welcoming atmosphere

    Is this helpful?

  3. Nicola

    Dublin1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was amazing, staff were really friendly and helpful. Really great setting and would definitely recommend and hope to go back soon. Great place to eat with quality food.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Dublin1 review

    4.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Went for a late lunch. Food was delicious. Get service from staff.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Ian

    Dublin1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great warm welcome , food was fantastic , service was excellent. Recommend by a friend and lived up to expectation. Made our stay in Dublin really special .

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  6. Emma

    Dublin2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Thank you for a delicious lunch with a fabulous view.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Christine

    Dublin1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    À very enjoyable meal, service and company (at the neighbouring table!)

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  8. Margaret

    Oxford2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fresh and quite innovative food with quality ingredients (potted crab starter, roast cauliflower cassoulet with a lovely crunchy texture, and pannacotta and rhubarb dessert), plus great wine pairings. I loved that The Winding Stair made me feel so welcome as a single diner, with a great table overlooking the Liffey and service that was prompt and friendly in the very best low-key way.

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  9. Teresa

    London2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 8 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely restaurant cozy and has a great view of the river.

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  10. Alec

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 8 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Exceptionally good food at a very fair price for the quality. Attentive, friendly service and our host provided a bang-on wine pairing. Lovely atmosphere and memorable dining experience!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Winding Stair is rated 4.7 stars by 2469 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
23:00
Booked 47 times today
Google Map for The Winding Stair

40 Ormond Quay Lower, Dublin, Co. Dublin D01 R9Y5

Additional information

  • Area
    North City Centre
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Wed–Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Mon, Tue, Sun 5:30 pm–9:00 pm Wed–Sat 5:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    €31 to €50
  • Cuisines
    Irish, Seafood, Vegetarian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment Options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, View, Wine
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
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