Anychance you want to play arcades and feed on vegan fares? Sit in a Hong Kongsubway and have a ‘Peking Duck’? Or dive in an opulent art-deco bistro andtaste award-winning co*cktails? More than a typical dining experience, “Over inIreland” takes you on an unconventional foodie’s venture.
Based in Dublin, these kooky beaneries offer a getaway to another world. Both carbon and drug-free escape that delivers a genuine sense of timelessness and unlimited liberty.
Not only have they stood out by their unique concepts, but also through the quality of their menu. Two essentials that make them both intriguing and exciting.
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Top Unusual and Funky Eateries in Dublin
Beyondthe eccentric mise-en-scène, our outlandishdirectory will also take you on a cosmopolitan culinary tour. From Georgia toTokyo, this list of “14 Best Quirky and Unusual Restaurants in Dublin” will spiceup your meals and broaden your horizons.
#1The Church
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What is it? After a 7-year restoration and a 2ndownership, the 18th-century gallery church turned into anunbelievable hospitality business. The modernistic glass-tower, which lights upat night, intensely contrasts with the attached classical institution. Thisplace of History had the beer genius, Arthur Guinness officiating his wedding,as well as ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ author Jonathan Swift attending mass. Today,the revamped religious site features a café, four bars (beer garden included),a restaurant and a nightclub.
If you want to grab lunch or a casual dinner, head tothe ‘Main bar’ (only), and choose either a light bite (salad, sandwich orappetizers) or a main course such as “Baby Back Pork Ribs” or “Slow RoastedStuffed Bell Pepper.”
A fine-diningalternative takes place in the high ceiling ‘Gallery’ (open from 5:00 PM daily),next to the gargantuan Renatus Harris Organ (on which Georg Friedrich Handelpractised ‘Messiah’!). Order from theeponymous 3-course set menu or à la carte,and savour the ‘Basil and Ricotta ravioli’ or the ‘Grilled Corn-fed ChickenSupreme’ in the most quirky décor of the capital.
Why people love it: Cuisine, staff, and ambiance provide a perfect combo. Vegetarians, vegans, carnivores and flexitarians will find at least one dish to satisfy their appetite.
Price: Lunch/Dinner at theBar: Average to Pricey
Gallery Restaurant: Expensive to Super Expensive (Early Bird Menu From5:00 PM to 6:00 PM)
Address: Junction of Mary St. and, Jervis St, Dublin 1
Note:
- “Self Guided Tour” availablein The Church, every day, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Bar lunch: 10+ people, add 10%service charge
- €30Movie deal from Sunday to Thursday: one main, one drink, one movie at CineworldDublin (nearby)
- Roaston Sundays
- Sundayto Thursday, free Irish dance and music live show in the ‘Main Bar.’
#2The Big Blue Bus at The Bernard Shaw
What is it? The Bus at “The Bernard Shaw” is our 2nd most popular quirkyvenue. The pizzeria, located in a 1979 double-decker will entertain yourevening like never before. Not only, it is eccentric, but also it is super cheap!Your belly will be full of a delicious stone-baked, handmade and organic pizza,for less than a tenner. Top it up with a pint, and make the most of the ‘BigBlue Bargain” for a total of €10.
The laid-back venue also suggests shishas, Moroccan mint tea andbruschetta. Eat inside the coach (it fills up quickly) or out where a gaudybohemian vibe emerges. Surrounded by jugglers (at times) and colourful designs,early birds will relax listening to indie tracks such as ‘Hunting Hall.’Latecomers, seeking for a night bliss, will step into a different ambience with‘Yaeji’ or ‘Bloody Mary.’
If youwant to be the music, you can always escape to the ‘Karaoke Caravan’ for €10 anhour.
Why people love it: This uncommon gem is a “must-see” if visiting,living or passing by Dublin. It stands out for making some of the best pizzas in themetropolis and arising an exclusive feel.
Price: Bargain
Address: 11-12 Richmond St South, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2
Note:
- Open Monday to Thursday from5:00PM to 11:30PM, Friday from 5:00 PM to 12:30 AM, Saturday and Sunday from2:00PM to 12:30 AM
- Those seeking Gluten-freerecipes should check out the adjacent Eastyard, where vegan and fishsubstitutes are available
#3Token
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What is it? ‘Token’ is arestaurant/bar where customers can play 29 arcade games and 10 pinballmachines. A selection of classics such as ‘Tetris’, ‘Street Fighter 2’, ‘PacMan’ or ‘The Simpsons’ will entertain your evening. A timeless atmosphere that plungesanyone back into the golden age of coin-operated recreation. Most of the weeks,the eatery organizes events such as quizzes, BYO D&D, board games andcharity nights.
From ‘Big Dogs’ to ‘Packed Balls,’ all recipes are cooked to order, are madewith 100% Irish meat and a majority of local produce. Non-meat-eaters willfind, at least, avegan alternative ineach section of the feast list. The whole menu is served in biodegradable,plant-based or recyclable materials. ‘Token’ is proud to be 95% plastic-freebut still aims 100%.
Why people love it: The excellentvegan preparations and delicious meat-based food matches with the prime beerselection (22 taps). This location is ideal fun for friends, couples, family(adults) and perfect for a memorable first date.
Price: Bargain to Average (most of the menu is under €10)
Address: 72-74 Queen Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7
Note:
- 18+ only from 4:00 PM
- Booking advised
- Lockers for €5
- Monday to Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM,Thursday to Saturday from NOON to MIDNIGHT, Sunday from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
#4Yamamori Izakaya Sake Bar
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What is it? Izakayas are in Japan what pubs are in Ireland.The perfect mellow after-work spot to grab a pint and some snacks. Unlike mostJapanese eateries, Yamamori pushed its national theme to the next level whilekeeping its Irish roots. From outside, the windows spotlights an excitingadornment that takes you instantly to Tokyo’s streets.
Vintage Kirin ads alongside black-and-white photos portraying the island life, and old movie posters decorate the walls. Bamboo steamers lightening hang off the ceiling. Traditional Japanese pottery, stained glass, traditional carving and long wooden tables complete the décor. A single meat dish, ‘Beef Tataki Roll,’ hides in this fish and vegetable menu. Nigiri, Norimaki, sushi and sashimi are the kings of the night with three yummy desserts such as the Macha cheesecake. The bar, on its side, features a vast collection of teas, whiskeys, and sake that will gracefully escort your food order.
If you areseeking for a late-night, the basem*nt has a bar and host events and Dj’s everyweek!
Why people love it: The staff is great and the atmosphere is bothchill and eclectic. YISB is assuredly ‘THE’ place to take delight in sushis.
Price: Pricey to Expensive
Address: 12/13 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2
Note:
- The restaurant opens from Sunday to Wednesday from5:30 PM to 10:30 PM, Thursday until 11:00 PM, Friday and Saturday until 11:30PM
- The bar is up from Monday to Sunday from 5:30 PM to3:00 AM
- The restaurant has two other restaurants and a club(slightly less quirky for some and great reviews for all!)
- Zakura Izakaya is another excellent Nihon Bistro
#5The Vintage co*cktail Club
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What is it? This 1920’s speakeasy-style club offers anexceptional dining and co*cktail experience in a candlelit setting. Hidden inTemple Bar, the three floors (including a rooftop) display vintage furniture,antique knick-knack and frames, wallpaper from another era and purple velvetcurtains. The only contemporary item is probably the TV hung above thefireplace. Acclaimed for mastering their drinks, they also serve mouth-wateringfood that won’t leave you indifferent.
While thebartender gives it all he has, the kitchen prepares a selection of light bitesand mains. The meals include shared antipasti platters or crispy wontons,alongside pork chop and miniature veggie pies.
Why people love it: Withno sign and only ‘VCC’ written on the door, the hidden entrance will transportyou to prohibition times. A passionate and skilled staff offers essential help.The reasonable price (for the city centre) isanother argument for a visit.
Price: Expensive
Address: 15Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Note:
- Strictlyabove 23-year-old
- Mondayto Friday From 5:00 PM till late, Saturday & Sunday From 12:30 PM till late
- Youcan also book a co*cktail masterclass
- 10%service bill for 6 or more
- Bill cannot be split but multiplepayments possible
#6The Camden Exchange
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What is it? Thousands of colourful flowers wrap the frontage topof ‘The Camden Exchange.’ Once you step in, uncover the unexpected beautifulmix of industrial, vintage and street vibe design.
Railings,in which lines up an extensive selection of spirits and wines, surround the gorgeousL-shape wooden bar. Graffiti artworks on apparent bricks and framing of multi-colouredcomposition embellish the walls. The ceiling displays copper pipes, joists,sheets of corrugated iron and lamps hanging through window frames.
Choose to sit by the thicksecurity door adjoined to prison-like bars, by the Citroën Type H van or in thecovered patio. Long latte-hue leather and purple-blue velvet couches will bringyou all the comfort you deserve. Food-wise, a selection of street fares asskewers, ‘Fish and Chips’ and ‘Korean Chicken bap’ are à la carte.
Why people love it: Thepeculiar arrangement and the heated outdoor space are enjoyable. The tap beerchoice and the creamiest Guinness are to die for.
Price: Average
Address: 72-73Camden Street Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2
Note: Open fromMonday to Thursday from 3:30 PM to 10:00 PM and, Friday and Weekend: from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
#7Peruke and Periwig
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What is it? Anatypical Victorian-style dining experience in a Georgian building in the heartof the capital. The rich ornamentation will undoubtedly captivate your eyes. Thistrinket paradise exhibits antique oil portraits enclosed in gold vintageframework, a collection of peruke and a giant stool with the “1761 Five Orderson Periwigs.”
Sit on the ground floor’s deepbuttoned-back couches to savour a drink, or head to the upstairs’ salon for ameal. The top floor’s elegant room features fringes hanging off the tables, thelamps, the cushions and the thick curtains. Relax on a magenta or an olivearmchair; admire the marble tables, the integrated wooden bookshelf and thebronze chandeliers.
The trendy staff will, then, bring you theappealing modern Irish menu. Start with a ‘Crispy Brie,’ a ‘Pan Seared Scallops’or combine various small plates. The mains include meat lover dishes as the ‘BraisedLambs Shanks,’ or vegan-friendly alternative as the ‘Beetroot Wellington.’
Why people love it: A quirky vibe in an 18th-centuryarchitecture, with a romantic atmosphere and food as delicate as the co*cktails.
Price: Pricey to Expensive
Address: 31 Dawson St, Dublin 2
Note:
- Open Sunday to Thursday from Noon to Midnight. Friday,Saturday until 2:30 AM
- Booking essential
#8Admiral Restaurant
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What is it? In thisnautical-themed restaurant, your taste buds will travel all the way to EasternEurope and Russia. Before stepping in, you already started the experience as alighthouse stands above the frontage.
The sailor-dressed staff, as well as the captain, will welcome you on board their sumptuous establishment. Thick off-white rope delicately dresses the table leg when they don’t alternate with the multiple portholes on the wall. From dishes to décor (including the bathrooms), everything was created with strong attention to detail. Mesh, buoy, starfish, wooden miniature boat; name it, you’ll find it. But the best creation they came up with is, undoubtedly, the giant aquarium embedded in their bar!
It is time to choose your palate destination. From ‘Lithuanian FriedDumplings,’ to Moldavian Mamalyga, discover the authentic tastes of the East.
Whypeople love it: Thelive music, the extensive wine selection and the peculiar choice of heavenlyrecipes alongside the friendly staff make it a must-go.
Price: Average to VeryExpensive (If you go Lobster)
Address: 1 Q-Park, MarlboroughStreet, North City, Dublin 1
Note:
- Happy Hour prices
- Open from Sunday toThursday 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM, otherwise closes at 12:00 AM
- Karaoke nightWednesday and Thursday
- Great deals on theirwebsite, with specials such as ‘€18 for a meter of beer’.
#9“777”
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What is it? From tostadas to‘Pollo Barbacoa’ (chargrilled chicken), passing by ‘Fidelos’ (gambas), it isall about Mexican food with a cosmopolitan touch. 777 is a trendy and quirky spot, serving 100% blue agave tequila. It isa colourful American diner style decorated with hundreds of homemade spirits, andvarious Calaveras (decorative Mexican skulls). Tile mosaic with a vintage car, a tower of melted candlewax and religious signs embellish the eatery. To spice up the place, a coupleenjoying foreplay is drawn on the laminated brick white wall.
Whypeople love it:
They serve what seems to be ‘thebest margarita in Ireland’ in Funky and festive atmosphere. From the drinks tothe floor, creativity is at every corner. Plus, every seventh day (Sunday) theyhave a special with the entire menu at €7.77.
Price:Average to Pricey
Address: Unit 7 Castle HouseSouth Great George’s St Dublin 2 Ireland
Note:
- Great specials, moreinfo on their website
- Monday to Wednesdayfrom 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, Thursday to 11PM, Friday & Saturday: 5:00 PM to 12:00AM,Sunday from 2:00 PM to 10:00PM
#10Hang Dai
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What is it? Cantonesecuisine served in a Hong Kong Subway style eatery. Hang Dai cranked the conceptup a notch. Once you enter this eccentric gem, you will step in a differentdimension. On one side of the room, you’ll find a long bar enclosed by stoolswith tile patterns that match the ceiling. The other side reveals a series ofmetro-like tables and chairs, above which are placed various illuminated Asianads. At the far end, a DJ Booth, where artists, such as Bonnefooi withBubblegum’ or ‘Groovement Soul,’ perform their bits every weekend.
Upstairs, the quiet ‘Gold bar’ transports you to another side of HongKong. The mood swaps from offbeat to modern-classic. Golden walls and orangebanquettes ornament the contemporary Chinese style room.
Fromthe ‘Double Fried Aubergine with Timur Pepper Sauce’ or the iconic ‘Peking Duck,’you can enjoy your dinner in any of the two floors.
Why people love it: It is closest to you can get from teleportation. The concept exports you from one world to another in a blink of an eye. Innovative recipes that bring another perspective on the Middle Kingdom’s cuisine.
Price:Average (vegetarian) to expensive (full duck €80)
Address: 20Camden Street Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin
Note:Closed on Monday.
Tuesdayto Thursday from 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM. Friday & Saturday until 1:30 AM.Sunday until 9:30 PM
#11 The Blind Pig Speakeasy
What is it? Thisspeakeasy restaurant/co*cktail bar is located in a stoned underground. A uniquesetting that makes you travel through a time warp, as you find yourself in1920s Prohibition. Dine underneath the earth in a luxurious and sleekenvironment. The low lightening and the ceiling merging through the wallscreate a warm and intimate feeling.
Before going through the menu, peruse the house rules carefully. You wantto make sure that you did “not bringanyone here that you wouldn’t leave alone in your own home.”
Youcan also enjoy your meal by the bar area where stylish bartenders are ready tocreate award-winning concoctions. The Chef, on his side, proposes an Italianmenu with antipasti, a dozen small to bigger mains, and over 20 pizza recipes!
Why people love it: Youcan taste the passion in the co*cktail making.
Price: Priceyto Expensive
Address: Tryyour luck with Google’s 18 Suffolk St, Dublin 2 or contact +35315654700 to havethe exact location
Note:
12.5% service charge for 6 or more
Booking highly advised
#12Farrier & Draper
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What is it? Ifyou like art-deco, lavishness and authenticity; then you’ll love Farrier &Draper! The establishment proposes various ambiences spread over three floors.
The first bar area displays two walls of lighted spirits that beams ascentrepieces.
The Georgian room splashes vibrant hues in a more polished surrounding.At night, the sound is up, and the vibe is celebratory.
The Gallery, where various paintings cover the walls, welcomes its guestfor late afternoon teas and relaxing after-work co*cktail.
LaCucina, your dining stop, is located in the vaulted basem*nt, where thePowerscourt kitchen use to operate. Discover a sleek décor with rustic stone walls,copper lamps and a wooden bar. Italian “AlForno” (traditional oven) recipes presented in a contemporary visual. Antipasti,pasta and of course, “dolci” (deserts)are all part of the menu. The only missing classic is the pizza (with #2 and#12 you’re all sorted!).
Why people love it: Allboxes are checked: an attentive staff, divine food, exquisite co*cktails, and atimeless environment.
Price: Expensiveto very expensive
Address: PowerscourtTownhouse Centre, 59 William St S, Dublin 2
Note: Expect crowds on theweekend and a longer wait.
Ask around for direction as Google Maps does not seem reliable.
#13The Vintage Kitchen
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What is it? “TheVintage Kitchen” is an intimate vintage venue with Pop Art pieces wrapping the walls. A 1970’s vinyl player generate the tracks, and you arewelcome to bring your own music record. The open kitchen, located within thedining room, serves a menu that varies according to season. Seafood chowder, premiumIrish tender beef, Vegetarian risotto; every dish tastes as good as it looks!
Why people love it: Assoon as you step in the restaurant, a homey feeling will strike you. The portionsare the kinds a grandma would serve: generous, tasty and full of passion.
Price: Averagefor lunch. Expensive to Very Expensive for Diner (Set Menus only)
Address: 7Poolbeg St, Dublin 2
Note:
- If booking cancelled,full payment is due
- Victim of its success,booking in advance (sometimes weeks) is required
- Closed on both Sundayand Monday
- Lunch Tuesday-Saturday 12 – 2.30 pm. Dinner Tuesday- Saturday 5.30 – 10 pm
- If you are on tightbudget €4 corkage per wine bottle for lunch and €5 for dinner (inclusive of theVAT 23%)
- Vintage crafts can bebought at a fair price, and you’ll be the one making an offer.
#14Quay 16 MV Cill Airne
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What is it? The Quay 16 MV Cill Airne proposes an offbeat diningexperience in a sleek décor on the River Liffey. Having a culinary experiencein the last riveted boat built in Europe is not something that occurs everyday.
Redcouches and chairs, shiny parquet floor and white table setting, celebrate theold-time naval chic and elegance. You can either eat in or head to the laidbackupper deck for an outdoor feast.
The floating restaurant kitchenprepares bistro-style dishes such as burgers, rib-eye steak or nachos for lunchand adds more fineness in its evening àla carte alternatives.
Whypeople love it: Thestaff is fantastic and extremely friendly. Their ‘fish and chips’ is Dublin’sbest. Perfect pre-show location before a concert at the nearby 3 Arena.
Price: Average for lunch;Pricey to Expensive for dinner
Address: Quay 16, N WallQuay, North Dock, Dublin 1
Note:
- 18+ for safety reasons
- 12.5% charges for 6 people or more
- Group menus for 20 or more
Unusual and Quirky Restaurants in Dublin Conclusion
Hope you enjoyed our list of unusual restaurants in Dublin! But did we leave out anything?
Please let us know in the comment section below!
