This is Michael and I after number 4! I looked and looked, but I have no other photos of any of these restaurants from our romantic evenings, which is probably a good sign that I was actually enjoying them!
Since it’s a week of romance ahead of Valentine’s Day, I thought it would be fun to talk about romantic restaurants in Dublin. When you’re planning a romantic meal out, which Michael and I do every so often, it can be hard to get the right balance. You want something just right to encourage romantic chats over a nice meal. Over the last few years Michael and I have come up with a shortlist we know will deliver just the right evening for us. So without further ado, here are four tried and tested options for a romantic meal in Dublin.
1. The Winding Stair – Without a doubt, the Winding Stair is my favorite spot for reliably good food, cosy atmosphere, and great service. And this may seem strange, but over the years I’ve realized reliability in each of those categories is exactly what makes up a romantic evening. The menu is exciting but not intimidating, you can feel relaxed and comfortable but still a little fancy, and it’s always buzzy without being overwhelming.
2. Chapter One – Now, Chapter One is a place for a celebration. If I were doing any proposing, Chapter One is not where I would actually pop the question, because it isn’t the kind of place where you’d want a lot of screaming and crying and calling your mom. But it is exactly the kind of fancy place that’s perfect for celebrating an engagement or a birthday with a big round number at the end. If you go, please, please order the Irish coffee. Michael and I have never had a better Irish coffee – it’s flambéed table side!
3. The Port House – The Port House is lit almost completely by candle light that bounces off exposed stone walls, and the menu is authentic Spanish tapas. A winning combination that means it’s great for an evening of intimate chats over delicious a few glasses of rioja. Michael swears by the red wine chorizo and I love their cheese board with honey and quince paste. The other thing is that the food comes out fast, which is sometimes good because growling bellies really stand in the way of romance. Here’s an insider tip: if the Port House is too packed to get a table, walk five minutes to their sister restaurant, Bar Pinxto. Somehow we can always get a table there!
4. The Exchecquer – I have to admit, it’s been a long time since I’ve had a full meal at the Exchecquer. However, I have had many chocolate platters there for dessert in the last few months, so I can heartily recommend it as a place to stop for dessert if you want something totally delicious. The chocolate platter at the Exchecquer is not for the faint of heart, and it only works if you share. I could eat chocolate for every meal of my life and yet I still don’t think I could get through a chocolate platter on my own!
So, what are your favorite romantic restaurants in Dublin? I always appreciate recommendations! I’ve heard Chameleon is great for a romantic meal, any thoughts?
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Aww, Ben and I went to the The Port House on one of our first dates, lovely romantic spot. And I totally get what you mean about reliability! For this reason, we love going to Chez Max, the one on Palace Street, tucked in at the gates of Dublin castle. It’s consistently great. We’ve also had a lovely meals for two at Il Primo and Camden Kitchen.